Kakamega is located in the Western region of Kenya and is the country’s fourth most populous county with a population of around 1.6 million people.
Sitted like a jewel, Kakamega county is a beautiful land with breathtaking scenery.
It’s predominated by the Luhya community, a subgroup of the Bantu ethnic community.
The vast land is the ideal location for a holiday in case you’re looking for something subtle, low-key but with a touch of elegance and pomp.
Believe is a list of fun activities you can indulge in, and the places you should definitely visit.
Kit Mikayi (Crying Stone)
This is quite a wonder, even to the locals and surrounding communities. Kit Mikayi is loosely translated to mean the crying stone.
This is one huge rock, about 40 meters high, with another smaller rock perched on top of it, with water flowing from them, giving the semblance of a crying stone.
This particular site has been there since time immemorial yet no one has quite been able to explain the phenomena.
The crying stone is located at Ilesi, along the Kisumu-Kakamega highway.
The place is quite essential to the local communities, hence it’s well-preserved. It’s used as a shrine where traditional religious activities are held.
Both locals and visitors troop to the Crying Stone to make prayers to a deity they believe in every so often.
Cultural activities also take place here, with elders occasionally performing traditional rituals to ensure continuity of the values they so staunchly adhere to.
The Kakamega Forest
With some natural elements, our next stop would be the renowned Kakamega forest.
Now, this is quite unique for two reasons, first is that it’s the only tropical rainforest found in the whole country, and second, out of the expansive Guineo-Congolian forest that once covered almost all of Africa, it’s the only remaining one, with the rest having been done away with to make room for urban centres.
It is also home to some unique game species such as hedgehogs, colobus monkeys and bush pigs.
The dense and thick vegetation makes it ideal for nature trails and hiking, which will help you rejuvenate and bond with friends over fun activities.
They have local experienced guides who are friendly to help you navigate through and identify the different species of flora and fauna.
You can also engage in some bird watching activities or simply sit and absorb the surrounding energy; serenity and tranquillity with a breath of fresh air.
Should you wish for something more thrilling and physically engaging, there are numerous spots for rock climbing and hiking, all you have to do is make a choice.
The Kakamega Golf Club
Here’s where the who’s of the who’s from within visit to unwind after week-long demands of trying to make ends meet. So if you’re a golf enthusiast, why not make a stop here and simply marvel at golfers’ play.
The Kakamega Golf Club is located a few kilometres from Kakamega town, near the famous Jamindas hotel.
It was established in 1931 as the office of the provincial commissioner, who by then was in charge of the province.
After the erosion of the boundaries that made provinces, the ones in charge saw it fit to convert it into a golf club.
You can either choose to spectate as other golfers play, or have a game of your own and unleash your prowess in the field.
Rumours have it that the fourth hole is the longest and probably the best shot you’ll have at winning.
Bukhungu Stadium
Keeping in line with the sporty theme, you might also want to visit the scenic Bukhungu stadium.
Only recently established, the stadium can seat a capacity of 5000 people and is located at the heart of Kakamega town.
The stadium is not solely for football fanatics but also hosts various cultural events, so if you happen to visit Kakamega amid huge events you should make a point of stopping over.
You could either watch a live football match and marvel at the young energetic youngsters pouring it all out on the field or simply be part of a cultural activity taking place, seeing that the western people take their customs seriously such as their traditional dances.
It certainly doesn’t hurt to borrow a few things from others, does it?
Isiukhu Falls
The Isiukhu falls are a stunning site found towards the end of Kakamega forest.
Once you take the nature trail, you’ll be well rewarded with the scenic view.
The guides present will help you to get an up-close view of the falls. Furthermore, the background forms the perfect location for taking some photos.
Rosterman Mines
The Rosterman mines are located off the Kakamega-Mumias road.
It’s a local gold mining site where the locals irk their living from. You might want to take a visit and see the local mining industry and how gold is excavated.
It’s intriguing to watch the young lads at work, striving to make ends meet.
Muliro Gardens
Holidays don’t have to be spent in luxurious places, especially if you’re operating on a tight budget.
Something a tad subtle like Muliro Gardens could do.
This public park, located in Kakamega town was named after the iconic Masinde Muliro who aided in shaping history not only in the western part of Kenya but the country as well.
The aura at the garden spells picnic vibes and team-building activities.
Nature trails are found in plenty, so should you need that solitude walk to unwind and recollect your thoughts, there’s plenty of space for that too.
The green scenery makes the perfect background for photo sessions, and there’s no better way to store memories than in beautiful photos, so carry a good camera with you because you’re going to need it.
Savona Island Resort
This is the perfect retreat centre for a family set-up or a group activity.
The luxurious resort has well-mowed lawns that will instantly make you feel at home.
Savona Island Resort is located near the Kakamega forest and will give you an unrivalled view of the green forest scenery and beyond.
When the temperatures get too hot, their swimming pools have you covered. There is also an amusement park for your children with all kinds of fun activities to keep them engaged such as swings, bouncing castles and trampolines.
There’s an on-site restaurant to have your food cravings covered, and the chefs are unbeatable.
You can have a wide assortment of local dishes made with the best hands, then wash it down with drinks.
Within the resort are some luxurious cottages, therefore, accommodation will not be an issue and with the staff giving you the treatment you deserve, all you have to do is ask for it.
Security is ample and so are the parking facilities. The Savona Island Resort ensures you don’t have to worry about the smallest things, but simply let loose and enjoy.
Ilesi Pottery Centre
The Western part of Kenya is well known for its prowess in pot making skills.
The Ilesi pottery centre offers you a one on one interaction with these activities as you watch the skilled artisans go about their work with gifted hands.
This place is the largest pot making centre in Western Kenya.
Moist clay is used in making the ports and other wares such as vases.
If the skill is intriguing, you can have one of the local artisans teach you how to do it, or even buy one of their wares to add to your house collection.
The pots are used for storing water and cooking, while the vases hold flowers.
They offer training services to beginners and the proceeds from selling their wares go towards developing the local community.
Rondo Retreat Centre
This spacious piece of land is ideal for picnics, family outings and team building activities.
If you are looking for a serene place with a touch of luxury, then this is the perfect spot for you.
There’s a nature trail for you to trek on, admiring the different plant and tree species. A wide array of birds are found at the place, not to mention that the view the retreat gives is simply calming.
The clean air and tranquillity is also a good break from the chaos that defines major towns.
Accommodation facilities are offered at the place, cottage-style rooms similar to ones found in Muranga and Nanyuki will make you feel cosy and pampered.
A retreat is never complete without some good food, and the Rondo Retreat Centre has you covered in that with their different delicacies.
Jamindas Paradise Motel
This haven, located off the Kakamega-Mumias road, about 58 kilometres from the Kakamega airport is quite popular in the region.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a place to dine with accommodation facilities, you should consider this.
They have top tier facilities and their staff are quite friendly. Accommodation is pocket friendly and for as low as USD 25 you can book a room, complete with breakfast.
There’s no better way to unwind other than indulge in a few drinks and dance the night away; the bar located in the motel will satisfy your thirst and the disk jockey will definitely not disappoint.
Once done with Kakamega, heading towards Kericho which shares the green landscape of Kakamega county, although experiences much cooler temperatures definitely recommended.
Or you might even decide to ditch the cold temperatures of Kakamega and Kericho for a trip down the sunny coast to experience Malindi or Lamu
