Mfangano Island....Happy 2012!

So after two six hour flights from the US to Nairobi and a short 30 minute flight to Kisumu, you would think we would have taken a few days to recover at home, but in true style we took off the next day for Mfangano Island.  A group of our friends had headed out there a few days prior and invited us to come out and celebrate the new year with them.  Josh had been to the island a few times before and couldn't say enough good things about it so we dropped our bags at the house and packed up for a long weekend on the island.

Mfangano Island

The island is pretty close (only about 100 kms from Kisumu) but it can take nearly a day of travel to reach it due to the schedules of the ferries and small public boats headed out to the island.  Luckily we just made the 10 am ferry out to Mbita.  Our luck ran out there as we missed the small public boat leaving at the same time.  As is true to most Kenya public transportation we had to sit about an hour and a half waiting for the boat to fill before departing for another 2 hour boat ride.  With frustration at its highest due to the heat, packed boat and getting swindled out of 200 shillings, we finally breathed a sigh of relief when our friends came into view on the beach.

A little dancing in the streets

They had reserved a private beach for the day and were relaxing on the white sands of Takawiri (a near-by island).  We quickly forgot our long journey and just enjoyed the day.  Whether we were out fishing, playing frisbee, exploring the island or just relaxing on the beach, I've never had a more peaceful new years.  As last sunset of 2011 fell over Lake Victoria, it was nice to just sit back and enjoy Kenya.  Definitely one of those "Wow, I live in Africa moments". 

For dinner we made a bonfire on the beach and cooked up the catch of the day along with some fresh veggies.  The journey back to Mfangano island by boat was done right before midnight and with the glow of the moon to guide us.  After reaching Chas and Jenna's we quickly found a place to stake our tent and toasted in the new year complete with fireworks. 

View from Governor's Camp

The next morning we all decided to do our own thing with a few heading off to the rock art, others off visiting local friends and some hanging around Chas and Jenna's.  Josh and I decided to hang around the house as we didn't really have the shoes to go climbing any mountains.  Chas and Jenna live on a beautiful piece of land with a small garden and mangrove inlet.  The lake is clean where they are which made for a nice way to cool off in the afternoon.  Josh set up the slack line over the water and the guys had fun falling into the lake when they couldn't stay on the line.  In the afternoon we decided to venture out and made our way to Governor's camp.  Governor's camp is the only "resort" on the island and is really made for that wealthy tourist who wants to fish.  After a hair raising motorcycle ride over there we relaxed on the dock and watched another beautiful sunset.  The view (and expensive prices for beer) was definitely worth the ride over. 

Kate relaxes by the lake

The journey back to Chas and Jenna's wasn't nearly as scary as it was done in the dark.  Yes there was just as many bumps and rocks along the way but you know its not so bad when you can't see whats ahead of you :)  The next morning we said goodbye and headed back to Kisumu.  Not to disappoint, the journey was just as adventurous as the way out. 

Lake Victoria

With high hopes of catching the 11 am ferry to Mbita we raced off the public boats and packed into Josh's car.  Arriving at the docks we were confused when Sam's car was no where to be found.  He was stuck at the local hospital (were we parked the cars) with a dead battery.  After many failed attempts to jump start the vehicle, one involving coat hangers, the two cars finally arrived.  Needless to say we didn't make the boat, but we were first in line for the next one! 


Despite long travel and some stressful moments, our new years trip to Mfangano was one of my favorites.  We had an amazing time relaxing on the beach with friends and enjoying the simple things on the island.  I have no doubt we'll be back to enjoy the rest of what the island has to offer.  Here's to 2012!