Tourism in Western Kenya...

NATURE’S WONDERLAND

Kenya has for long been a world leader in Eco-tourism. Accordingly, the Kenya Government’s stated policy is to conserve wildlife for posterity while giving due regard to human interest. This policy translated very well into encouraging self sustaining tourism that does not degrade the environment while at the same time reducing conflict between local communities and wildlife. It is not surprising therefore that Kenya is one of a few destinations that: give visitors a veritable spectacle of wildlife that is co-existing harmoniously with its human neighbors.

Wildlife in Kenya is not only precious natural heritage but it also makes Kenya the ultimate destination of unlimited adventure. Great names such as Sir. Winston Churchill. Theodore Roosevelt, Ernest Hemingway lived with lasting memories of land vivid contrasts, with open wide spaces, snow capped mountains on the Equator, vast rolling plains teeming with wildlife that was and still is awe inspiring and can not be rivalled anywhere else in the world. Their undying memories of this nature’s wonderland still hold true today. The visits by the luminaries of yester years as well as Royalty have given the seal of approval of Kenyans claim as Nature’s wonderland and the home of “Safari” which is a Kiswahili word meaning “journeys”.

Ever since the arrival in Kenya of the Late American President, Theodore Roosevelt in 1909 on an expedition to collect natural history specimens for American Museums, world interests on Kenya as nature’s wonderland was enhanced. By then, photography was not the objective of the safaris since big game hunting was the major pursuit. Today, bagging the big five or any other type of game is done by camera hunting was banned in 1978 in line with Kenya’s Wildlife conservation and management policy.

A well designed and efficient grid of infrastructure links the National parks and Game reserves with Nairobi and Mombasa. There are superb accommodation facilitates in Kenya’s game sanctuaries. Kenya’s priceless treasury of wildlife owes it very its very existence to contrasts in the country’s terrain, which ranges from rugged snow peak covered peaks of Mount Kenya, the highlands, the Savannah, Great Rift Valley and its Lakes as well as the summering sands of the coast. Each of these geographical regions is home to different types of wildlife that are unique to each area.

For ornithologists, Kenya has an amazing wealth of birdlife. More than one thousand bird species have been recorded in vast variety of habitats in Kenya. This huge variety is due to lack of extreme variation in climate. Kenya also gets her share of migratory birds. It has been estimates that as many as six millions birds migrate to Kenya during the Northern Hemisphere winter. The combination of these migrants together with a thousand odd local species makes a Kenya a truly ornithological paradise.

Kenya has 59 National parks, Game reserves, Marine National parks and Reserve which account for approximately eleven percent(11%) of Kenya’s surface area. Proper management of the game sanctuaries is the hall mark of the country’s conservation measures and commitment to eco-tourism.

There are seven designated major tourist circuits as well as seven other minor circuits. Each circuit is made up f a number of National parks and Game Reserves and is home to wild life that is particular habitat.

PEOPLE CULTURE

Kenya has colorful mixture of peoples as well as a cocktail of cultures. The current population of about thirty million is made up to cover forty ethnic groups.

However, the Nilotes, Bantus and Cushites form the bulk of the population. The minority, Asians, Arabs, and Europeans live mainly in urban centres. The ethnic diversity has produced a harmonious mixture of people with rich culture heritage.

The national language, Kiswahili is widely spoken by most Kenyan. English is the official language as such it is spoken at all levels. Besides English, French, German and Italian are also spoken in the tourist Industry, The rich culture heritage and diversity of people is expressed through songs, dance, art and handicraft which are truly unique and embodied all the entrancement of exotic Africa. To listen to the music or watch various festival and ceremonies of any of the ethnic groups is a thrilling and unforgettable experience.Visitors are able to sample some of these ethnic festivities and ceremonies at Bomas of Kenya, one of the cultures centres which is only 8 KM from the commercial Centre of Nairobi.

WESTERN KENYA TOURIST CIRCUIT

The city of Nairobi is also the main safari base for the Western Kenya Tourist circuit This circuit includes Mt. Longonot National parks, Lake Nakuru National Park, Ruma National Park, Ndere Island, Kisumu Impala Park and the world famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Transmara through Kisii Hills Ranges and Valley bottoms to Migori traversing huge sugar plantation with Awendo as factory site.

From Migori to Muhuru Bay with beautiful beaches comprising the famous Got Kwer, the origin and home of Legio Maria religious sect.

From here you visit the oldest goldmine in Nyanza Province at macalder Mine and visit home of Williamson Goldmine then move on to the Karungu Bay with its rectangular site of the gulf. At Nyandiwa in Owasi the home of historical Nyamgondho wuod Ombare with animals and birds bests impressed on the stones along the Lake shores
Lambwe Valley (Now called Ruma National Park) provides a sight of its own with hill formation, swing of Kanyamwa escarpment and Kaksingiri, Gembe and Ruma Hills. A tourist resort at Magunga would be a viable proposition.

Mbita point and Rusinga Island contains the grave of the famous Joseph Mboya- flamboyant politician Kenya has ever produced. Deplorable still is the grave of the miraculous Gor Kogalo the old legendry.

Other interesting sites on this route include Simbi Nyaima, Nyabondo plateau, bird sanctuary in Kano Plains and a crocodile Farm near Homa Lime, the old and famous Kit Mikayi in Seme, Ndere Island animals sanctuary and Koru Cave, you also visits on this route Maseno “Oseni tree” (the origin of economic, educational and social development.). The area extends to cover Usege beach at the lake shore and then pushes on to Osieko Village.

The circuit includes some of the most captivating sights in Kenya as wellas the landscape ranges from tropical forest, the savannah to arid and semi-desert. The circuit broadly comprises,Nyanza and Western Provinces and large part of Rift Valley. Kakamega forests, Mt Elgon, Saiwo Swamp, South Turkana, Kerio Valley and Lake Bogoria.

TAKAWIRI ISLAND

A Lake resort where tropical delights and acute bounty meet. Takawiri Island is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt Island on Lake Victoria. Not only is the Lake the source of River Nile, but it is also the second largest fresh water lake in the world, making it the fishermen’s idea of pure heaven. While sandy beaches stretch into unspoilt natural landscape, a heaven for hippos, otters and a vast array of birdlife.

Snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing or sailing, will satisfy the super active, and for more relaxed there is a beach bars, a chance to visit the fascinating archeological site of Dr. Mary Leakey or just leisurely tour of the neighboring Islands.

A paradise Island way from it all, the luxury chalestyle accommodation offers comfort and privacy of for selected clientele. All rooms have solar powered hot water in private bathrooms.

Large ‘bands’ house the recreation area, bar and restaurant where sumptuous meals are served with breathtaking Lake View. Facing west, you can enjoy you tropical sundowner with magnificent view of pink and gold tins of a Lake Victoria sunset as fish eagles and Egyptians geese fly home roost

Drive to Kisumu and then take Takawiri’s own luxury cruiser to the Island or fly direct to Mfangano. A special excitement fills the air. It’s an experiencing you will not forget.

MT. ELGON& KERIO VALLEY RESERVE & SAIWA NATIONAL PARK

Mount Elgon lies at an altitude of about 2,500 m -4,200 m and is about four hundred and seventy kilometers from Nairobi. Mount Elgon National Park is one of the most beautiful truly wild and intact sanctuaries game viewing is excellent. The park provides a home to over four hundred elephants as well as Buffaloes, protected Colobus and blue monkeys, giant forest hog and other types of antelopes. Over two hundred and forty species of birds have been recorded there. There are four fascinating and explorable caves which are popular meeting places for elephants.” This is where you can see elephants that have been dubbed “underground elephants”. There is a lodge, two hotels, three campsite as well as on picnic site. Kerio Valley is another interesting place to visit on this circuit as it is biodiversity area. Its depth of about 1,229 is truly awe striking. Saiwa swamp National park was opened to provide a home to the rare se-aquatics sitatunga antelope.


DREAMCAMP MAASAI MARA.

A safari adventure you’ll never forget. Have you dreamt of encountering Africa at its most exciting, its most beautiful and its most exotic? The endless rolling Savannah, the spectacular wildlife and the rich nomad cultures? If so you should consider paying a visit to DREAMCAMP MAASAI MARA.

To be continued in the next issue in December 2009.

By,

Dr. J.G.C AMOLLO.
(Deceased)
Past Chair
Western Kenya Tourism Association
Kisumu
2003.