Western Kenya at a glance WESTERN KENYA TOURISM

Western Kenya at a glance

WESTERN KENYA TOURISM CIRCUIT ATTRACTIONS EXAMPLES IN THE AREA • Parks, Reserves and Sanctuary -Kakamega forest Reserve, Ruma National Park (Roan antelope), -Ndere Island (birding, rock paintings and caves) -The Reserves are and Chepkitale near Mt. Elgon - The sanctuary is Kisumu Impala • Mausoleum -Jaramogi Oginga Odinga (Bondo), -Kijana Wamalwa (Kitale) and -Tom Mboya ( Rusinga) • Museum - Kisumu and Thimlich Ohinga UNESCO heritage site • Pre-historic sites - Pre-historic sites are Kanam (Kendu Bay) and land formations - Rocks include Mwibale (Bungoma), Weeping stones (Kakamega) Tabaka Soap stone (Kisii)and Kit Mikay (Kisumu Bondo rd) - Waterfalls in the region are Gogo and Odino falls & Sondu Muriu Power Project • Beaches Homabay - Rusinga Island & Takawiri Island Water sports

Kenya’s Top experiences Nature & Wildlife Adventure & Sports Cultural Communities The Coast Cities Iconic Safaris Hiking & Trekking Cultural encounters / festivals Swahili culture & dhow trips Vibrant cities: Nairobi & Mombasa Lakes of Kenya: Birding paradise The Wildebeest Migration Running & Biking Kenya’s desert experience Pristine beaches & charming towns Water sports and marine life in Kenya’s Coral Coast

Potential experiences Category of Top Experiences What’s available Nature & Wildlife Ruma National Park, Birding in Kakamega Forest, Mt. Elgon N. P, L. Victoria, L. Simbi Nyaima, Tea farms in kericho Adventure & Sports Hiking, Trekking, Running, Biking – Kakamega forest, Mt. Elgon N. P, Nandi Hills, Trans Nzoia, Kakamega Marathon, Jumbo Charge in Mt. Elgon N. P Cultural Communities Cultural encounters, homestays, ecotourism and festivals in the region e. g. Isambo cultural festival and Rusinga Cultural Festival The Lakeside Beaches and water sports in Takawiri Island, Homabay, Rusinga Island, and Mfangano Island, fishing villages Cities Kisumu Where

… Experiences that occupy a person’s attention Absorption Edutainment To learn Active participation Escapist To do Entertainment To see Aesthetic To be there Immersion …involvement in the experience Passive participation

Experiences that are aligned to Magical Kenya's Brand Promise 1 2 Intimate and responsible connection with nature Diversity of wildlife in breathtaking landscapes 3 Enriching cultural encounters with friendly people 4 Barefoot luxury, even in remote locations 5 6 Multi-experience coastline Vibrant cities for passive and active pursuits 7 Exhilarating activities inland on the coast

Sample Signature Experiences Hero Tours From Farm to Cup, Nandi Tea Tours Attend the Rusinga Cultural Festival Fishing Tours Walk with Kakamega Forest Local dishes Experience Candlelit dinner on Lakeside Learn Watersports at the Equator

Case Study: Local culinary delight Arrival of the guests Welcome cocktail as nyatiti player sings in the background soothing sounds from the region Guests involved in selection of fish that they will eat and the various condiments Join the expert chef in preparing the meal amidst laughter and stories of the local people. Guests get to actively learn how to prepare the local dish as well as the culture and lifestyle of the local community Sundowner against the magnificent sunset as the chef does the final finishes to the dish before serving. Guests move to the dinner venue, set at the jetty/ beach Enjoyment of the expertly prepared local delights - alfresco dining as the sounds of the rhumba/ Benga music fills the air Enjoy rhumba / Benga music as they dance the night away

Sample itineraries for the region 1. Adventure : Kisumu – Mount Elgon – Kakamega - Mfangano – Kisumu (Hiking, Walking, Fishing) 2. Birding Safari: Kisumu – Kakamega – Mfangano & Rusinga – Kisumu 3. Nature & Wildlife Safari: Kisumu – Kakamega Forest - Mt. Elgon - Saiwa Swamp N. P – Ruma National Park – Kisumu (Extend to the Maasai Mara, based on proximity) 4. City Breaks – Kisumu (Food, Music, Dance) – Day trips to Kakamega 5. Sports – Kisumu – Kakamega – Kitale (Golf, Walking, Hiking, Running)- Kisumu 6. Culture & Ecotourism – Kisumu – Rusinga (Rusinga Cultural Festival)- Mfangano Island (fishing villages and heritage)- Siaya Homestay experience and visit to Kogelo - Kisumu