Located in the Western region of the country, Busia town is an oasis of beauty with the nature vibes that it oozes.
Despite covering a small area, the town has so much to marvel at, so if you are looking for a subtle place to visit, whether on a tight budget or with some cash to spend, you should really put Busia at the top of your bucket list.
It is predominantly a land of Western Bantus, with the majority being the Abaluhya; meaning that you will get the opportunity to interact with their rich culture, which is quite intriguing, and learn a thing or two about diversity.
There are different ways of getting to Busia, the first and most obvious is via road, whether using public or private means.
Depending on the distance you are covering, this would be ideal for sightseeing along the way and if you have adequate time on your hands, but if you fancy something short and sweet, the flights via the Kitale Airstrip have you covered.
Now buckle up as I take you through the list of places to visit and fun activities to engage in and around Busia.
Yala Swamp
This is one of the top attraction sites in Busia. The vast land stretches for about 200 kilometres of wetland.
The swamp acts as a filter for the water that flows into Lake Victoria.
It is essential because it is home to endangered species of fish; Oreochromis esculentus and Oreochromis variabilis that disappeared from Lake Victoria due to the presence of water hyacinth and pollution from toxic chemicals.
The endangered Sitatunga antelope also thrives in this place, and visiting the swamp gives you the rare opportunity to see it.
Bird watching is highly recommended at the swamp since its home to hundreds of different bird species.
It’s actually quite therapeutic listening to them chirping and seeing them in their flocks flying, painting the skies in different shades.
Plenty of nature trails are located in the swamp, so after touring the swamp you can take a walk and wind down.
The Kavirondo Series Rocks
This particular site will catch your eye with its interesting topography. Located in Teso North, the shelter was initially closed but reopened to the public in 2007.
The rock series is the perfect spot for hikes, so if you are looking to physically engage while touring Busia, you should definitely stop here.
Hiking the rocks will give you an unbeatable view of the lush green surroundings, not to mention how exciting and thrilling it is.
No one has been able to explain the phenomena behind the rock formation, and it remains a mystery to the locals.
For the art junkies, this is also the ideal spot for you. Rock art is a top activity at the place, where guests paint different features on the rocks, such as wild animals and initiation symbols.
The site is one of the biggest and most important rock art centres in Kenya, so be sure to bring your best art skills with you.
Kakapel National Monument
This is another rock art centre still found in the Teso North area of Busia.
The monument bears historical significance not only to the residents of Busia but to the country as well.
The shelter bears art that dates as back as 200 years ago, instantly making it a top tourist attraction site.
The guides here will take you through a detailed historical class about each painting found on the rocks.
History has it that the paintings were done by the Twa community, an ethnic group made up of hunters and gatherers, and in the quest of searching for food, decided to leave their mark.
Guests are highly encouraged to paint to show their prowess, you might want to try it.
The paintings on the monuments and rocks include those of initiation symbols that marked important rites of passage in their culture, as well as wild animals and rain-making symbols in an attempt to appease their ancestors.
Bumbe Beach
Bumbe Beach is located along the shores of Lake Victoria in Samia, and is the perfect place to visit if you need some water activities.
Swimming is the top activity since the temperatures can get searing. Rafting and boat riding is also an activity you can undertake to navigate the waters of Lake Victoria.
A fishing expedition while on the beach should be on your to-do list, with the huge number of fish species found in the waters.
Fishing rods are up for hire within the beach at an affordable price and after that, you are all set for the fishing challenge, which seems like an easy task, but you will be lucky if you end up with something edible.
For the hopeless romantics, taking a stroll along the beach, especially in the evening, will give you an unbeatable view of the orange horizon.
This is the perfect definition of beauty, where the sky meets the waters, and you can get lost in your thoughts, wind down and think of (insert song of your choice here)
Namenya Hills
If you are geared up for some physical activity while on your trip, or you are hoping to burn off some calories, then this is the perfect stop for you.
Located in Bunyala, the hills have an elevation of about 1134 meters, which means that hiking them will not only be thrilling but adventurous.
Hikers are advised to exercise caution, especially beginners since the terrain is jagged, and a small mishap could prove fatal.
The scenery on top of the hills is splendid, and one can see the lush green lands stretching beyond.
The hills are covered in dense green vegetation, ideal for nature treks that help you unwind with the tranquillity and serenity that is there.
Group activities would really thrive in this environment, as people bond over picnics and team-building engagements.
Bird watching is also a top activity in the hills since the forests attract over a hundred species of birds.
The beauty lies in watching them fly around the skies and listening to them chirping in the forests.
Sio-Siteko Swamp
This vast wetland serves as a water catchment area for Lake Victoria.
Guests visit the swamp to get acquainted with the different species of birds found at the swamp, including the endangered grey-crowned crane that is facing extinction.
Water activities such as boat riding and rafting are among the thrilling activities that visitors are encouraged to participate in. Rafting is where an inflatable boat called a raft is used to navigate through water.
Guests are also encouraged to try fishing in the waters.
The beautiful scenery makes the swamp an ideal background for photo sessions, so be sure to bring along a high-quality camera and those fire poses with you, you are going to need them.
Samia Hills
Visiting the Samia hills gives you the opportunity to burn off some calories while going up the terrain, and also interact with the hill’s unique topography.
So if you decided to visit the hills, bring along some comfortable pair of shoes and tag along with your group of friends for some amazing moments.
The hills are covered in sub-acid lava due to its formation process; quite a rare occurrence.
Apart from hiking, visitors looking for something less physically engaging to do can go on walks in the forests, listen to chirping birds and get lost in the thrills of nature.
Picnicking is allowed, be sure to bring along some good food with you.
If you are looking to do something wild and more thrilling, try camping at night. The experience is the perfect definition of adventurous, listening to the howling animals and chirping crickets dead in the night.
Be sure to carry along warm bedding in case the temperatures get too cold.
The Mouse and Byte Restaurant
No one visits Busia and fails to stop at this renowned restaurant.
Located within Busia town, the restaurant is the perfect stop to dine, if you are craving some good food.
They specialize in local dishes as well as international cuisines that will leave you drooling for a second helping.
It’s ideal for both sit-ins and take-outs in case you are in a hurry. Parking facilities are ample, and if you are looking for an outdoor experience, they have you covered as well.
At the restaurant, conversations thrive as the owners and the people frequenting the place are very hospitable. Services are also apt, you would not need to worry about ordering and getting delays.
Should you wish to indulge a little, they have a bar fully stocked with every assortment of drinks; you will be spoilt for choice.
Once done with the adventures of Busia, Bondo is only 80 Km away while the famous Kakamega town is also a similar distance away where more adventure awaits you
