Bondo is a town set out like a jewel at the heart of Siaya county. Everything about this place oozes splendour.
Surrounded by Lake Victoria, guests are spoiled for choice with the endless list of places to visit, whether they’re looking for luxury-filled places, or somewhere a tad more subtle and affordable like parks and game reserves.
Bondo town is predominantly a Luo’s land, a subgroup of the Nilotic speakers. They are river lake Nilotes and used to primarily make a living by fishing on Lake Victoria.
Bondo is simply the ideal place to visit if you’re looking to wind down for a few days, rejuvenate and reflect on past days. Here is a list of fun things to do and places to visit when you are in and around the town.
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Mausoleum
The Luo people are ardent holders of their culture, and this is the first stopover you should make if you wish to interact in-depth with their values.
This museum, run by the local community was set up in honour of the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, the country’s first vice president and is located at his residential place.
It is home to various Luo artefacts such as weaponry that served them well in defending against enemies, implements such as ancient fishing rods and other tools of trade. It also houses some of Jaramogi’s personal things, such as his books.
The well-versed guides will take you through a historic class of the late Jaramogi’s deeds, his achievements and how well he served the country, as well as the Luo culture and what each artefact represents in their culture.
A small entrance fee is paid at the entrance, and all proceeds from the Mausoleum go to developing the property and empowering the local community, so don’t forget to tip the guides for their exemplary work.
Lake Kanyaboli National Reserve
This monumental water body is the second-largest oxbow lake on the African continent, so count yourself lucky if you’re privileged enough to visit.
The reserve has so many nature vibes to offer, starting with bird watching. Different bird species, including the very rare ones, can be found here; vultures, eagles, falcons, pelicans, name them. The rare antelope species, sitatunga can also be seen here.
The guides will take you on game drives to get acquainted with different animals at close quarters. The feeling of seeing them up close, going about their business without a care in the world, is breathtaking, to say the least.
The lake located within the reserve is ideal for water activities such as fishing expeditions.
Boat riding and water rafting are highly recommended at the lake, where you get the rare chance to cruise the waters and even row the boat yourself.
This is such a phenomenal place, so please bring along a high-quality camera, since you’re going to need it.
Sauti Kuu Culture and Sports Centre
The Sauti Kuu Culture and Sports Centre is quite close to the hearts of the people in Bondo, as it’s a direct reflection of humanity and empathy.
The centre, formally opened in 2018 by former US president Barack Obama, is a safe place for destitute and less privileged children who have bright dreams and hopes of achieving success but have no means whatsoever.
It doubles up as a cultural centre to serve the local community. Should you happen to visit Bondo during a ceremonial period, you’ll be in for a treat with their epic culture and dances.
Sports too are held at the centre, where different groups converge to play games and take part in other team-building activities.
It’s intriguing to watch people from varied backgrounds come together for such events, you might even take home a few tips. It wouldn’t hurt to make a small contribution towards the centre for a worthy cause.
Ndanu Falls
The Ndanu Falls are the perfect site for sore eyes, and listening to the splash as the waters fall from the high elevation is simply enough to calm anyone’s nerves.
It forms an ideal place for visiting with family and friends, and the perfect spot for taking pictures and stocking up on memories.
The falls are surrounded by dense vegetation, and rocks, suitable for nature trails and ordinary trekks, so make sure to bring some comfortable shoes along.
The falls are in a strategic position that allows guests to engage in bird-watching activities as well as sightseeing.
Should you wish to take on something more thrilling, you can swim in the rushing waters.
Yala Swamp
Yala swamp is a vast piece of wetland that stretches for close to 200 square kilometres. It’s home to hundreds of bird species, perfect for nature visits with family or a group of friends.
While touring the swamp, it’s quite commonplace to encounter wild animals such as antelopes and zebras, all harmless.
The swamp is also home to various types of fish, including very rare species such as Oreochromis variabilis.
A fishing expedition is highly recommended where you hire a fishing rod and set out on the activity of looking for fish.
It may look easy, but trust me it’s not, though part of the thrill is throwing in your rod and waiting to see what you catch. Tough luck if you end up with a frog.
Ramogi Hill
Apart from being a tourist attraction centre, the Ramogi hills are of sentimental and cultural importance to the people of Bondo and the larger Siaya county.
It’s a sacred hill where religious proceedings are held by the Legio Maria sect. A shrine located within the hill is where locals go to offer prayers to their deity and perform other religious functions.
On occasion, the Luo converge here for cultural ceremonies such as the initiation of young lads and cultural dances.
You can visit the hills to get acquainted with the deep culture of the Luo or simply enjoy the nature vibes that the hills have to offer.
The terrain is perfect for hikes even for beginners, and once you get on top, the view of the vast lands is unrivalled.
The hills are surrounded by dense vegetation that allows you to go on those refreshing nature trails, and breathe in that crisp air, either with a group of friends or on a solo walk.
Dealing with the daily hustles of life can be daunting and a little chaotic, so the hills offer you the chance to rejuvenate and wind down at absolutely no cost.
El Molo Crocodile Park and Lodge
This is a low-cost facility that is well-equipped with important amenities, so if you’re looking to have fun at a price that will not dent your pocket, you should consider this.
The park is home to different crocodile species and the guards will take you through an exclusive tour of the park, explaining in detail the life cycle of crocodiles, their traits and what they feed on, it’s quite intriguing.
Should you wish to put up at the facility for a day or two, they have you covered with their array of options, where you could either choose their cottages or their 6-bedroom house depending on the size of your group and personal tastes.
Camping is highly recommended at the place, as it offers you the rare chance to sleep out at night, staring at the galaxy and listening to the crickets.
It’s simply the perfect way to wind down after a long journey, all you have to bring is a sleeping tent and some warm bedding, though the facility has some for hire at a pocket-friendly price.
Pride Hotel
This state-of-the-art facility is located a few kilometres off the Bondo-Usenge road and is the perfect spot for revellers and travellers who are looking for luxury and pomp.
Their amenities are top tier, starting with their heated pool that caters to guests when the temperatures get too hot.
If you’re looking to have a corporate meeting, then look no further, as their conference facility will take care of that.
Accommodation is offered in deluxe suites, single rooms, double rooms, executive rooms and cottages, you only have to pick whatever suits your personal taste and budget.
One of the things that determine a hotel’s services is its culinary skills, and the Pride hotel doesn’t disappoint.
Their chefs are well-equipped in making both local and international cuisines that will have you craving more, not to mention their elegance and cleanliness.
A small recreational centre with children’s essentials such as swings, slides, trampolines, and bouncing castles is found within, so if you happen to tag your children along you need not worry about engaging them physically and burning off that energy.
A bar is located at the hotel, so it wouldn’t hurt to indulge a little and let loose, but a little responsibility will go a long way.
Once you are done touring Bondo, Kisii town, located only 160 Km away, awaits to be explored. Or you can shift gears and head to the coast where Malindi and Diani sit in splendour
