Rusinga Island, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Rusinga Island, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Rusinga Island, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Rusinga Island, Kenya

Based on the climate and weather in Rusinga Island, Kenya, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Rusinga Island, Kenya

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Rusinga Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Rusinga Island, Kenya by month

January

January here is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the correct type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

February

If you are traveling to Rusinga Island in February, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the correct type. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

If you are traveling to Rusinga Island in March, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April here is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

May

May in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

June

June is warm. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

July

Traveling to Rusinga Island in July, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

Traveling to Rusinga Island in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the necessary type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

September

If you are traveling to Rusinga Island in September, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the necessary type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

If you are traveling to Rusinga Island in October, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

November

If you are traveling to Rusinga Island in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in Rusinga Island is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Rusinga Island may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to get the right type. A lot of adapters available online are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

What to do in Rusinga Island, Kenya

Rusinga Island is a beautiful destination located in the western part of Kenya, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This island boasts of several attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Rusinga Island, Kenya:

1. Rusinga Island Museum

This museum is the main attraction on Rusinga Island, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Luo community. The museum displays traditional artifacts such as pots, musical instruments, jewelry, and tools used in fishing and agriculture. There's also a section that commemorates the life and legacy of Tom Mboya, a prominent Kenyan politician. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating history of the Luo people.

2. Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park is a wildlife reserve located southwest of Rusinga Island. The park is home to several animal species, including the rare Roan antelope, Rothschild giraffe, hyenas, buffalos, and leopards. Visitors can enjoy a game drive around the park while taking in the beautiful scenery of the rolling hills, swamps, and acacia forests.

3. Fishing

Fishing is a major economic activity in Rusinga Island. Visitors can join the local fishermen and fish for Nile perch and tilapia in Lake Victoria. You can rent a boat and head out on the lake to try your luck at fishing. Alternatively, you can buy fish directly from the local fishermen and have it cooked fresh for you at one of the local eateries.

4. Bird Watching

Rusinga Island is a bird lovers' paradise, with over 350 bird species recorded in the region. The island is home to several waterbirds, including pelicans, African fish eagles, and cormorants, among others. Visitors can go on a bird-watching expedition to the nearby Kakamega Forest or walk along the shores of Lake Victoria.

5. Hiking

Rusinga Island is a flat terrain that is perfect for hiking. Visitors can take a walk through the scenic hills and valleys while taking in the beautiful vegetation and fresh air. You can also hike to the top of the hill to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding hills.

In conclusion, Rusinga Island is a fascinating destination that offers a wide range of activities for tourists. From exploring the cultural heritage of the Luo people to wildlife viewing, fishing, bird watching, and hiking, there's something for everyone in this beautiful paradise. If you're planning a trip to Kenya, make sure to add Rusinga Island to your itinerary!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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