OTHER WESTERN CIRCUIT SAFARIS------
WITH Bush Art Africa Safaris- IKAMBI
LUO CULTURE, TRADITION, FOLKWAYS AND BELIEFS
TOUR
HIGHLIGHTS
9 DAYS NAIROBI / KERICHO / KISUMU /KIT MIKAYI / MBITA / RUSINGA
/ TAKAWIRI ISLAND / MFANGANO ISLAND / MBITA / NYAMGONDHO / THIM
LICH OHINGA / AWENDO / KILGORIS / MAASAI MARA / NAIROBI.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1 Nairobi - Kericho
Depart Nairobi early in the morning for a trip through Great Rift
Valley with a stop over at the view point to have a glance at
Mt Longonot and the breathe taking escarpment to reach Kericho
tea hotel which was built in 1950’s by Brooke Bond Tea Company
and has an old World airstrip, pitch your tents, enjoy your lunch
and then go for an escorted walk in the Tea Plantations. Kericho
is a Tea country which has put Kenya to be the world third largest
Tea producer after India and Sri Lanka. There are beautiful rolling
hills carpeted in neat, bright green tea bushes as far as you
can see. The climate here is perfect for Tea with rain falling
almost every afternoon. Kericho was named after Ole Kericho, a
Maasai Chief who was killed in the battle by the Gusii in the
19th Century. The hotel also has an optional trout fishing activity
at a cost.
Day 2: Kericho – Kisumu – Kit Mikayi –
Lwanda Kotieno – Mbita
After
an early breakfast, depart from Kericho via Kisumu city to reach
Kenya’s most dramatic archaeological sites, a vast granite
rock tower called Kit Mikayi. The rock is situated in Kisumu district,
Maseno division, East – Seme – location, Kit –
Mikayi sub-location, Kangeso village, Kadol clan. The rock which
is about 70 to 80 ft tall is located 30kms Far East of Kisumu
city and 1km from of Kisumu Bondo road. The sign board is on the
gate of Kit Mikayi primary school then you enter through N’gop-Ngeso
primary school. The legendary story behind Kit Mikayi which in
Luo means the stone of the first wife is that: Long time ago,
there was an old man by the name Ngeso who was in great love with
the stone. He could wake up in the morning and walk in to the
cave inside the stone and stay there the whole day which could
force his wife to bring him breakfast and lunch everyday. The
old man became passionately in love with this stone to the extent
that if somebody could ask the wife the whereabouts of the old
man, the wife could answer that he has gone to his first wife
(Mikayi) hence the stone of the first wife (Kit Mikayi).
More further explanation about this unique stone is that according
to its feature and components, the structure represents the Luo
cultural polygamous family which had the first wife’s house
(Mikayi) built further in between on the right hand side was the
second wife’s house (Nyachira) while the third wife’s
house (Reru) was built on the left hand side of the homestead.
This rock also is seen to have a nuclear family whereby the father
(Ngeso) being the middle stone followed by the bulky Mikayi (first
wife), then Nyachira (second wife) followed by Reru (third wife)
and further in front they have the child which is representing
Simba (which is the house for the first born boy in the homestead).
The site since time immemorial has been a worship place and is
usually being used by the Legion Maria sect and you can see the
remains of lit up candles in several colors inside the cave. Inside
the cave, it is believed that there is a hole in the middle of
the cave which was co-joining Lake Victoria and one time an Asian
dropped in and was found dead in Lake Victoria and hence the late
Dr. Robert Ouko who was the Member of Parliament for the area
by then and also the former most respected Foreign Affairs Minister
in Kenya ordered for the closure of that dangerous hole. After
this, we take Bondo road and on to the famous Akala Market which
is known for its trade in cattle in the whole of Nyanza. Interact
with buyers and sellers who come as far as Kisii, Kadem, and Karungu,
Migori e.t.c to buy and sell their herds. Drive to Ndori then
turn left on Ndori – Lwanda K’Otieno road, for an
onward ferry transfer to Mbita at 03:00pm and after about 45min
you shall be at Mbita to check in at Lake Victoria Safari village,
pitch your tent, then relax for the day. Overnight at the Imperial
Hotel Kisumu.
Day
3: Rusinga Island full day.
After breakfast, leave the Imperial Hotel and drive past the course
way to enter the famous Rusinga Island. Rusinga is an austerely
pretty Island with high crags dominating the desolate goat-grazed
landscape. A single dirt road is running around its circumference.
Life here is difficult, drought commonplace, and high winds a
frequent torment. The occasional heavy rain either washes away
the soil or sinks into the porous rock, emerging lower down where
it creates swamps. Ecologically, the Island is in very dire straits:
almost all its trees have been cut down for cooking fuel or been
converted into lucrative charcoal. These conditions make farming
highly unpredictable and most people rely on some fishing to make
ends meet. Yet the islanders, in common with their mainland cousins,
remain unfailingly friendly and cheerful bunches, who are more
than happy to make contact with wayward visitors. Drive towards
left from the junction, stop somewhere and then walk on foot to
visit the archeological site where Dr. Mary and Louis Leakey found
the skull of Proconsul Africanus which is believed to be approximately
18 million years old and was a man earliest ancestor and so was
taken to National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi where you can view
it when time allows and at an extra cost. It is also believed
that this is one of the first important hominid finds of these
two famous archeologists. Besides Ligongo, a visit to sacred rock
Kiangata on Rusinga Island is an avoidable.
The legendary story about this rock is that, the mother of the
sub clan of Wakiangata who are occupying the area went to fetch
firewood around the rock and she disappeared and so it is believed
that she is leaving inside this sacred rock and whenever you shout,
the unique eco sound which comes out of the rock is believed to
be the sound of the mother of the Wakiangata sub clan and so the
common question asked here is “Kiangata, what have you prepared
for us to eat today?” then there is an echo sound which
comes out of the rock. After this experience, walk back to the
car and further move to Tom Mboya’s mausoleum which lies
on family land at Kamasengere on the north side of the island,
about 7km by the dirt road from Mbita, or roughly 5km directly
across the island. The mausoleum (open most days to visitors)
contains various mementoes and gifts Mboya received during his
life. Tom Mboya, civil rights champion, trade unionist and charismatic
young Luo politician who was gunned down in Nairobi in 1969, sparking
off a crisis that led to over forty deaths in widespread rioting
and demonstrations.
The inscription on the grave reads:
THOMAS
JOSEPH MBOYA
August 15th 1930 – July 5th 1969
Go and fight like this man
Who fought for mankind’s cause.
Who died because he fought.
Whose battles are still un won! You don’t have to know anything
about the man to be impressed. In any other surroundings his memorial
might seem relatively modest, but on this barren, windswept shore,
it stands out like a beacon. Mboya’s family live right next
door and are happy to see foreign visitors, who rarely come here.
After the sad painful story and readings about Mboya, we will
drive further past Kaswanga through the Tom Mboya memorial hospital
and Tom Mboya secondary to stop at Wanyama to have a glance at
the legendary rock portraying the bulls which fought into the
lake and turned into two rocks facing each other. The legend about
this rock is that long time ago when young men went to look after
the herds, there was one common place where they could water their
herds and after this, each clan could identify a bull to fight
in between the clans and hence the two rocks were two bulls from
Nyama and Ware clans. After this, we proceed to Lianda tuwi, the
vintage point to have a glance at the central Nyanza with its
Islands and then walk to the dry stone enclosures which resembles
the ones at Nyamgondho’s site and Thim Lich Ohinga which
were portraying the houses which are believed that were used by
the first settlers in this area. Also get to learn the difficulties
the local people face in terms of farming as they can not use
the normal tools like any other African style because the whole
area is dominated by sedimentary rocks which is believed that
there must be hot springs underneath which might one time erupt.
Later Rusinga Island Lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Mbita – Takawiri – Mfangano –
Mbita
After breakfast, with your picnic lunch, enjoy a ride on traditional
boat with horse power engine past the two smallest Islands called
Mbasa Namiyolo to reach the beautiful Island of Takawiri with
very white sands and get to know how they survive and live with
the traditional fishing style. This Islands of Lake Victoria are
settled by Abasuba tribes who are Bantu speakers and believed
to have come from Uganda more than 200yrs ago. Some of them went
first to Tanzania before settling here. The name “Suba”
means “the people who are always wandering”. The arrival
of the Abasuba displaced the Nilotic cattle handling Luo people
who moved further North. We ride further to Mfangano Island where
we have the geometric rock paintings at Mawanga cave and Kwitone
in the Island. It is believed that the rock art pre-dates the
migration of both Nilotes and Bantus and is thought to be the
work of ancestral Twa, a forager-hunter people who may have been
originary related to the pygmies of Eastern Congo.
Meanwhile the Abasuba long ago embraced the Art as part of their
own ancient heritage. The paintings are thought to have been made
between 1000 and 4000yrs ago and may have been used for rain making
purposes. It is known for instance those similar paintings in
Eastern Uganda only 200kms North of Suba district were used for
this purpose. Rock engraving site in the area include “cupule”
sites, where cup-shaped depressions have been ground into the
rock surface, as well as a rock gong. Although cupule’s
often resembles a Bao game, their original use is likely to have
been for ritual purposes, such as initiation. Cupules are found
all over the world and are thought to be amongst the oldest form
of rock art probably predating paintings such as those Mawanga
and Kwitone by thousands of years. Rock gongs are normally free-
standing boulders balanced on the living rock which have a natural
resonance, and often bear a number of cupules. When the boulders
are struck with a stone, they emit a ringing tone like a bitten
gong.
Rhythmic striking produces a series of tones that carry great
distance. A number of rock gongs are found in the Lake Victoria
basin and in the Moru Koppies in Tanzania’s Serengeti National
Park as well as in the Mt. Kenya region. Ones we reach the shore
of Mfangano, we will have 5 minutes walk from the boat and then
reach Mawanga. Although they were painted as part of a vanished
mythology, the cave, the paintings and the surrounding area retain
powers in the traditions of the Abasuba. The Wasamo clan, who
live around the cave, are the rain makers of the Abasuba, and
the elders agree that the paintings have been used for rain making
ceremonies, with the red paintings representing the moon and the
white ones representing the sun. On the upland part of Mfangano
Island is the Kwitone rock shelter which we can reach if time
allows, the art here is similar to that of mawanga, although retaining
more of its color and vibrancy. The elders of the Wagimbe clan
explain that if you wanted to come to Kwitone to talk to the ancestors,
you were not allowed to call the site by its name or tell anyone
that you are coming; you were also supposed to abstain from sex.
If you follow the instructions, then when you arrive at the site,
you may be able to see the paintings of hens, old men and women
drinking alcohol. If you did not follow the instructions, you
might see nothing not even the smallest paintings. The Wagimbe
also used the rock to ask the ancestors and even the time of the
clan battles e.g. between Wagimbe and the Wasaki (approximately
200yrs ago), the Wagimbe had taken refuge in the cave. The women
then dressed up as men and standing in the mouth of the cave scared
the attackers into thinking that they were double the number of
warriors as was actually the case. Up to now, people still visit
the cave to ask the ancestors and success in their various endeavors.
After getting to learn the wonders of the two rocks, we ride back
to Mbita, picnic lunch enroute, after relaxing you can enjoy optional
hike to Gembe Hills to have a view of the beautiful isles in Lake
Victoria before dinner and overnight at the Mfangano Island Camp
. Note: You can donate towards the upkeep of Abasuba community
peace Museum in Mbita to continue with their good work of maintaining
the rock arts.
Day 5: Mbita – Sindo – Nyamgondho site –
Thim Lich Ohinga
After breakfast and after picking your picnic lunch, drive to
the interior of Suba land passing through Sindo to have a glance
at the most magnificent Ran’gwa hills with very fertile
land for agricultural products. The Gusii communities who have
settled in the hills are purely subsistence farmers alongside
with the locals, Kaksingiri community, then to Magunga, take the
deviation to your left hand side and drive to Nyandiwa and onto
the amazing site of Nyamgondho. The legend here is there was a
poor fisherman from Kamangeta in Tanzania who came to sojourn
in Kachwodho clan in Nyandiwa next to the present Nyandiwa fishing
beach called Julu son of Ombare, grandson of Omae whom like other
fishermen used Migondho kind of fishing to catch fish. Migondho
was made from the fibre of sisal which was spinned into a rope
attached to a hook with crab as the bait to lure fish to be caught.
One day, when Julu son of Ombare went to fish as usual, as he
was pulling the rope, suddenly an ugly one eyed woman appeared
and requested Julu son of Ombare to take her home and lit fire
to make her warm as she was feeling cold. Julu son of Ombare was
a very brave man and as per her request, she was taken home and
apart from the fire, she lived with Julu son of Ombare and he
gave her the name of
Adikinyi Nyamgondho (connoting the time and the type of fishing
in dholuo). Not knowing that this was luck, they started having
cattle and multiplying them day by day. Julu son of Ombare became
a very wealthy person and forgot that he was poor and hence he
took to drinking proudly and abusing the woman every other day
until one time he decided to fight the woman and even said that
he doesn’t want an ugly woman like Nyamgondho as he had
already married another woman. The lady decided to go back to
the lake. Then animals in the compound started following her to
the waters. Even Julu son of Ombare could not stop them. The foot
prints where they stepped on before jumping into the water are
still there and can be seen when there is no much water on the
shore. The cowshed which was built for the cattle using the dry
stone walls which has no mortars just like the ones in Thim Lich
Ohinga and the ones in Lianda Tuwi can also be visited.
The big tree which people believed was Julu son of Ombare watching
in dismay when his wealth was going into the lake can still be
seen to date. After this amazing story, we move towards Sori to
have a glance at the mythical stone which disappeared with no
trace and further move to Kadem then take the left turn through
Lwanda Magwar shopping centre, then turn left and pass through
the traditional Luo villages and reach Thim Lich Ohinga the unique
architectural stone structure situated in Nyanza province 181kms
South of Kisumu in Migori district to pitch your tents and get
ready for the wonder. The site lies on a gentle sloppy hill some
46kms North West of Migori town near Macalder’s mines. Its
exact geographical location on map is at grid reference 019 474
on sheet number 129/4. Thim Lich Ohinga is believed to be one
of the most important archaeological discoveries in East Africa
and only compared to Great Zimbabwe ruins and the modified Great
Wall of China in terms of architectural achievements. A dry stone
enclosure of zigzagging walls some 150m in diameter and 1.0 to
4.2m in height built on lose stones and blocks without any dressing
or mortar. Archaeological record of material found within the
site goes beyond 500yrs ago. Since the present inhabitants of
the area arrived probably some 3 centuries ago, it seems most
likely that Bantus who initially occupied this region prior to
the arrival of Luos first built the stone structures.
The writings in each and every entry gate have not yet been known
even after sending the same to the Museum of Kenya adding mystery
to the people who first settled in Thim Lich Ohinga. Abundant
rocks on the hilly areas provided them with building materials
to meet their security requirement to drive away the wild animals
and protect them from the warring tribes around that area. Thim
Lich Ohinga literally in dholuo language means “frightening
dense forest or scary jungle” was occupied after the Bantus
by Kabwoch Kochieng clan who drove away the Bantus then followed
by Kanyamkago clan whom also subsequently were driven away by
Kadem who are the present occupants of the area around Thim Lich.
However, the Kanyamwa clan came also to settle here but most of
them decided to move to Lambwe valley around Kakaeta in Ndhiwa.
The small number remained behind around Thim Lich Ohinga. Further
story is that the famous Gor Mahia who was the youngest son of
Ogada who was the grandson of Ogalo the reknown wizard in Luo
Land drove away his elder brothers by killing their offspring’s
because he was a powerful wizard which he inherited from his grandfather
Ogalo although all of them were wizards. This forced Ochieng his
brother to go back to Kadem and request for shelter from their
cousin the chief of the small clan Kanyamwa in Kadem, because
of lack of land, Ochieng was told to settle and hide from the
wrath of Gor Mahia in Thim Lich Ohinga which he also tried to
repair and modify. Having seen the safety of the place, he invited
his other brother Akuku who also came and settled next to Ochieng,
then came Okech, then subsequently Oluoch and all this people
had their homesteads next to Ochieng’s. This is the last
people known to have occupied this historical place before the
National Museum came in to make it a great monument under its
umbrella. Dinner and overnight at the campsite. Note: In between
you can visit a Natural and cultural Luo traditional village apart
from what is in the compound of Thim Lich Ohinga at a cost.
Day 6: Thim Lich Ohinga – Rapogi – Awendo
After breakfast, we leave Thim Lich to Awendo through Rapogi.
Awendo is a Sugarcane town and every activity in life revolves
around sugarcane growing and sugar making. We will have an opportunity
to visit Sony Sugar Company to get to learn how sugar is processed
and to amaze at the big sugar plantations and the process of cutting
down sugar canes and transporting the same to the factory for
crushing. We will then move to Awendo town to check in for our
accommodation in a budget hotel, picnic lunch enroute, dinner
and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7: Awendo – Kilgoris – Lolgorien –
Maasai Mara
After breakfast in the busy town of Awendo, you will drive to
Kilgoris passing through Maize and Sugar plantation, amazing at
the beautiful landscape of Nandi and Kipsigis tribes to enter
the famous Maasai Mara with an enroute game drive to Mara Sopa
, picnic lunch enroute, dinner and overnight.
Day 8: Maasai Mara Full Day.
Full day will be spent in the vast Maasai Mara in search of its
renowned plain game; Black manned Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and
migration of Wild Beast and Zebras. The Savannah country in the
Mara with plenty of grass and short trees (shrubs) sustain the
bigger number of herbivorous animals which Maasai Mara boost of
and also act as vintage to enjoy a wonderful view of the animals.
The ride will take you to the famous Mara River where we have
a big school of Hippos and plenty of Crocodiles. This section
also boasts of many species of Bird life. Drive back with a game
drive to your Mara Sopa Lodge for dinner and overnight. Picnic
lunch will be enjoyed on the game. Note: You can also enjoy Balloon
ride very early in the morning at an extra cost or a visit to
a Maasai village or Nature Walk in between.
Day
9: Maasai Mara - Nairobi.
Have an early game drive after breakfast, enjoy lunch then depart
to Nairobi arriving in the evening to end your wonderful trip.
Fork lore and Culture in Western Kenya
Western Paradise - 10 Days
Day 1 Nairobi - Rift Valley- Lake Baringo
Drive to west wards from Nairobi, down the escarpment of the Great
Rift Valley to Lake Baringo via Lake Bogoria with a brief stop
at the famous hot water springs that are found here - clearly
showing that the work that formed the Rift continues under the
surface of the earth's crust. Dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo
Country Club
Day 2 Lake Baringo Full day at Lake Baringo boat riding, cultural
visits to the Njemps community that live around this lake.All
meals and an overnight at the lodge.
Day
3 Lake Baringo – Eldoret
An early start to explore the Kerio Valley Fluorspar mines and
also to view the fantastic scenery from the escarpment as we proceed
to the town of Eldoret where we partake of dinner and have an
overnight at the Sirikwa lodge
Day 4 Saiwa Swamp and The Hills of Cherangany
We drive after breakfast to Saiwa Swamp which is known for its
sitatunga antelopes as well as other rare aquatic wildlife. We
spend most of the day in outdoor activities including an exploration
and trek up the Cherangany hills. In the evening we return to
Eldoret Sirikwa Lodge for dinner and an overnight stay after an
eventful day.
Day 5 Eldoret Town - Kakamega
Drive to Kakamega town and shop for fruits in the market place
of this vibrant western town. Continue to the famous Kakamega
Forest and learn what the local Luhya community is doing to conserve
this forest which is one of that last traces of the jungle that
once spanned the entire equator in Africa, from the Atlantic Ocean
to the Indian
Ocean. Dinner and overnight in the Rondo Retreat / Kakamega Golf
Hotel
Day 6 Kakamega Forest - Kisumu
After breakfast and drive to Kisumu, the Lake Victoria port. Visit
the famous Weeping Stone en route and listen to fork lore associated
with this gigantic weeping rock. Dinner and overnight in Kisumu
Imperial Hotel.
Day 7 Kisumu
Full day in Kisumu, visit the museum, trek up Ramogi Hill on the
shores of Lake Victoria and hear the history of the Luo people
and the significance of this hill in their culture. Visit Kit
Mikaye en route and listen to more fork lore before returning
to Kisumu for another night at the Imperial hotel in the city.
Day 8 Kisumu - Takawiri Island
Take a boat to Rusinga Island, fish off Takawiri beach on Takawiri
Island in Lake Victoria and spend an overnight in the beautiful
cottages that are built by the Takawiri Island Lodge
Day
9 Lake Victoria - Kericho - Lake Nakuru
Drive to Kericho tea plantation and learn about how tea is grown
as you walk through the green and picturesque surrounding. Continue
to Lake Nakuru for game viewing in this wildlife sanctuary and
an overnight stay.
Day 10 Lake Nakuru – Nairobi
Breakfast, morning game drive in Lake Nakuru Game Park and return
to Nairobi in the evening
Fishing
and Crocodile Hunting Safari - 4 Days
(Shooting is only allowed with a camera!)
DAY 1 Nairobi - Kisumu
Leave Nairobi for Kit Mikaye via Kisumu. Kit Mikaye according
to the Luo legendary story is the rock where Mikaye the (mother
of the Luo tribe) sheltered herself after along journey. In the
evening visit the famous rock on the surrounding village , dinner
and overnight at Kit -Mikaye.
DAY 2 Kit Mikaye - Ndere Island National Park
After breakfast trek to the lake shore then catch a boat to Ndere
Island National park. According to Luo legendary story Ndere (meeting
place) is where Mikaye the mother of the Luo rested after along
journey down the Nile to the Lake Victoria before reaching her
home Kit- Mikaye. The day is spent in search of the lake's largest
crocodiles, monitor lizards, birds, water antelopes etc. Enjoy
fishing in the evening and taste your catch for dinner overnight.
DAY 3 Kaloka - Kisumu - Kakamega
Leave Kaloka by boat or by road to Kisumu then proceed to Kakamega
forest. Spend the evening exploring the famous tropical forest
looking for colobus monkeys many types of reptiles and birds.
DAY 4 Kakamega – Nairobi
In the morning explore the forest and then transfer back to Nairobi.
Lake Victoria Safari Village, Best of Western Kenya Safaris
The Best of Western Kenya Safaris
Day 1: Nairobi - Lake Nakuru. Depart Nairobi
and drive down the picturesque escarpment of the Great Rift Valley
for the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park where most of the day
is spent viewing game and the extensive bird life that call this
Rift Valley Game Park home. Apart from the wildlife, including
the black and white rhino species this game sanctuary also boosts
of the largest Euphobia candelabra forest in the world. All meals
and an overnight stay at the renowned Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 2: Lake Nakuru - Kisumu City. A mid morning
start for Kericho, the tea growing center of Kenya, stopping at
the Kericho Tea Hotel for lunch and an afternoon tour of the tea
plantations. An evening drive for Lake Victoria and the its main
port of Kisumu City. Dinner and an overnight stay at the Imperial
Hotel in Kisumu or similar.
Day 3: Kisumu City - Usenge. The day is spent
visiting the various attractions of this Lakeside City including
the local museum which is rich in cultural and archeological artifacts,
Kit Mikaye - the rock that has a story to tell that is steeped
in the mythology of the Luo people, continue to Usenge on the
shores of Lake Victoria and attempt to climb any one of the Hills
in this area in the afternoon after a lunch of fresh fish and
other savories that include local fare. The evening is spent listening
to fork-lore by a campfire on the shores of the lake even as your
meal or mutton or lamb roasts on a spit in the open. Overnight
in a middle class hotel, on a campsite or home-stays.
Day 4: Usenge - Kisumu City - Homa Bay.
After an early visit to the shores of Lake Victoria to see the
swarming market as fishermen and other trades-people sell their
wares we travel back to the city of Kisumu proceeding further
south through the plains of Nyakach and sugar cane plantations
via Odino falls to Kendu bay for lunch then to Lake Simbi Nyaima.
We have a walk around this lake see different types of birds,
talk to local people to know much about this magical lake. Continue
to Kanjira Hot springs then to Homa bay where we spend the night
after visiting the attractions that are found here including interacting
with the local people.
Day 5: Homa Bay - Mbita Point. An early drive further south after
breakfast to Mbita Point, a major center for insect study that
hosts the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology(ICIPE),
and cross the causeway to Rusinga Island famous as a bird watchers'
island and also home to the late Tom Mboya a prominent Kenyan
politicians who was assassinated in 1969 and whose remains were
interred in a Memorial Mausoleum on the island. We partake of
lunch on the island before driving to Lake Victoria Safari Village
for dinner and an overnight stay at this beautiful lakeside resort.
Day 6: Lake Victoria Safari Village. This day is engaged in investigating
the local peoples' culture and visiting the market place and either
• Climbing one of the nearby hills to see the golden sunset
over Lake Victoria even as the panoramic view of the lake's islands
and the vast expanse of this great inland sea unfolds before your
eyes or
• Spend the day fishing on the Lake together with the local
fishermen or
• Take a boating trip to explore the nearby islands of Lake
Victoria or
• Relax on the hotel grounds and take a break from the safari
itinerary
At sunset you are entertained by local traditional dancers and
story tellers. Dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7: Lake Victoria - Lake Naivasha. An early
departure from the lakeside resort of Lake Victoria Safari Village
for Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley. A boating trip to Crescent
Island in the afternoon or alternatively a biking safari to Hells
Gate for some Rock Climbing experience. Dinner and overnight at
one of the many resorts on this lake.
Day 8: Lake Naivasha - Nairobi. The morning is
spent at leisure and we depart from the hotel at about 11am for
the city of Nairobi which is reached in time for lunch.
Western Coast of Kenya, Lake Victoria Holidays in Kenya
Western Coast 7 Days
Day 1: Nairobi – Kericho – Kisumu
Depart from the hotel early in the morning. Have a stop over at
the View Point on the Great Rift Valley to have a glance at the
breathe taking Escarpment. Arrive in the Green town of Kericho
surrounded by Tea plantation for lunch, and then proceed to Kisumu
city arriving in the evening for dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Kisumu Full Day
Full day will be spent in Kisumu visiting the Museum, the Impala
Club, Dunga Beach and a hike at Ramogi Hills. Lunch, dinner and
overnight at the hotel
Day 3: Kisumu – Luanda – Mbita
Depart
Kisumu after breakfast having a stop over at Kit-Mikayi (stone
of the first wife of the Luo tribe) in Seme to learn the history
and the sacred attachment of this rock to the Luo tribe. Proceed
to Akala market to interact with the locals selling their wares.
Proceed to Ndori then further on as you see the landscape to Luanda
Beach for an onward ferry to Mbita Point. Transfer on to Lake
Victoria Safari Village, the beautiful that blends the wonders
of Lake Victoria to check in followed by a small hike to the hill
next to the cottage to have a glance at the Islands around the
Lake before settling for dinner and overnight at the Lodge.
Day 4: Rusinga Full Day
Early breakfast then depart for fishing using traditional built
up boats with your picnic lunch. In the afternoon, you will be
driven past the cause way to Rusinga Island with a visit to Tom
Mboya Mausoleum. Trek to Ligongo Hills for a panoramic view of
the Kavirondo Gulf before you drive back to the cottages for dinner
and overnight.
Day 5: Mbita – Ruma National Park – Homa
Bay
Depart after breakfast and drive to the only known home of the
endangered Roan Antelopes. After game drive, proceed to Homa Bay
for lunch followed by a hike to Asego Hill to have a proper view
of the day before proceeding to the Pier to interrupt with the
travelers using the traditional boat and the traditional fishermen.
Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 6: Homabay – Kisii – Nakuru
Depart Homabay after breakfast and visit Tabaka Soap Stone factory
to amaze at the local work of different designs. Picnic lunch
on the way, then drive to Lake Nakuru national Park for a game
drive in search of both Black and White Rhino, Leopards, Baboons
and the abundant Flamingo Birds. Dinner and overnight at a hotel
in Nakuru town.
Day 7 Nakuru – Nairobi
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi via the Escarpment arriving
early afternoon.
NOTE: This program can extend to Mara on reque
Western
Kenya Community Development Expedition
Day 1 Nairobi – Nakuru – Kericho
Leave Nairobi early in the morning after breakfast and drive through
the Great Rift Valley and have a stop over at the View Point to
have a glance at the breathe taking Escarpment. Proceed to Lake
Nakuru for a game drive in this home of the multi million Flamingos,
the Pelican Birds and the White Rhino. Early lunch in Lake Nakuru
Lodge, then proceed to the ever green Town of Kericho to have
the spectacular view of the Tea Plantation. Have some times to
interact with Tea pickers and learn much more about the laborers.
Dinner and overnight at a Kericho Hotel.
Day 2 Kericho – Kano Plains (Lwanda Magere Site)
– Kisumu
After breakfast, depart from Kericho to the plains of Kano and
visit the grave of the legendary fallen hero of the Luo tribe.
You will be briefed on the history of Lwanda Magere whom according
to history after he was shot by a spear from the Kalenjin tribe
whom they were at war with, he fell down and turned into a stone.
You can give your donation to the staff to maintain the grave
and there welfare. Proceed further passing through the Rice Plantations
arriving in Kisumu City late evening, picnic lunch enroute, dinner
and overnight at a hotel.
Day 3 Kisumu Full Day
You will spend full day in Kisumu visiting Dunga Beach which is
famous all over Nyanza for the sale of Fish. You will have an
opportunity to interact with the local fishermen and get to know
the culture around fishing beaches. Proceed to the Museum where
you will have to see different artifacts of different tribes especially
the Luos. Lunch in the hotel. After lunch proceed to Kit- Mikayi
(the stone of the first wife who is believed to be the mother
of Luos who rested here after a very long journey in search of
the source of the Nile). Time allows you can have a hike at Ramogi
Hills to catch a glance of the active Kisumu City. Dinner in the
hotel, after dinner, optional visit of a Discotheque or visit
a life band and have a feel of Kisumu by night or retire after
dinner to your bed preparing for the next days agenda.
Day 4 Kisumu – Kendubay – Homabay.
Depart after breakfast from Kisumu City and drive to Kendubay
experiencing the typical African rough roads to reach Kendubay
and proceed straight to Simbi Nyaima for a mythological story
about this magical Lake followed by a visit to Orian’g market
to amaze at the famous pottery work by the Orian’g Women
Group. Have early lunch in Kendubay, then drive to Kanjira and
Kanam Hot springs this will give you an opportunity of interacting
with groups of man and women whose there work is to transport
the Soda Ash using Donkeys to the Town of Kisii for sale. This
is their source of livelihood. If you have an egg, you can boil
and within 5mins, it will be ready to be eaten. Proceed to Homabay
for dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day
5 Homabay – Ruma National Park – Mbita Point
After breakfast, drive through Lambwe Valley reaching this park
which hosts the largest number of Roan Antelopes in Africa to
enjoy a game drive, picnic lunch, then transfer to Mbita Point
for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Mbita Point Full Day
Have a full day in Mbita visiting the site at Ligongo Hills where
Dr. Mary Leakey discovered the skull of the oldest man Proconsul
Africanus which is found in the Kenya national Museum Nairobi.
The hill also acts as the Vintage Point to see on rotation how
water has gone round the Island. Visit the Tom Mboya Mausoleum,
the vibrant Politician in the History of Kenya who was gunned
down in 1963 which evoked demonstrations all over the Country
and was interred at their home in Kamasengre Village in Rusinga.
Enjoy the mythological story of Nyama gi Ware the stones which
are believed to have been bulls fighting from these different
Clans. Get a ride around the Island back to Mbita in the evening,
picnic lunch enroute, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Mbita Point Full Day.
We begin this day by visiting a local Catholic Church early in
the morning after breakfast the rest of the day is dedicated to
less fortunate individuals in the society e.g. Women groups organized
by the widows as a result of HIV/ AIDS scourge, Orphaned children
whose parents died of AIDS related diseases, Tom Mboya Memorial
Hospital and the development projects which are being financed
by voluntary groups e.t.c. Visit one or two local homes and get
to know the real picture of how the common rural families are
going over there usual choruses economically, socially and politically.
Join fishermen pulling fish to the shore in the evening and get
to learn how Luos as a tribe depends entirely on Fish as the source
of their livelihood. Dinner and overnight in Mbita Hotel.
Day 8 Mbita Point Full Day.
After breakfast a visit to a local primary school which is in
dire need of teaching equipments occupies the morning. Enjoy lunch
at the hotel after which proceed for a traditional boat rally
competition followed by optional activities e.g. a walk to Gembe
Hills which is on the vicinity of your accommodation and has quite
a number of Birds with a very tranquil surrounding or just relax
around the hotel enjoying the serene of the facility. Dinner and
overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 Mbita – Kisumu – Nairobi
Early morning breakfast, then to the ferry to cross over from
Mbita to Lwanda for an onward safari to Kisumu for early lunch,
then proceed to Nairobi arriving late in the evening with a transfer
either to a hotel of your choice or to the airport.
NB: This program can be extended to Maasai Mara on request.
Under this program, we organize the following on request:
1. Home stay for those who want to participate in day to day natural
activities of the community.
2. Voluntary teaching practices in the rural schools.
3. Voluntary community development work.
4. Foster parenting
Lake Victoria and Kakamega Forest
Eco - tourism Special
DAY 1 NAIROBI - KISUMU
Leave Nairobi in the morning, have lunch at Kericho. Walk in the
tea plantations then drive via Lwanda Magere (the Luo warrior
who was killed and turned into a stone) continue to Kisumu for
dinner and overnight.
DAY 2 NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – KAKAMEGA
After breakfast drive to Kaloka beach, take a boat to Ndere Island
national park see some game and bird life. Row the boat back to
Kaloka beach. Drive via Kit- Mikaye ( This rock is where Mikaye
the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey
down the Nile) drive back to Kisumu for Lunch. Kisumu tour takes
you to Impala park, Kisumu Museum and Dunga beach are optional.
Drive to Kakamega arriving late evening, dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 KAKAMEGA FOREST - KISUMU
After breakfast, full day exploration of Kakamega forest in search
of birds, butterflies and animals such as debraza, colobus, blue
and red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Over 30 varieties of
snakes including the deadly gaboon viper, Jamesons mamba and black
mamba are found here among other animals. Great and very old indigenous
trees, some are hundreds of years old. Drive to Kisumu for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 4 KISUMU - HOMA BAY
Leave Kisumu after breakfast, drive southwards through rice plantations
in Kano plains to Odino falls after brief stop continue to Kendu
bay for lunch. Proceed to lake Simbi Nyaima for bird viewing ,
continue to Kanjira and Kanam hot springs onto Homa bay for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 5 HOMA BAY -RUSINGA - MBITA
Drive to Rusinga, do a tour of the Island to the historical places
including the museum (where the remains of the first man were
found) by Doctor Louise Leakey, Tom Mboya Mauseleum where this
accomplished nationalist cum- politician was burried. After his
assassination on a Nairobi street. Return to Mbita for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 6 MBITA- RUMA NATIONAL PARK - AWENDO
Depart after breakfast drive through hills and meandering road
to Ruma national park with a picnic lunch do game drive then drive
out to Thim Lich Ohinga onto Gogo falls then to Awendo for dinner
and overnight
DAY 7 AWENDO –NAIROBI
Depart Awendo, drive past sugar plantations through the Great
Rift Valley back to the city of Nairobi
The Glorious Victoria 13 Days
DAY 1 NAIROBI -LAKE NAKURU
Your drive takes you down the Rift Valley floor to lake Naivasha.
Here successful Vineyards produced much of Kenya’s wine
has been established. After a guided tour, have lunch consisting
of local produce. (Boat ride to the Island is optional). Then
proceed to lake Nakuru via Kariandusi pre-historic site and Hyrax
Hill. Dinner and overnight in Nakuru.
DAY 2 LAKE NAKURU - BOGORIA -BARINGO
After breakfast do game drive in lake Nakuru in search of black
and white Rhinos and other animals, take picture of millions of
flamingoes. After lunch proceed to lake Bogoria, explore this
lake on foot before you continue to lake Baringo for dinner and
overnight.
DAY 3 BARINGO - CHERENGANI HILLS
Leave Baringo for Cherengani via Martigat where you will have
dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 CHERENGANI - SAIWA SWAMP
Leave Cherengani for Saiwa swamp. Have a walk in this small park
here you have a chance of seeing the water antelope Sitatunga.
Have dinner and overnight at Mt Elgon.
DAY 5 MT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast climb onto the park game drive followed by a walk
to the caves Kitum , Makingeny and others. The drive continue
to the end of the road where those who want to climb up can do
a three hour walk to Koitobos. (Optional).
DAY 6 MT ELGON - KAKAMEGA FOREST
Leave Mt Elgon after breakfast drive via Webuye to Kakamega forest
walk through the forest in the evening. Dinner and overnight.
DAY 7 KAKAMEGA - LAKE VICTORIA
After early breakfast drive to Kisumu then to Ndere Island National
park via Kit Mikaye where you will have chance to walk around
and climb the rocks. Boat ride will take you to the island see
the crocodiles and birds then drive back to Kisumu the evening
will be spent in Kisumu Museum and may be a boat ride to Dunga
point (optional)
DAY 8 KISUMU- KENDU BAY- HOMA BAY
Drive Southwards via Odino falls to Kendu bay for lunch then to
lake Simbi Nyaima have a walk around this lake see different types
of birds, talk to local people to know much about this magical
lake. Continue to Kanjira Hot springs. Then have dinner and overnight
at Homa bay. The evening will be spent to look for fishermen’s
catch.
DAY 9 HOMA BAY -RUSINGA – MBITA
Drive to Rusinga Island explore this Island visit historical sites
e.g. Tom Mboya Mausoleum and the fighting bulls etc. in the evening
continue to Mbita point for dinner and overnight .
DAY 10 MBITA - RUMA NATIONAL PARK – AWENDO
Leave Mbita in the morning to Ruma National park, game drive followed
by lunch at Ndhiwa then continue to Thim Lich Ohinga then to Gogo
falls. Drive to Awendo in the centre of sugarcane plantation.
A tour of the sugar cane plantation is followed by dinner and
overnight at Awendo.
DAY 11 AWENDO - MAASAI MARA
Leave Awendo for maasai mara via Lolgorien. Short game drive followed
by dinner and overnight
DAY 12 MARA
Full day game drive takes you to a different part of mara where
you will put up in different camp or hotel / lodge.
DAY 13 MARA NAIROBI
Morning game drive in search for lions, cheetahs etc. Then depart
for Nairobi arriving in the evening
Western Kenya Eco-tourism Adventures
DAY 1 NAIROBI - KISUMU
Leave Nairobi in the morning, have lunch at Kericho. Walk in the
tea plantations then drive via Lwanda Magere (the Luo warrior
who was killed and turned into a stone) continue to Kisumu for
dinner and overnight.
DAY 2 NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – KAKAMEGA
After breakfast drive to Kaloka beach, take a boat to Ndere Island
national park see some game and bird life. Row the boat back to
Kaloka beach. Drive via Kit- Mikaye ( This rock is where Mikaye
the mother of Luo tribe sheltered herself after along journey
down the Nile) drive back to Kisumu for Lunch. Kisumu tour takes
you to Impala park, Kisumu Museum and Dunga beach are optional.
Drive to Kakamega arriving late evening, dinner and overnight.
DAY 3 KAKAMEGA FOREST - KISUMU
After breakfast, full day exploration of Kakamega forest in search
of birds, butterflies and animals such as debraza, colobus, blue
and red tailed monkeys and olive baboons. Over 30 varieties of
snakes including the deadly gaboon viper, Jamesons mamba and black
mamba are found here among other animals. Great and very old indigenous
trees, some are hundreds of years old. Drive to Kisumu for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 4 KISUMU - HOMA BAY
Leave Kisumu after breakfast, drive southwards through rice plantations
in Kano plains to Odino falls after brief stop continue to Kendu
bay for lunch. Proceed to lake Simbi Nyaima for bird viewing ,
continue to Kanjira and Kanam hot springs onto Homa bay for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 5 HOMA BAY -RUSINGA - MBITA
Drive to Rusinga, do a tour of the Island to the historical places
including the museum (where the remains of the first man were
found) by Doctor Louise Leakey, Tom Mboya Mauseleum where this
accomplished nationalist cum- politician was burried. After his
assassination on a Nairobi street. Return to Mbita for dinner
and overnight.
DAY 6 MBITA- RUMA NATIONAL PARK - AWENDO
Depart after breakfast drive through hills and meandering road
to Ruma national park with a picnic lunch do game drive then drive
out to Thim Lich Ohinga onto Gogo falls then to Awendo for dinner
and overnight
DAY 7 AWENDO -MAASAI MARA
Depart Awendo, drive through sugar plantations via Lolgorien to
Maasai Mara national reserve, dinner and overnight at the lodge
/ campsite on the northern part of Maasai Mara.
DAY 8 MAASAI MARA
Early pre-breakfast game drive, after breakfast with packed lunch
whole day game drive to the other side of Mara to Mara Sopa lodge
for dinner and overnight at lodge / campsite.
DAY 9 MAASAI MARA - NAIROBI
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi, enjoy your lunch enroute,
arrive in Nairobi in the evening.
Cultural
tours have been well developed in Kenya and Bush Art Africa Safaris- Ikambi ensures that clients experience the best of these
packages in Western Kenya with a rich experience in forklore,
customs, fun fare and traditional food of the local peoples. Most
of these trips are blended with wildlife photographic safaris
for the African experience of a lifetime.
LWANDA MAGERE STONE: Lwanda was a Luo warrior,
it is believed that during his time he turn into a stone and that
he could fight and nobody could kill him. At one time war broke
between Luo and Kipsigis tribes, Lwanda - which means the rock
- killed very many people during this war. After peace was negotiated
Lwanda was given a woman from the kipsigis tribe whom he married.
This woman learned and knew the secret of Lwanda’s life
(His shadow was his true self). One day when Lwanda fall sick
the woman was told by Lwanda to treat his own shadow. The war
broke out again and the woman went back to tell her people the
secret of Lwanda. On the day he died he killed so many people
before they finally tried what what their daughter had told them,
finally one of the warriors took his spear and threw it at the
shadow of Lwanda who fell down and died but not before killing
the person who had pierced him. He turned into a stone which can
still be seen today. The people around this place believe that
this is a true story.
RAMOGI HILLS: Ramogi (the father of Luo tribe
) settled here after long journey from Uganda with his people.
You can visit this home which is now a forest. There is a stone
which is believed was previously a bull which turned into a rock.
CRYING ROCKS: This is a place of ceremony. Climb
the rocks and get the history of these rocks from local people.
Situated on the western part of Kenya in Kakamega district, Khayega.
