Best safari places to visit in Migori County
Best safari places to visit in Migori County : Migori County is found in the Western Kenya’s sugar belt wetlands, which are essentially at the centre of the African tropics. Nonetheless, the county’s high elevation and Lake Victoria breeze contribute to its pleasant weather. After Kisumu, Migori County is the most populous area in Nyanza in terms of population.
This western county can be visited for a safari tour by both locals and visitors to Migori County can spend their free time and plan family outings at the many tourist sites and recreation centres available to them. The top attractions in Migori County are listed below, not in any particular order.
Ibencho
This Hills is situated at an elevation of 1,277 metres in the greater Migori County, Ibencho Hills Sanctuary is a first-rate private wildlife conservation area. It is the landmark at the border between Tanzania and Kenya on the west. It is part of the larger Mara ecosystem, Ibencho Hills boasts an almost ideal microclimate. In addition to a respectable resident animal population, this kenya safari sanctuary is home to more than 200 species of birds ,making it a birding safari in Migori. In 2017, the Ibencho Hills Sanctuary was established to conserve the alarming fall in populations of antelopes, leopards, olive baboons, spotted hyenas, and vervet monkeys. Huge native trees that provided a rain collection system for the Ibencho Hills and served as a source of alternative medicine were being felled by the hour to make way for cultivation and human habitation.
Gogo Falls
Situated in the Lake Victoria Basin lies the archaeological site known as Gogo Falls. Because it contains some of the earliest examples of artefacts and domestic animals in the region, this site is significant to archaeology. Reconstructing the later prehistory around Lake Victoria is made easier by the discoveries made at the location. Pottery and iron artefacts were among the items discovered at the location. These artefacts helped uncover some of the cultural practices of the people who lived close to Gogo Falls. Situated on the Kanyamkago Hillside, next to the contemporary dam on the Kuja River’s west bank, lies the archaeological site. Pre-Cambrian rocks are what formed the Kanyamkago Hills. Although the current dam is somewhat near Gogo Falls, none of the nearby falls were created by it; instead, all of the falls originated naturally. This is a great place for the locals to collect fish.
Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site
The Thimlich Ohinga archaeological site, which the local Dholuo people refer to as the “frightening dense forest,” is home to a local Nilotic community. The 16th century is most likely when the enclosure made of loose stones and blocks without treatment or mortar was constructed. The materials discovered at the site have an archaeological record spanning more than 500 years. Indeed, the largest and best maintained of these kinds of traditional enclosures is Thimlich Ohinga. It is a unique example of the huge dry-stone walled enclosure tradition typical of the early pastoral communities that lived there between the 16th and the mid-20th century in the Lake Victoria Basin. 2018 saw the designation of Thimlich Ohinga as the newest World Heritage site in Kenya.
Got Kwer
The name Got Kwero richo (Dholuo for Hill of Repentance) is shortened to Got Kwer. The peace of Legio Maria sect headquarters, Got Kwer in Migori County, is all too evident. The 20-acre hill that the shrine is located on, which is now popular among religious tourists, has a serene feel about it. Given that Ondeto, the founder of Got Kwer, is buried there, the community refers to it as Calvary. There are various shrines at the location, each with an altar. They put pictures of Jesus, his mother Mary, Ondeto, and Maria on these. The doctrines of the group are a synthesis of Luo and Catholic culture. The majority of its leaders reside there, and the deceased are interred there as well.
The location has now been improved, and the massive stone mausoleum of the sect’s founder, Ondeto, who passed away 28 years ago, is almost finished. The mountainous, rocky location now has street lights built by the county and the federal government, enlivening the little rural village and allowing the devout to pray long into the night. The site’s access roads have also been upgraded by the county.
Treat House Resort
The best place to stop on your upcountry road trip is at Rongo town’s Treat House Resort. If your children enjoy playing in the grass, you’ll love the expansive areas and evergreen lawns. The new wing of The Resorts has family rooms that are sufficiently roomy for a family vacation. The hotel offers plenty of rooms at rates between Ksh 2500 and Ksh 10,000 per night, as well as large grounds ideal for staging events. On one of those scorching afternoons, the swimming pool is a wonderful respite for a quick dip. A children’s playground is located close to the kid-only swimming pool. Before you return to the road, your kids will enjoy playing on the swings, slides, and trampoline.
Migori airstrip
Migori airstrip is located close to Migori town, one of Kenya’s fastest-growing and most cosmopolitan cities. It is a thriving commercial hub for the entire nation as well as the Lake Region. Situated on a 1.2-hectare plot of ground, the airfield is roughly 22 kilometres from the Kenya-Tanzania border and 8.3 kilometres from Migori town. Migori Airstrip was restored by Kenya Airport Authority as part of their plan to welcome the nation’s expanding aviation sector to the area. There is a 1.1 km runway which was later extended to 1.2 km as part of the two-phase repair, and it was tarmacked to the necessary specifications. On September 13, 2023, the airstrip received its first flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi and landed at Lichota Airstrip in Migori County.
Three times a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, local airline Skyward Express runs the route. Fares start at Ksh 7,600.
Mugabo Beach in Muhuru-Bay (L. Victoria)
Magnificent stones comprise the Mugabo region and the broader Muhuru Bay; some of the boulders extend into the neighbouring Lake Victoria. As they emerge from the crystal-clear blue waters off Mugabo beach, the rocks that litter the lake’s waters create a breathtaking image. You must arrange a boat ride from fisherman at the Mugabo centre if you want to take in this breathtaking panorama. Individual differences exist in the cost of the boat journeys, but how you are charged will rely on how well you negotiate. You will pay Ksh 200 (about $2) for this trip, which includes a one-hour ride around Mugabo Beach.
Sironga Beach
Sironga Beach, which is situated near Lake Victoria, is a serene area for swimming and unwinding. It’s a great spot to relax and take in the beauty of the lake.