Homa Bay is a pristine tourist destination with hundreds of
attractions for the discerning travelers. It is one of the most picturesque
corners of Kenya and yet one of the least explored. Attractions here range from
the historical, archaeological to the numerous natural attractions ranging from
wildlife parks to Lake Victoria. It is quiet and slow town and can serve as a
good base camp for a traveler who wants to unwind and explore the greater South
Nyanza region. Here is a list of some of the top
things that you can see and doin Homa Bay:-
#1 Take a Water Bus
Ride in Homa Bay
The Water Bus is the latest mode of transportation on Lake
Victoria. It plies many routes across the lake including some of the old
shipping routes that were functional in the colonial era. It is the best way to
explore the beauty of the Lake Victoria islands and sample out the various
facets of island life. You can take a Water Bus ride in Homa Bay town and ride
all the way to Asembo Bay in Siaya. This route passes through some of the old
shipping routes such as Homa Lime, Mainuga and Kunya.
 |
| Water Bus in Homa Bay |
Asembo Bay and Homa Lime
were once busy colonial towns and there are still old colonial era buildings
standing here to date. You can also head to Mbita, an hour way, and take a
Water Bus ride to Luanda Kotieno in Uyoma, Siaya County. Luanda Kotieno is a
major beach in Bondo and a water transport hub, connecting various Lake
Victoria destinations. Finally, you can take a Water Bus ride and explore the
numerous Mfangano Islands. It will not cost you more than Ksh.300 to travel to
the farthest destination on the Kenyan side with the Water Bus.
#2 Visit Ruma
National Park
Ruma National Park is a unique national park in Homa Bay
with some rare species of animals not found anywhere else in Kenya. It is
situated just an hour from Homa Bay town. Some of the species found here include the
Roan antelope, the Rothschild giraffe, waterbucks, buffaloes, impala, topi and
the Jackson’s Hartebeest among others. There are a few lodges close to the park
where you can enjoy your stay during your visit here.
#3 Explore the Homa
Hills Hot Springs
The Homa Hills Hot Springs is one of the less beaten paths
in the Homa Bay tourist circuit. The waters on the hot springs are so hot it is
said they can boil an eggs in less than 15 minutes. The waters also evaporate
laving behind a salty scum that is often harvested for livestock. The water is
also said to have healing qualities, especially on skin conditions.
#4 Take a Hike in the
Gwassi Hills
The Gwassi Hills is probably the most picturesque natural
feature in Homa Bay. They are hundreds of hills rolling over into the distance.
You can hike here and enjoy the scenic views of Homa Bay and Lake Victoria.
 |
| Gwassi Hills in Homa Bay |
#5 Visit Tom Mboya
Mausoleum
If you are a history buff, you can visit the mausoleum of
the legendary Kenyan nationalist leader Tom Mboya. It is a modest mausoleum but
with a treasure trove of artifacts and photographs about the lif and times of this
Kenyan independence hero.
 |
| Tom Mboya Mausoleum |
#6 Visit the Sori
Karungu Fishing Village
Want to know where all the omena comes from and get a
glimpse of Migingo Island, Uganda and Tanzania? You can visit the Sori Karungu
fishing town. It is a small, serene and picturesque town with magnificent views
of the surrounding lake landscape and scenery. If you are travelling by public
means, it will only cost you Ksh.200. It is about an hour from Homa Bay town.
#7. Visit Thim Lich
Ohinga
Thim Lich Ohinga translates to “frightening dense forest” in
the Luo Language. It is a fortress stretching over 100 acres that was once the
site of a large Luo settlement from 1500 until the early 19th century.
Here, you can get a glimpse of how people here once lived. It is similar to the
Great Zimbabwe but bigger in scope. You will see the board games like ajua that
the inhabitants once played, drainage systems and even a prison where they kept
their prisoners.
 |
| Thim Lich Ohinga |
#8 Sport Fishing and
Bird Watching at Mfangano Island Camp
The Mfangano Island Camp is a luxurious camp on the shores
of Lake Victoria in Mfangano where you can engage in sport fishing using the
latest fishing gear and boats while taking in the beautiful lake scenery. You
can also watch the numerous bird varieties found here.
#9.Visit the Kanjera
Prehistoric Site
Excavated in 1987, the Kanjera prehistoric site in Homa Bay
county is the site of some of the oldest human activity in the region that date
back some 2 million years.
#10. Visit the Suba
Peace Museum
The Suba people sailed here from Uganda more than 200 years
ago. Although they largely been assimilated by the Luo people, you can still
get a glimpse of the Suba history and culture at the Suba Peace Museum.
#12. Attend the
Rusinga Cultural Festival
Happening in the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas
of every year, the Rusinga Cultural Festival offers an exploration of the
culture and traditions of the Suba people living in Rusinga Island. Enjoy two
days of song, dance and other cultural displays by the lake shore.
 |
| Rusinga Cultural Festival |
#13. Visit the
Mawanga Rock Art
Situated a short distance from Mawanga Village in Mfangano,
Mawanga rock art is the main rock art site on the Lake Victoria Basin. You
sample some of the beautiful rock art that was created between 2000 and 4000
years ago by the Twa hunters and gatherers who lived in the place. A local
guide from the Abasuba Peace Museum can take you on a tour of the rock art
site.
#14. Visit Takawiri
Island
Takawiri island is a little sandy stretch of beach on the
shore of Lake Victoria in the Mfangano Island. It is a private beach with great
views of the lake and nice accommodation. While here, you can take a motorboat
and explore other Lake Victoria islands, enjoy the sun on the beach or simply
fish.
 |
| Tourists on Takawiri Island in Homa Bay |
#15. Visit Lake Simbi
Nyaima
Located in Kendu Bay, about 30 minutes from Homa Bay town,
Lake Simbi Nyaima is a small volcanic lake with an incredible legend. Take a
picnic there and discover the importance of kindness to strangers.
Email Us at FlightAfricablog@gmail.com
