Best Places to Visit – Nyanza
Kisumu
The port city of Kisumu is one of the most vibrant places to visit in terms of cultural diversity and fascinating geography. The sheer number of options for things to do and places to visit in this flamboyant city is simply overwhelming. A great place to start is the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary where in addition to impala, you get to see Simba the lion, cheetahs, a leopard, ostriches and zebras. Multiple primate species dot the trees above your head and it also happens to be home to the rare swamp-dwelling sitatunga antelope.
Dunga beach is yet another favored destination located along the shores of Lake Victoria. It is a great opportunity to enjoy the full glory of the world’s second-largest freshwater lake. Here, you can catch spectacular sunsets from the scenic beach or explore the waters on a kayak. Great picnic and camping sites make it ideal for a lazy afternoon chill or an overnight stay.
Close to the village of Dunga is yet another must-see destination, Hippo Point. Visitors here get to bathe in mesmerizing, unobstructed sunsets above the lake. The shimmering reflection of the waters underneath the sunset take the radiance of these sunsets to a whole new level of awesome. In addition to the occasional hippo, plenty of other animal and bird species inhabit this thriving ecosystem and will make your trip exceptionally memorable.
Rusinga, Mfangano & Takawiri Islands
If you are looking for an oasis of scenic beauty and tranquility, these hypsographic islands on Lake Victoria are your best bet. A precious gem of Southern Nyanza, Takawiri Island is renowned for its pristine, white sandy beaches and natural diversity. This off-the-grid island is considered one of the most popular havens for bird lovers. Here you will likely come across white egrets and terns, cormorants and marsh harriers, along with plenty of other bird species foraging right on the beach. On this largely unspoiled piece of paradise, you will also find a vast population of hippo.
Adjacent to Takawiri is Mfangano Island, home to the Abasuba people. Rich in historic heritage, the island is home to some of Kenya’s most highly famed pre-historic rock art galleries. Located at Kwitone and Mawanga, these sites are estimated to be between 1,000 and 4,000 years old. They both feature abstract paintings consisting of concentric spirals, circles and oblongs in red and white ochre.
Rusinga Island is yet another hidden gem on Lake Victoria. Connected to the mainland via a concrete bridge, it is a serene and tranquil wonderland that intricately weaves together the past and the present. Ethereal sunsets and enchanting views of the lake are par for the course on this isle as is the delectable seafood. In stark contrast to the aforementioned islands, this one is characterized by sparkly black sand on its beaches, formed by a rich blend of minerals.
Thimlich Ohinga
Your trip to Nyanza is far from complete if you have not visited the architectural marvel that is Thimlich Ohinga. Located about 180km South of Kisumu, this archaeological site made it onto the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2018. Constructed as early back as the 14th century, Thimlich Ohinga is a massive stone wall structure built without the use of mortar. Irregularly shaped stones are meticulously positioned to form a robust wall, with an entrance supported by elongated slabs that function as lintels. There is no course line and the walls range between 1.2m and 4.2m with an average thickness of 1m, which expands to 2m to 3m at the entrance for maximum strength. Rich in historical relevance, the site is assumed to have been a secure fort for local communities and their livestock. Various enclosures within it also defined social units for the residents on the basis of lineage.
Ruma National Park
Widely famed as the only remaining sanctuary of the Roan antelope, Ruma National Park is a spectacular world of contrasts in terms of landscapes. It sits on the Lambwe Valley bordering the Kanyamwa escarpment on the South Eastern side. Rolling volcanic hills and savannah grasslands make way for towering cliffs and riverine woodlands, each one effortlessly blending into the next for seamless beauty. Spend some time in this protected area between April and September and you might be fortunate enough to come across the globally endangered blue swallow. In this vivid and vibrant region, you are also likely to run into the Rothschild giraffe, the black rhino, Burchell’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, buffalo and the bohor reedbuck.
Odino Falls
When it comes to breathtaking displays of nature’s sheer power, few sights can compare to Odino Falls. A by-product of the majestic Sondu Miriu river, it sits at the center of Luo mythology providing an intriguing interplay between nature and folklore. Among the highlights of this fascinating wonders of nature is a natural stone bridge that crosses the mighty river. A variety of bird species inhabit the rich ecosystem around it as do a wide range of indigenous trees.
Nyabondo Plateau
There’s no better place to conclude your tour of Nyanza than the Nyabondo Plateau. Locally known as God Mesa, this intriguing destination will literally blow your mind. Hiking to the top of the plateau is in itself a worthwhile adventure as the terrain winds through a fascinating nature trail. Once at the top, you get a panoramic view across a huge chunk of Nyanza and part of the Rift Valley from a great vantage point. Feast your visual senses on great sceneries at a glance covering the nearby Nyando plains, Lake Victoria in the distance and the famed Winam Gulf.
