Attractions in Siaya County

19. Goye Beach

Despite having a picture-perfect unexplored sandy beach Goye still hardly rings any wanderlust bells and remains an uncovered attraction in Siaya. Much like Siungu Beach found at hand, Goye Beach is, although lesser-developed, a sun and sand lovers paradise. What’s more, both these beaches are patrolled by a respectable collection of bird species that prefer to keep to the papyrus fringes. At the moment Goye Beach is a no-frills destinations and travellers need to be self-sufficient. It is located 2 kms north from Siungu Beach along the C27 Road.

20. Lake Namboyo

The circular trip of Yala Wetland on the northern march of Lake Victoria is best tackled by using the Yimbo-Nyandhiwa-Siaya Road on the return leg. That is to say you double back to Kadimu from Ramogi Hill and then head north and east passing through Lakes Namboyo and Kanyaboli to Siaya 39 kms away. About 4 kms north of Kadimu Center where the road takes a sharp round bend sits Lake Namboyo, the smallest of the three lakes within Yala Swamp Wetland, covering just 500 m2 but bearing most of the characteristics of its sister lakes. River Yala meanders along its entire northern limits and it is fringed by a ring of papyrus that eventually merges with the swamp. And like Lakes Sare and Kanyaboli this lake is swamped by flocks of birds. Ramogi Hill can be sighted to the northwest.

21. Dominion Bird Sanctuary

Dominion Bird Sanctuary found within the 17000-acre privately-run Dominion Farm is an impressive nesting ground for abounding migratory and indigenous bird varieties.  In 2003 Dominion leased this acreage of lowlands with an aim to produce and sell of rice, other cereal grains and tilapia fish to markets in Kenya and surrounding countries. “Dominion permanently relocated key construction, maintenance, agricultural and management personnel to Kenya and shipped more than 500 tons of state-of-the-art construction and farming equipment from U.S. and Brazil. Construction of paddies and canals continued for years, early batches of rice, corn, soybeans and cotton proving the most commercial viable of the operation. Initial rice crops harvested in 2006 resulted in some of the highest yields per acre ever recorded. At the rate of two crop cycles per year, the farm is expected to produce 90,000 tons of rough rice per annum when at full potential”. The papyrus reeds and rice paddies made for a thriving roosting habitation for its quellas, herons, kopps, pelicans, cormorants, cranes, eagles, hammer kops, plovers and porchads, among many species.  Also of interest at Dominion Bird Sanctuary are the remarkable semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelopes, and their agricultural tours.  Callers to the sanctuary can enjoy a night or two at Dominion Farm Guest House or at the nearby Hawi’s Tented Camp.  Dominion Bird Sanctuary is found 17 kms west of Siaya town and 12 kms north of Kadimu.

22. Lake Bob

Lake Bob, beautifully-sited within the vast Dominion Farms, is an artificial lake of approximately 2 km2 resulting from the anthropogenic activities of damming River Yala for commercial purpose. As with all the lakes in the area, the birds took it like fish took to its water. Today it is a parade of many pretty bird species including the rare Hadada ibises, cormorant, little egret, Egyptian goose and whiskered terns in the company with hippos and reptiles. Also found within the Dominion Farm is a conservation area designated for perpetuation of its birds. To get to Lake Bob, drive 15 kms west from Siaya Town via Siaya-Ratuoro Road.

23. Lake Kanyaboli

The recent history of the plight of the satellite lakes in Yala Swamp has brought to the forefront the urgent need to safeguard these biospheres and rethink how their resources are harnessed. The fisheries of the lake that once drew hundreds of fish species now rely primarily on the native pelagic minnow locally known as “Omena” and the introduced Nile perch and tilapia. Further, the cannibalistic Nile perch is threatening not only to destroy itself but the entire lake ecosystem. A management strategy designed to improve and preserve the pleasing 15 km2 Lake Kanyaboli and its sister lakes is underway. Encircled by papyrus round its rim and framed as a living museum for its abundance of the cichlid – a rare and variegated fish species – Lake Kanyaboli is notable as the second largest oxbow lake in Africa.  It is best-known as a bird-lovers paradise that can be combined with sightseeing around its ring-road that loops around the lake, spectacular at dawn and dusk. Grayed bulbous rock outcrops at the water’s edge that are easy scaling sites have rewarding panoramic vistas at the summit. Also of interest for callers to Lake Kanyaboli is sighting the Sitatunga and exploring Kombo Beach.  A trip to the lake is easily combined with a look-see of the near Dominion Farm.

24. Hawi’s Tented Camp

Built strategically about 2 kms from Lake Kanyaboli and Dominion Farm, with fetching views of the Akara Hills and a wander away from the papyrus-fringed Lake Kanyaboli, Hawi’s Tented Camp, comprised of 7-safari-style camps fused with a modish interior, is a deserving base to take in many places of interest in Siaya County. Among the interests at Hawi’s Tented Camp are orderly grounds nodding a consent for group bonding, cultural tours to the nearby villages and walking trips to Lake Kanyaboli. The slogan at Hawi’s Tented Camp is help you “Discover what Siaya Kababa has to offer. Siaya County will definitely revamp Kenya’s tourism agenda and we are proud to be part of the journey”. It’s found 12 west of Siaya Town via Siaya-Yimbo Road and 2 kms before Dominion Farm.