Western Kenya Tourism – The least-visited Western Kenya is home to rolling tea plantations, lush swamps, and equatorial forests, along with Kenya’s second-highest mountain and the largest lake in Africa.
However, the ultimate highlight is the Maasai Mara a natural continuation of the famous Serengeti Plains undulating grassland, dramatic escarpments, beautiful acacia forests – and the greatest wildlife show on earth.
Scaling up the heights of Mount Elgon sampling Nile Perch big fishing opportunities, birding the remote islands, or just basking lazily on the mainland beaches of Lake Victoria are among the so many leisure activities to undertake while in Western Kenya.
With some of the most breath-taking sunrises and sunsets, Western Kenya remains to be one of the best locations in Kenya to see some of Kenya’s most sought-after bird species in its forests, swamps, lakes, and rivers, and even in the scattered hills with its neighboring countries. Beyond flora and fauna, it’s in Western Kenya where the 44th former US president, Barack Obama has his roots in the village of Alego, Kogelo. Well known to be among the most welcoming communities, the culture here isn’t something to be missed. Welcome to Western Kenya!
Western Kenya is a world of wonders. From its lush green highlands, rolling tea plantations, vast swamps, Kenya’s second-highest peak on Mount Elgon, and the equatorial rainforests, along with the largest lake in Africa – Lake Victoria. Western Kenya positions itself as an alternative gateway to the world’s most popular nature sanctuary, the Masai Mara Game Reserve, where annually the most spectacular show on earth takes place. These features make the region a premier ecotourism destination.
Other than these star attractions, the region has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. The massive sacred stones of Kit Mikayi, Thimlich Ohinga, a 14th-century complex – a recent addition to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum, The Obama’s Grandparents Home in Siaya, and the Tom Mboya Mausoleum on Rusinga Island are some of the remarkable historical features that stand out in the region that are worth visiting.
Kakamega is also home to one of the most exciting and popular cultural events – the famous bullfighting. A leisurely to Kakamega Forest is a sure way of appreciating the beauty of this equatorial rain forest for the best hiking and bird-watching experiences.
- 1. Kisumu City:
Known for its spectacular photos of the sunrise and sunset, the lakeside city of Kisumu calls for more than a couple of days during your visitation. From its humid temperate climate to its laid-back city life where its community is well reputed for its warm hospitality, Kisumu offers more than just an urban city.
Having accepted some modernization over the years, Kisumu still maintains that the old town feels charmed especially on the outskirts and the culture is still very much ingrained. If you are looking beyond its intriguing city life, then you won’t be disappointed by the available options.
In Kisumu, tourists can access a variety of activities that are quite engaging. One can avail a classic bike ride offered by local canoe boat operators. You can also indulge in cycling around the city when you have time. Kisumu also offers walking tours along with different scenic sections. Moreover, for fitness enthusiasts, it is a smart way to exercise their legs. Travelers can even hire other modes of transport such as bodaboda bikes or tuk-tuk.
For all the nocturnal animals who wish to stomp the dance floor, there are several clubs and lounges in Kisumu city, which can be visited. The nightlife is very alluring that will allow the tourists and natives to acquire an excellent feel of the Luo Benga and Rhumba music alike. Live bands also perform at some of the locations creating a gripping feel of the lakeside city.
- 2. Malaba – The Heart of Iteso:
The Teso, Busia region measuring approximate area of 13,030.6 km² situated in Western Kenya. The area comprises of the two major sub-counties the Teso North and Teso South. The Teso, Busia region is bordered by the Teso of Uganda and the Padhola to the West in Uganda; Bukusu to the North, Marachi to the East and Samia to the South both in Kenya.
The Teso region consists of a low-lying plain in the southwestern part bordering Uganda that gradually rises north-wards and eastwards towards the eastern escarpment of the Amukura and Chelelemuk Hills.
Away from the hills, the Teso, Busia region is largely made up of wetlands mainly along the Lwakhaka and Malakisi Rivers and other rivers that empty their waters in the permanent papyrus swamps fringing the Kenya and Uganda border.
The hills and are the heartbeat of Teso as they are the sources numerous springs and streams many of which are seasonal especially in the northeastern part of Teso. Due to its topography, Teso is essentially a flood plain prone to flooding because of discharges from the surrounding hilly areas of Amukura and Chelelemuk. The region on the other hand is drained by numerous seasonal rivers that flow from the hills in the east through the plains and valleys discharging their waters towards the south and west. Most of these rivers flow filled with water from the hills especially after storms “flash floods” but shortly afterward are suitable enough to maintain water supply downstream.
- 3. Lake Victoria
Africa’s largest lake and it will be a sacrilege if you don’t visit the lake while you are around. Visiting Lake Victoria isn’t just for anything else, remember the fact that Lake Victoria ranks highly in plenty of Lake Statistics even on a global scale. Amongst others, it is the world’s largest tropical water body and the largest lake by surface area in Africa. With these mentions, visiting Lake Victoria should come with some prestige and appreciation to geography and history.
In Egypt, the talk about the Nile River is big yet Nile waters comes from Lake Victoria that seems to be our ordinary backyard. In Kenya’s former western province lies the beautiful Lake Victoria. This vast lake is twice the size of Wales and creates a natural boundary between Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
The lake is the engine of the African continent and the origin of the amazing Nile River. This considerable body of water is full of fish, with shimmering shoals of beautiful cichlids and large Nile Perch.
Fishing brings many people to this lake, primarily to search for Nile Perch, a world-class game.
- 4. Maasai Mara National Reserve
From the lakeshore of Lake Victoria, embark on an unforgettable journey to Kenya’s premier wildlife destinatination, the Maasai Mara with our exclusive 5-day and 6-day air safari packages. Experience the thrill of flying over Kenya’s stunning landscapes, from the shores of the worlds second biggest lake to the wilderness of the Maasai Mara.
Our air safaris combine the convenience of flying with luxurious accommodations and expert-guided game drives. Choose between our concise 2-day adventure or our immersive 3-day experience, both offering spectacular wildlife encounters and comfortable stays in carefully selected lodges and camps.
With morning and afternoon game drives, you’ll have prime opportunities to witness the Mara’s incredible wildlife, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and countless other species in their natural habitat. Optional activities like hot air balloon safaris and Maasai village visits add extra dimensions to your safari experience. Please, read more…
- 5. Mount Elgon National Park
Straddling the Ugandan border and peaking with Koitoboss (4187m), Kenya’s second-highest peak after Mount Kenya, and Uganda’s Wagagai (4321m), the slopes of Mount Elgon are a sight indeed – or at least they would be if they weren’t buried under a blanket of mist and drizzle most of the time. While there are plenty of interesting wildlife and plants here, the real reason people visit Mount Elgon National Park is to stand atop the summit high above Kenya and Uganda.
With rainforest at the base, the vegetation changes as you ascend to bamboo jungle and finally alpine moorland featuring the giant groundsel and giant lobelia plants.
Common animals include buffaloes, bushbucks (both of which are usually grazing on the airstrip near Cholim gate), olive baboons, giant forest hogs and duikers. The lower forests are the habitat of the black-and-white colobus, and blue and de Brazza’s monkeys.
There are more than 300 species of bird here, including the Elgon Francolin, Red-fronted Parrots, Ross’s turacos and Casqued Hornbills. On the peaks you may even see the rare Lammergeier dropping bones from the air.
- 6. Ruma National Park
Is mosaic of landscapes, ranging from riverine woodland and rolling savannah to magnificent escarpments and towering cliffs, Ruma National Park promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace. It is also Kenya’s last remaining sanctuary for the endangered Roan Antelope. Ruma lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the South-East, and by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills to the north. Ruma’s birdlife is exceptional. The park is also the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded. Blue swallows, which depend upon moist grassland for both feeding and roosting, arrive in Kenya from their breeding grounds in Southern Tanzania around April and depart again in September.
- 7. Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Not far from the town is the Kakamega Forest, a jungle-like centre of significant ecological interest since it is a relic of the equatorial rainforest which once spread from West Africa to the East Africa’s coast. Though it lies somewhat off the main tourist trail, Kakamega is becoming increasingly a popular destination for butterfly lovers, birdwatchers and other specialists looking for species of special interests, normally associated with central and west Africa.
- 8. Bungoma
Characterized by several Luhya sub clans, Bungoma is the one of the best counties of Kenya to explore if you get a chance to visit Kenya. For those who are keen to learn about culture, Bungoma is the epicenter of cultural tourism. The county is full of traditions and customs that are strongly attached to the host communities. Bungoma is home to a number of interesting points that can be visited within a day or two. The attraction sites come along with very informative folklore and myths that are narrated by the resident community guides.
- 9. Saiwa Swamp National Park
About 30km northeast of Kitale, town lies the park that is half submerged permanently in the swamp. Saiwa is Kenya’s smallest, at only 300 hectares and was established in 1974 to protect the semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope, notable for its wide-splayed hooves, which allow it to walk on the soggy surface of the swamp. Though it is not teeming with big game like other parks and conservancies in Kenya, Saiwa is also home to several other forest and swamp dwellers. These include the De Brazza’s monkey, which like the sitatunga has a very limited distribution in East Africa, along with the African Clawless Otter, Giant Forest Squirrel, Black-and-white Colobus, Bushbuck and Grey Duiker.
- 10. Rusinga and Mfangano Islands
If you want the somewhat limited challenge of tackling one of Lake Victoria’s giant Nile perches, the place to stay is Rusinga Island or the furthest Mfangano Island. The introduction of these huge fish into the lake in the 1950s has been controversial. In the 1980s there was an explosion in their numbers and, as a result, many indigenous species of fish have since disappeared, particularly the small cichlids.
- 11. Kendu Bay & Lake Simbi Nyaima
Kendu Bay boasts two other diverting attractions. The first is a handsome and surprisingly large Tawakal Mosque, set along the road between the town center and the jetty. The other, about 2 km south of town, is Simbi Nyaima, a green crater lake whose shallows occasionally support large numbers of Lesser Flamingos. Simbi Nyaima means “Village That Sank”, an allusion to the Luo legend that the lake was created when a fearful storm engulfed what was formerly a village, to punish its inhabitants for refusing to help an old woman who had arrived there looking for food and shelter.
- 12. Migori – Tarime Crossborder Travel
For those considering exploring Serengeti National Park from Kenya or Maasai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania, a Kenya to Tanzania and vice versa border transfer is unavoidable. Many times, we’re asked about the border crossing formalities many months in advance or even a year plus before the actual date of arrival.
Our recommendation is usually to visit both, but naturally, this isn’t always feasible considering the amount of time and money required to travel to two different countries. Thus, you’ve come to the correct location if you’re looking to figure out the differences between Kenya and Tanzania and have just a week or two before going on safari.
To many guest, visiting both Kenya and Tanzania during their luxury wildlife safari in East Africa is undoubtedly to witness the The Great Migration takes place in either the Serengeti or Maasai Mara every year. Million-super herds of zebra, antelope, and wildebeest travel hundreds of kilometres in pursuit of good grazing and rain, with the predators following on their trail.
- 13. Alego, Nyang’oma Kogelo
Kogelo, also known as Nyang’oma Kogelo is a rural village in Alego – Siaya District, Nyanza Province, Kenya. It is located near the equator, 40 kilometers West-Northwest of Kisumu City, and the provincial capital. After a visit to the dispensary proceed to the Kogelo market, Kogelo primary school, and Senator Barack Obama Secondary School. You will then enter Sarah Obama’s home behind the secondary school if permitted.
Kogelo is the ancestral home of Barack Obama, Senior the father of the former and 44th United States President, Barack Obama. Barack Obama Senior and also the Barrack Obama’s paternal grandmother Sarah Anyango Obama are buried in the village. Some of their family members still live in the home.
- 14. Kang’o Ka Jaramogi
Jaramogi Mausoleum is an iconic place located deep in Bondo sub-county, Siaya County, in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi. From the outside, one can easily dismiss it as another ordinary building. However, in this building – there is more than meets the eye. The Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum is a place that has extremely valuable information that tells the rich history of Kenya.
Jaramogi was Kenya’s first Vice-President, a man whose name crops up whenever Kenya’s political story unfolds. The site is not only home to the rich legacy of the independence hero, but could also be described as a tribute to the Luo people beyond Kenya’s border.
An excursion to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum for many years has remained so dear to the opposition chief Raila Odinga that he personally takes all his important visitors on a guided tour of the place.
A tour of the mausoleum lasts more than one hour as your guide explains in detail the pictures that captured key moments in Kenya’s history. The museum and monument serve as a cultural center, a historical and national monument of great importance. Here one will see stuffed animals and other Luo cultural equipment and learn about famous traditional medicine men of the Luo community have ever had.
- 15. Yala Swamp
Nestled in the Lake Victoria basin, this expansive wetland ecosystem spans thousands of hectares, providing a sanctuary for over 285 bird species, including migratory and endangered birds. Its intricate network of papyrus reeds, open water channels, and grassland patches create a perfect habitat for diverse wildlife, making it one of the country’s ecological treasure.
Beyond birdwatching, Yala Swamp and it satelite lakes play a role in filtering water systems that serve as a breeding ground for aquatic species vital to local communities. For wildlife photographers, the swamp offers unparalleled opportunities to capture rare and breathtaking scenes, from vibrant avian displays to serene landscapes reflecting the changing light of dawn and dusk.
The swamp’s tranquil setting stands out and far from crowded tourist destinations, invites visitors to immerse themselves in nature’s untouched beauty while fostering a deeper appreciation for conservation.
A visit to Yala Swamp involves delving into the unique allure of bird migration and photography safaris, shedding light on its ecological significance and the Luo and Nyala’s cultural diversity, while providing essential insights for guests eager to explore Yala Swamp’s natural wonders.
- Ruma National Park
The Teso, Busia region hosts 0 of the all Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. This has led to poor understanding of bird species outside Kenya (IBAs) and has created a gap between nature and conservation.
- Katotoi Hills
The Teso, Busia region hosts 0 of the all Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. This has led to poor understanding of bird species outside Kenya (IBAs) and has created a gap between nature and conservation.
- Yala Swamp Complex
The Teso, Busia region hosts 0 of the all Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. This has led to poor understanding of bird species outside Kenya (IBAs) and has created a gap between nature and conservation.
- Aderema Hills
The Teso, Busia region hosts 0 of the all Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. This has led to poor understanding of bird species outside Kenya (IBAs) and has created a gap between nature and conservation.
- Oluokos Fair Acres for Nature at Adumai Hills
The Teso, Busia region hosts 0 of the all Important Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) in Kenya. This has led to poor understanding of bird species outside Kenya (IBAs) and has created a gap between nature and conservati
Discover Kenya's only lakeside city Kisumu, on the shores of Lake Victoria
This is the third-largest city in Kenya after the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa. Kisumu is also the only lakeside city by the shores of the world’s largest freshwaters of Lake Victoria. Being the economic hub of Western Kenya, Kisumu isn’t far from Kogelo, a village known for being the hometown of Barack Obama Sr., the father to the 44th president of the United States.
Kisumu is beautiful and you will get plenty of breath-taking shots especially if you know where to look. Spectacular photos of the sunset in Kisumu may not be enough to so you need to keep your eyes open for other reason to visit Kisumu.
Having graced some modernity, Kisumu still maintains the old town feel especially on its outskirts and the fusion of the Asian and Luo culture is still very ingrained.
Warm and ever-smiling tribes, tantalizing sunups and mind-blowing sundowns, charming cultural experiences, vibrancy in landscapes, unusual and rare wildlife, fantastic inland beaches one extensive the lakeshores and Kenya’s only rainforests is the best definition to the fascinating Western Kenya Tourist Circuit.
The slow-paced way of life, swaying trees in the virgin forests, the breezy winds, cheeping of birds winding on the landscapes down to the waves of splashing, calm waters on the lakeshores is indeed the gem of Western Kenya.
But there’s much more to western Kenya than these plains of herbivores and carnivores. The dense forests of Kakamega are buzzing with weird and wonderful creatures, the rain-soaked hills of Kericho and their verdant tea gardens bring new meaning to the word ‘green’, and amid the boat-speckled waters of Lake Victoria lies a smattering of seldom-visited islands crying out for exploration.
Western Kenya is an area of great geographic, cultural and natural diversity, offering tourists just as much, if not more, than many of Kenya’s better known tourist areas.
Most travelers dream of finding a new and unknown destination, somewhere far from the beaten tourist path, where the thrill of real discovery and exploration reward the visitor with new and unexpected experiences, sights and sounds. Kenya’s western region offers the above mentioned, and much more.
Tours are excellent ways to sightsee while minimizing the need to plan logistics
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