Set out like a jewel in the western part of Kenya is Bungoma County. With roughly a population of 1.3 million people, the county boasts of beautiful and scenic places that should be on your bucket list.
Whether you’re looking to indulge in luxury or operating on a budget, the list of places to visit and things to do is endless.
Bungoma, located only around 40 km from Kakamega is dominated by the Western Bantus, mostly the Abaluhya, who are ardent holders of their culture.
Visiting Bungoma gives you the rare opportunity to interact with their way of life and learn a thing or two about diversity.
There are different ways to get to Bungoma, the most common being by road, which gives you the chance for site seeing along the route.
Should you wish to travel faster or if you want to try something new, you could travel via flight.
Broderick falls (Nabuyole falls)
Also known as the Nabuyole falls; this spectacular place is the perfect site for sore eyes. Seeing the waters rush by and the beauty of it all is simply therapeutic.
The falls are located within River Nzoia and are among the top attraction places in Bungoma.
A superstition hangs around the falls that anyone that tries to go near the basin will get drawn to it, but the myth has not been proven so far, so if you are adventurous or would fancy some adrenaline rush you might want to try going near the basin, albeit carefully.
Guests engage in water activities such as swimming in the waters, which is highly recommended. It’s quite commonplace to see local residents using the water for domestic use, so feel free to interact with them and learn something about the history of the falls.
Needless to say, the background will suffice in splendid photo sessions, so gear up with a nice camera and those fire poses to stock up on memories.
Sang’alo hills
For those who thrive in hiking and physically engaging activities, this should be your first stop.
The hills are very conspicuous and attractive with their unique design as a result of rock weathering. The rocks are very ideal for hiking and are perfect for group activities, even for beginners.
Going up the hills rewards you with an unbeatable view of the vast lush surroundings with an aura of tranquillity.
The hills are covered in dense thick vegetation with plenty of nature trails, superb for the hopeless romantics who like to go on walks, or that therapeutic solo walk that helps you to wind down.
Bird watching is a top activity since the forests are home to a wide array of bird species. A picnic in such a serene environment would be unrivalled, as you eat, marvel and get lost in the beauty of nature.
Camping in the hills is on most people’s bucket list, and here is your chance to do it, so if you are a wild soul, then bring along some camping gear and get it on with it.
Mount Elgon National Park
This vast tourist attraction site is for the animal and nature lovers, with the numerous animal species that are found here; elephants, gazelles, monkeys, rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, the list is endless, so game viewing is the first activity you should take on once you reach the park.
Guides will drive you through, giving details about the animals you encounter along the way.
The strategic location of the park gives guests the opportunity to have an unrivalled view of the nearby Mount Elgon, and the snow capes (formed seasonally) especially in the morning are quite splendid to see.
No one visits this particular park and fails to stop at the famous Kitum cave. The cave is laden with salt minerals which animals like elephants go to lick, so don’t be surprised if you run into a herd of elephants while touring the cave.
The park is also home to over 200 bird species, you’ll want to see them in their flocks, flying around and painting the sky in different shades.
The Malakisi falls are located within Mount Elgon and are one of the unexplored places within Bungoma. The falls are scenic with the rushing waters and lush green vegetation, not to mention the perfect spot for taking pictures.
Chetambe Fort Ruins
Apart from being a tourist attraction site, the Chetambe Fort Ruins bear some historical significance not only to the local residents but to the country as well.
The ruins are where the bloodbath of around 500 people happened in 1895. They were massacred by British soldiers in the long quest for independence.
The ruins are named after Chetambe, a Tachoni warrior that built the ruins and used them to mobilize his troops to fight against the British. It also acted as their hideout when the war became too unbearable.
The ruins have been helped preserved by the warrior’s great-grandson with the help of local residents.
This would be the perfect history class to learn about the country’s history, especially before independence.
While visiting, don’t forget to heavily tip the guides for their exemplary job in ensuring such a monument stands the test of time.
Elijah Masinde Mausoleum
The Elijah Masinde Mausoleum is also a historical site but narrows down to the Abaluhya community.
The mausoleum was set up in honour of Elijah Masinde, a freedom fighter and also founder of the Dini ya Msambwa church, whose roots are primarily in Bungoma.
When the Abaluhya community was putting up a spirited fight against the British troops in hope of recovering their stolen land, Elijah mobilized his troops to go to war in a brave show of defiance, making him a hero in his community.
The mausoleum houses his artefacts and personal belongings, such as the weapons he used and his tools for ordinary activities.
He also acted as a religious leader that was ardently followed by his people, and the religious sect that he founded is in existence to date.
The Mausoleum is located at his home in Maeni and is easily accessible by road.
Mwibale Wa Mwanja
Mwibale Wa Mwanja is a site that is close to the hearts of the people of Bungoma. It’s believed to be a sacred and holy ground and is a representation of their religious beliefs.
Residents often go there to offer prayers to their deity and make sacrifices to their ancestors.
The top attraction thing here is the giant monolith, believed to be the only single stone monolith in the country.
Visiting this holy ground gives you the opportunity to site see such a rare piece, and also interact with the religious way of life of the local residents.
It’s actually quite intriguing how people are willing to hold on to sacred beliefs that have been passed on to them from generation to generation.
While traversing this vast piece of land, you will encounter nature trails along the way, perfect for walks, though it’s quite commonplace to come across reptiles such as snakes along the way so exercise caution and bring along some comfortable pair of shoes.
Buteyo Miti Park
The Buteyo Miti Park is a piece of land that stretches for about 32 acres and is owned by the local residents of Bungoma.
The grass is well looked after, giving guests the aura of serenity and tranquillity.
Different activities are recommended at the park, including picnics with family and friends; we all know that nothing brings people together more than food and good stories shared.
Team building activities such as games and sports are also highly recommended. People also visit the park alone for those solo moments to think and wind down.
Bird watching is also a common activity at the park.
Indigenous trees are planted here, and herbal medicine from these trees is sold to visitors; if you are ailing, you might want to try this natural remedy.
The park is actually an impressive project that protects the environment, and the proceeds earned go towards developing the local community, so be sure to give generously and buy their goods as an act of good faith.
Hunter’s paradise cottages
If you are looking for an accommodation facility that is top tier with the best amenities, then look no further, the Hunters paradise cottages have you covered with their exemplary services.
Located about a kilometre from Bungoma’s CBD, this state-of-the-art facility will take care of your every need, so all you have to do is let loose relax and.
Their outdoor pool is heated, so you don’t have to worry about swimming even if the temperatures get too cold.
Room service is 24/7 in their cottages and luxurious rooms, where the network connection is strong; you can keep tabs on all happenings around you.
Should you wish to indulge in traditional meals, the chefs have you covered, and their international cuisines are unbeatable. Everything about this place oozes luxury and pomp, exactly what you need for a good holiday.
Once you have had your fill of Bungoma, Kitale is only 71 Km away offering an array of things to do, including visiting the local museum and the Saiwa Swamp
