Siaya County

Attractions in Siaya County

33. Ndanu Falls

Ndanu Falls is one of the country’s unknowns. Despite being easily accessible from Yala Town (4 kms south of Yala and 2 kms from B1 Kisumu-Busia Road), via Yala-St.Mary’s High School Road on towards Hera Village, not many people call in on it. Indeed it is unlikely that most travellers along the B1 Kisumu-Busia Road know the pretty Ndanu Falls exists! Like Mahira and Godha Falls further along the B1 Road it remains undeveloped and is often sold short. Ndanu Falls, reachable without too much difficulty from Yala Town by means of motorcycle (boda-boda) or personal vehicle, results from an abrupt change in the profile of River Yala. The rushing falls offers nature-lovers a wondrous walk in the back-country that is transmuted to a floaty valley by the rolling hills and glorified by the tranquil rural silence. On arrival at Ndanu Falls most travellers often find it incomprehensible that this beautiful location is only a village delight. There are plenty of places to explore within the site including Ndanu and Sangu Islands. Also memorable while at Ndanu Falls are the sweeping views of the landscape of Gem and the neatly arranged village setting, and birding. Ndanu Falls Lodge in the outskirts of Yala Town is a great launching-point to scout this folksy falls.

Ndanu Fall in Siaya County. Image Courtesy of Rising Voices

34. Rawalo Hills

Reaching 1,520 ms and 150 ms above the surrounding landscape west of Yala Town, Rawalo Hills alongside Nguge Hills are the most prominent hillscapes in Gem area. Rawalo Hills are situated about 2 kms west of Ndanu Falls. The C29 Siaya-Ng’iya Road passes along the northern flank, so they are approachable from both east and west; 26 kms east of Siaya Town if approaching from the east. There is no accommodation and adventure-makers who explore Rawalo Hills must venture to this off-the-beaten-circuit either from Siaya, Bondo or Yala. Nevertheless, Rawalo Hills provide the nature-lover an unusual flora and exemplar vantages of the western landscapes. It is necessary to carry plenty of drinking water and refreshments. Among the attraction here include: hiking to the upper reaches and then scrambling up huge boulders to the summit with rewarding out and out views of the countryside; exploring the series of caves; and sighting a small number of antelopes. For birders these hills are a breeding ground for owls. Rawalo Hills are culturally important landmarks. Situated just 5 kms outside the boundary with Kakamega County, these form the unofficial border between Nyanza and Western Provinces. Historically these served as a sacred shrine where locals from various communities gathered to talk and pray.

Atop Rawalo Hills. Image Courtesy of Kanyakoo Self Help Group

35. Huluwino Blacksmith Industry

14 kms from Yala Town along the B1 Kisumu-Busia Road you arrive at Malanga, shortly before Sidindi Center. At Malanga Village there is an opportunity to see the Huluwino blacksmiths at work, who have survived the antediluvian industry that relies mostly on sheer elbow grease and open flames. A visit to Huluwino Blacksmith Industry offers a rare opportunity to see this ancient and primordial craft in motion, as the seasoned blacksmiths use home-style but very laborious processes to produces a variety of products. Many of their antiquated finished products and fabricated weapons are also on display and available for purchase.

Spatial Location of Malanga Village in Siaya County

36. VIP Hotel Madeya

Hotels and restaurants in Siaya County are on the rise, and hotels in particular are getting better in their standard of hospitality by including quality amenities, standard rooms, meals and outdoors activities. Midpoint between Malanga and Sidindi – 17 kms from Yala Town – is VIP Hotel at Madeya, more proper Villa International Palace (VIP) and one of the recent additions in the hotel space in Siaya County that has, beyond doubt, made a name for itself. It offers different types of room layouts to suit the needs of various classes of travellers; Double Suite, Executive Suite and Standard Suite – all en-suite. The rooms are layed out around a capacious central lawn. Other highlights include a swimming pool, gym, kids play area, barbecue pit, fully-stocked bar and live bands on weekends.

37. Mahira Falls

The natural wonder of Mahira Falls nearby Sidindi is one of many lesser-known destinations in Siaya County. The 20 ms falls set hard in the winding pathways across from the villages is a restful and barely travelled spot. Among the things to do on the tour of Mahira Falls are exploring the countryside, walking around the falls and visiting VIP Hotel at Madeya – one of the popular accommodation option in Siaya County. Situated about 17 kms away is the fetching Godha Falls.

Mahira or Maira Falls in Siaya County. Image Courtesy of SCG

38. Godha Falls

From Sidindi it’s 17.5 kms through Ugunja to Ligega and the furthest center in Siaya County before reaching Bumala Town in Busia County. Not too far from Ligega Center through the villages is the delightful Godha Falls, which derives its name from the Luo idioms “Got or God” meaning “hill” and “Ha” translating to “the sound of falling water.” Godha, worth a visit soon after the rainy season in May, is great for sightseeing, with fine views of River Nzoia and rural villages.