Nyanza and Western provide the perfect environment to freely interact with the locals and their attractions. The populace is one of the most hospitable in Kenya; rarely can a villager pass you without extending warm greetings. You will be carried away as you immerse in their rich music from the elaborate Ramogi dance and classic "ohangla" from the Luos, electrifying "isikuti" from the Luhyas to "orutu" and "nyatiti" from the Gusii and Kuria. Their hospitality cannot be complete without sampling the sumptuous local delicacies; "Ngege" (tilapia), "mbuta" (Nile perch), "mumi" (catfish), "kamongo" (mudfish), "obambo" (dried tilapia), "omena" (sardine), "lisutsa/osuga" (black nightshade), "mitoo" (slender leaf), "aliya" (dried beef), "tsiswa/chintunga/ng'wen" (flying termites), "matoke" (smashed bananas) to the energy giving brown ugali. Nyanza is also the home to the Oscar Award Winner, Lupita Nyong'o, and Barack Obama Snr. ( the father to President Barack Obama).
LAKE VICTORIA
This is the world's largest tropical lake, the largest in Africa great lakes and the source of the staggering Nile River. Its boat, waterbus, and ferry voyage are breathtaking, the sunset mollifying, and being a freshwater lake – its fish are delicious. The lake has a variety of birds with the most conspicuous being the kingfisher and hamerkops.
ISLANDS
The region has several islands with Takawiri and Rusinga being the most popular tourist attractions thanks to their clear waters and sandy beaches. The other islands are Ndere, Mageta, and the fish-rich Migingo island.
PARKS, RESERVES, AND SANCTUARIES
RUMA NATIONAL PARK
Located in Homabay county, the park is a haven for the endangered roan antelope. In Kenya, it's only in Ruma that you can see the roan antelopes (one of the largest bovids; only exceeded in size by eland and the African buffalo. Ruma has other wildlife and is rich in birdlife).
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/ruma-national-park
NDERE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Located on Lake Victoria - Kisumu County, Ndere is an island of tranquility and beauty with a variety of wildlife such as sitatunga antelopes, baboons, hippos, Nile crocodiles, zebras, waterbucks, warthogs, monitor lizards and different species of birds.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/ndere-island-national-park
KAKAMEGA FOREST NATIONAL RESERVE
Located in Kakamega and Nandi counties, this is the only tropical rainforest in Kenya and an ornithologist paradise thanks to its rich bird and butterfly species. The reserve is home to various wildlife such as giant forest hogs, bush pigs, pottos, and Debrazzar monkeys that roam freely in the flora-rich forest.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/kakamega-forest-national-reserve
SAIWA SWAP
Located near Kitale in Trans-Nzoia county, Saiwa Swamp is the smallest national park in Kenya (3mk square) that was created as a haven for the sitatunga, the endangered semi-aquatic antelope, and the rare De Brazza's monkey. The park is also rich in wildlife.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/saiwa-swamp-national-park
MOUNT ELGON NATIONAL PARK
Located in Bungoma county on the Kenya-Uganda border, the park's main attraction is the extinct shield-volcano Mount Elgon which rises to a peak of 4,321 meters. The peak known as "Wagagai" is located on the Ugandan side. The park has hidden caves with spectacular waterfalls, several bird species, antelopes, and baboons.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/mount-elgon-national-park
KISUMU IMPALA SANCTUARY
Located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu City, the peaceful sanctuary is home to impalas, giraffes, cheetahs, primates, zebras, lions, buffalos, the rare sitatunga antelopes, and diverse bird species.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/sanctuaries
LAKE SIMBI NATIONAL SANCTUARY
Located near Kendu Bay town, Lake Simbi (Nyaima) is a small crater lake whose radius is approximately one kilometer. Geologists state that the lake was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. The locals, however, have their mythical account regarding its formation. They opine that Simbi Nyaima (a sunken village) was formed from a curse of a thunderstorm by an old woman who sought refuge from the village only to be arrogantly turned away by the villagers. Explore the place with us to get a full jaw-dropping account of the lake and other fascinating folklore.
The lake is beautified by flamingoes, Egyptian geese, little grebes, and little egrets among other birds.
EXPLORE
http://www.kws.go.ke/content/lake-simbi-national-sanctuary
KIT MIKAYI
Located in Seme Kaila, 29km from Kisumu City, this tor (rock formation) has two rocks placed on top of another basement rock. This is a mystery that excites both tourists and locals alike. According to the locals, a man called Ngeso who resided beside the rock got attached to it to a point that his wife and villagers referred to the rock as his first wife hence the name Kit Mikayi which is the luo dialect for a stone of the first wife. The area around Kit Mikayi has several rocks making it an ideal attraction to study rocks and view the spectacular landscape.
CRYING STONE
Located 3kms from Kakamega town, stands the Crying Stone of Ilesi which is 40m tall. "IkhongoMurwi" as referred to by the locals in their mother tongue, is a towering rock with bolder on it graced by free-flowing water between the rock and the bolder. The locals have a sensational myth behind the stone. They opine that the stone resembles a jilted woman who laments a heartbreak. Geologists, however, state that this is a geographical process whereby water rises from the water table beneath the rock through the fissures. The residents believe that when the stone cried it was a sign that rain was about to fall. Currently, the stone cries no longer.
SPORTS
The Western and Nyanza region prides itself in sporting activities, more so rugby. Celebrated rugby players like Collins Injera, Benjamin Ayimba, and Humphrey Kayange come from this region where they also natured their talents.
Occasional bullfighting and cockerel fighting in Ikolomani, Kakamega county are popular sporting events.
