Expert Review of Takawiri Island Resort, Lake Victoria

I spent a recent weekend on Takawiri Island to get an updated look at the resort and its offerings. This small island is a unique destination in Homa Bay County, located within Lake Victoria. Its main draw is a feature that is highly unusual for a freshwater lake: a stretch of fine, white sandy beach. The sand leads into clear, shallow water, making it a suitable and comfortable spot for swimming.

From its shores, you can see other prominent islands like Mfangano, reinforcing its central location in the lake. The island itself is home to a single resort, which functions as both a quiet getaway and a private venue for events. It is a practical base for a short, relaxing trip or for exploring the surrounding area on day trips.

Takawiri Island Victoria Sands at a Glance

• Location: Homa Bay County, Lake Victoria, Kenya.
• Property Size: Approximately 5.0 acres.
• Accommodation: 14 Standard Rooms plus a flexible 1 or 2-bedroom Presidential Suite.
• Key Facilities: Restaurant, kids' playground, kayaks, event space.
• Primary Access: A 45-minute water bus or private boat transfer from Mbita Point.
• Traveler Insight: Visitor feedback consistently recommends morning boat transfers from Mbita to avoid the choppy afternoon waters caused by wind.

The Experience and What It Feels Like to Be at Takawiri Island

Arriving on the island, the first thing you notice is the quiet. The atmosphere is calm and private, a distinct contrast to the busy boat traffic near the mainland at Mbita. The primary sounds are from the local birdlife and the gentle lapping of the lake's waves against the shore. It is an environment suited for relaxation.

I found the rooms to be very clean, with a simple but elegant white-and-gold theme for the bedding. This impression is consistent with feedback from other recent visitors, who consistently praise the friendliness of the staff. The skill of the on-site chef is also a frequent point of positive commentary, particularly for guests in the Presidential Suite who have a dedicated cook.

The sunsets viewed from the west-facing beach are a major highlight of any stay here. What truly defines the experience, however, is the beach itself. The soft, white sand is a significant and pleasant surprise, very different from the more common rocky or papyrus-lined shores found elsewhere on Lake Victoria.

Accommodation at the Takawiri Victoria Sands (Room Types and Rates)

The resort on Takawiri Island is relatively small, with only 14 standard rooms and a single, larger Presidential Suite. This limited capacity is a key part of its appeal, ensuring the island never feels crowded. All accommodation is built to face the lake, offering views of the water and gardens from private verandas.

It is important to understand the meal plans when booking. A Half Board (HB) rate includes breakfast and dinner, while a Full Board (FB) rate includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since there are no other dining options on the island, choosing a meal plan is a practical necessity.

Standard Rooms

The standard rooms are available in two configurations, both sharing the same simple, clean aesthetic.

• Single Occupancy: The rate is 9,000 KES per night.
• Double Occupancy: The rate is 12,000 KES per night.

During my stay, I confirmed that the rooms are spacious and practical. They include well-maintained mosquito nets over the beds and en-suite bathrooms with consistent hot showers, a detail that visitors often worry about in more remote locations. The focus is on providing a comfortable and clean base for your stay.

The Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is the most flexible and private accommodation option on the island. It is a two-bedroom unit, but it can be booked as a one-bedroom for couples seeking more space. This option comes with a higher level of service, including a dedicated chef, making it a suitable choice for special occasions or guests who require more privacy.

• One-Bedroom Booking (for a couple): The rate is 30,000 KES on Half Board or 34,000 KES on Full Board.
• Two-Bedroom Booking (for up to 4 guests): The rate is 45,000 KES on Half Board or 65,000 KES on Full Board.

This suite is set apart from the standard rooms, offering a more exclusive feel. It is the best choice for families or small groups who intend to book the entire unit for a private event.

Dining at Takawiri Victoria Sands

The dining experience at Takawiri Victoria Sands is a central part of any stay, as the hotel's restaurant is the only food service on the island. The menu centers on fish sourced directly from Lake Victoria, with freshly caught tilapia and Nile perch being the primary offerings. The most popular preparation is fish grilled whole, which is consistently mentioned by past visitors as a highlight of their stay.

The kitchen is accommodating to different dietary needs, offering vegetarian dishes and preparing meals for children. However, because of the island's remote location, it is essential to communicate any specific dietary requirements well in advance of your arrival. All supplies must be brought in from the mainland, so the kitchen needs time to prepare.

Guests who book the Presidential Suite have the option of a dedicated chef. This service allows for more personalized menus and private dining times, separate from the main restaurant's schedule. Feedback from groups who have used this service indicates that the quality of the catering is a significant benefit for private events.

Activities on and Around the Takawiri Island in Homabay, Kenya

The activities at Takawiri Victoria Sands are centered on the lake and the island's quiet environment. While the main draw is relaxation on the unique white sand beach, there are several options for those looking to be more active.

On-Site Activities

The resort provides direct access to a number of simple, enjoyable pastimes. The water here is exceptionally clear for a lake, with a sandy bottom and a shallow gradient near the shore. This creates a comfortable and safe swimming environment, which is a major reason families with children are drawn to this location.

Kayaks are available for guests to use. Taking one out during the early morning is a highly recommended experience; the water is at its calmest, and paddling along the shore as the sun rises is a memorable way to start the day. For younger visitors, there is a small, dedicated kids' playground on the property.

Guided Excursions

For those who want to explore beyond Takawiri's shores, the resort staff can arrange for guided boat tours. These are a practical way to see other parts of the lake ecosystem. A common trip is a visit to nearby Mfangano Island, which is known for its ancient rock art sites and distinct local culture.

It is also possible to arrange fishing excursions with local fishermen. This provides an opportunity to learn the traditional methods for catching tilapia and Nile perch. Any arrangements for these off-island trips should be made in advance to ensure a boat and guide are available.

Private Events and Team Building at Takawiri Island

Due to its secluded location and limited number of rooms, Takawiri Victoria Sands is a practical venue for private events where exclusivity is a primary concern. The resort's 5.0-acre property includes a large, well-maintained lawn that provides an open space for corporate team-building activities, small weddings, or private family celebrations.

The hotel staff has experience in catering for groups, particularly for guests who book the Presidential Suite and its dedicated chef service. The combination of private grounds, on-site accommodation, and dedicated catering makes it a suitable choice for organizations looking for a retreat away from the city.

Feedback from visitor groups, including NGOs and church organizations, frequently highlights the privacy of the venue as a key advantage. Holding an event here ensures that the group has the focused, contained environment necessary for a productive and uninterrupted retreat.

Steps of How to Get to Takawiri Island

The journey to Takawiri is a key part of the experience, and while it requires planning, we found the process to be straightforward. Here is a breakdown of the steps we took to get there.

Step 1: The Road Journey to Mbita Point

Our trip began with a road transfer to Mbita Point, the main ferry town in Homa Bay County. We drove from Kisumu, a journey that took several hours and offered views of the Kenyan countryside. Another route we have used on past trips is driving to Lwanda Kotieno and taking the main vehicle ferry across the Winam Gulf to Mbita; this is a scenic option if your itinerary allows for the extra time.

Step 2: The Boat Transfer to Takawiri Island

From the bustling terminal in Mbita, we boarded the local water bus for the final leg of the journey. The crossing to Takawiri Island took approximately 45 minutes. Based on this experience, I strongly recommend you arrange for a morning departure from Mbita. The lake was completely calm for our morning trip, making for a smooth and pleasant ride. We have seen how the winds pick up in the afternoon, which can make the water quite choppy and the crossing less comfortable.

I also noted that the boat we used was equipped with life jackets for all passengers, and the crew made sure they were accessible before we left the terminal, which was a reassuring safety measure.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Takawiri Island

From my experience, the best months to visit Takawiri Island are during Kenya’s two main dry seasons: from June to August and from December to February. These periods offer the most reliable weather for a trip that is so dependent on the lake.

During these dry months, the water is at its calmest and the days are typically sunny and warm. This makes for ideal swimming conditions and, most importantly, smoother and more comfortable boat transfers from Mbita. Even within the dry season, particularly in August, I have noticed that the wind can pick up in the afternoon, making the lake choppy. For this reason, I always schedule water activities like kayaking for the morning, regardless of the time of year.

For those interested in birdwatching, the timing of your visit can also be a factor. Certain migratory species are more prevalent during specific months. If bird photography is a priority for your trip, it is worth discussing the best time with our team when you plan your visit.

Practical Tips for a Better Visit of the Island

A trip to a remote location like Takawiri requires a bit more planning than a typical hotel stay. Based on our visit, here are a few practical tips that made our experience smoother.

Bring Sufficient Cash

While M-Pesa is widely used across Kenya, the mobile network signal on the island can be intermittent. I found that having enough Kenyan Shillings in cash for any extra purchases, drinks, or tips for the staff was essential. Relying solely on digital payments here can be unreliable, so I advise carrying a comfortable amount of cash to avoid any inconvenience.

Book Everything in Advance

This is not a destination for a spontaneous trip. With only 14 rooms and the need to coordinate boat transfers from Mbita, booking your accommodation and transport well in advance is necessary. During our planning, I noted that the Presidential Suite, in particular, gets booked out early for private events and family gatherings, so early reservation is key if you are planning for a group.

Pack Smart for an Island Stay

There are no shops on Takawiri Island, so you must bring everything you need with you. We packed light clothing, swimwear, and a hat for the sun. I also strongly recommend packing a good insect repellent, as the evenings near the lake can bring mosquitoes. Any personal medications or specific toiletries should also be included in your luggage.

Understand the Power Supply

The resort runs on solar power, which is a fantastic sustainable feature. From a practical standpoint, this means that power is most abundant during the day. I made sure to charge all my electronic devices, like my phone and camera batteries, during daylight hours to ensure they were ready for the evening and the following morning.

Travel Responsibly

The island's ecosystem is its main attraction. We made sure to carry all our own litter back with us to leave no trace. If you have the opportunity, supporting the local economy by purchasing handcrafted items from local fishermen or community members who may visit the resort is a great way to contribute directly to the people of the Lake Victoria region.

Attractions Near Takawiri Island for Day Trips

While the primary activity on Takawiri Island is relaxation, we used it as a base to explore some of the other significant islands in this part of Lake Victoria. Arranging a boat and guide through the resort was a straightforward process and allowed us to see more of the region's unique history and culture.

Mfangano Island

A short boat ride from Takawiri took us to Mfangano Island. This is a larger, more populated island with a rich cultural history. We visited the Mawanga rock art site, which features ancient geometric paintings attributed to the Twa hunter-gatherers. The art is located in a protected cave, and a local guide explained its historical significance. This is a worthwhile trip for anyone interested in the deeper history of the Lake Victoria basin.

Rusinga Island

Another day trip we organized was to Rusinga Island, which is famous for its significant paleontological finds. It is one of the places where the Leakey family discovered important hominid fossils. We also visited the Tom Mboya Mausoleum, a tribute to the prominent Kenyan politician who was from the island. This trip offers a different perspective, combining natural history with more recent Kenyan political history.

Fishing with Local Fishermen

For a more hands-on cultural experience, we arranged to go out on a traditional fishing boat with a local fisherman. This is an opportunity to learn the local methods for catching tilapia and Nile perch. It provides a direct and authentic interaction with the community and a deeper appreciation for the lake as a source of livelihood. These are just some of the day trips in Kenya that can be arranged from this unique location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Takawiri

During my planning and my stay on the island, a few key questions came up repeatedly. Here are my answers based on our first-hand experience.

How do you get to Takawiri Island from Nairobi?

The journey from Nairobi is a multi-step process. The most efficient route is to take a commercial flight from Nairobi (either from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport) to a nearby airstrip like Kisumu or Homa Bay. From there, you will need a pre-arranged road transfer to Mbita Point, which can take several hours. The final leg of the journey is the 45-minute boat ride from Mbita to Takawiri Island.

Is the water at the resort safe for swimming?

Yes, the water in the bay directly in front of Takawiri Victoria Sands is excellent for swimming. It is clear, the bottom is sandy, and it remains shallow for a good distance from the shore. This specific, controlled area is considered safe and is one of the main reasons the resort is so popular, especially for families.

Are there special packages for couples or honeymoons?

The resort is well-suited for couples. For a romantic or special occasion, I would recommend booking the Presidential Suite as a one-bedroom unit. This gives you a more private and spacious accommodation, and it includes the service of a dedicated chef, which allows for more intimate dining experiences away from the main restaurant.

Is there Wi-Fi available on the island?

Yes, the Takawiri Victoria Sands hotel has a Wi-Fi internet. However, based on my experience, you should not expect reliable Wi-Fi access on the island. The mobile network signal can also be intermittent. I advise treating a stay here as an opportunity to disconnect. It is best to download any important documents, books, or entertainment before you leave the mainland.