13/04/2026
Places worth visiting in Homabay County.
1. RUMA NATIONAL PARK
This park promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace. It is also Kenyaβs last remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope. The birdlife is exceptional. It is only park in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded. Animals in Ruma include Rhino, Girrafe, buffalo, antelopes, cheetah etc
2. SIMBI NYAIMA LAKE WITH FLAMINGOS
Located near Kendubay this small lake has flamingos.
3. ABUNDU HOT SPRINGS.
Located in Homa Hills near Kendubay it features pools of super-heated water, connected to a hot underground source, with steam hissing and bubbling up constantly. You can see the bubbles of water and steam boiling up through the channel or spout-hole naturally. The salty water oozed from this area is hot enough to cook any kind of food. The area is abit neglected. The county government should consider upgrading and marketing the place to a tourist destination
4. MBASA/BIRDS ISLAND
These are two small twin islands, popularly known as Birds Island that are not inhabited by people. Mbasa Island is right in the middle of the lake in between Mbita mainland and Takawiri Island.
Mbasa is home to a wide variety of wetland birds, including long-tailed cormorants (which have a breeding colony here), fish eagles, marsh harriers and little white egrets. Bird concentrations are thickest at sunset, when birds return to roost. To get here youβll need to arrange for a boat ride. The islands are accessible 20 mins from Mbita Mainland by speed boat.
5. MFANGANO ROCK ART
Mfangano Island, rising 300m out of the lake near the Kenyan shore, is home to some of the most prominent rock painting sites in the country, featuring abstract patterned paintings thought to have been created between 1,000 and 4,000 years ago by hunter-gatherers. The rock paintings on Mfangano Island are found at two principal sites: in a cave near the sea known as Mawanga, and at a rock shelter further inland called Kwitone
6. SANDY BEACHES WITH A COASTAL FEEL
Homabay County is the home to Takawiri Island. A small island located between Mbita Mainland and Mfangano Island. The island features sandy beaches with a natural beach transition. Access is by waterbus or speedboat boat or wooden motor boats
7. STEEP HILLS SUITABLE FOR HIKING
Gwasi Hills in Suba south, Gera Hills in Suba north and Mfangano Island are perfect elevations that will challenge any seasoned hiker.
8. TOM MBOYA MAUSOLEUM
The resting place for Tom Mboya locted in Rusinga Island.
Victoria Sands will help you plan all these excursions.