Travel & holidays
Things to do in Western Kenya and Lake Victoria, county by county
Kakamega Forest, Kisumu and Lake Victoria, Rusinga and Mfangano islands, Thim Lich Ohinga and Mount Elgon: what to see and do in Western Kenya.
Western Kenya & Lake Victoria covers 10 counties: Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira. Highlights include Kakamega Forest, Maragoli Hills, Mount Elgon National Park.
About the region
Western Kenya is green, fertile and less visited than the rest of the country. Lake Victoria is Africa's largest lake, and Kisumu, on its shore, is the region's main city. Kakamega Forest is Kenya's only tropical rainforest, and Thim Lich Ohinga in Migori is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Getting there and around
Kisumu has an international airport with frequent flights from Nairobi. Buses link Kisumu with Kakamega, Kisii, Homa Bay and the Uganda border at Busia and Malaba. Boats and ferries serve the lake islands.
County by county
Kakamega
County 37 · headquarters: Kakamega
- Kakamega Forest: Kenya's only tropical rainforest, with primates and hundreds of bird species.
- Crying Stone of Ilesi: A famous rock formation on the Kisumu road.
- Bullfighting in Ikolomani: A traditional community event, held seasonally.
Vihiga
County 38 · headquarters: Mbale
- Maragoli Hills: Rolling green hills and farmland.
Few formal attractions are listed yet. Local research is needed.
Bungoma
County 39 · headquarters: Bungoma
- Mount Elgon National Park: Caves including Kitum Cave, forest and hiking.
- Bungoma town: Gateway to Mount Elgon and the Uganda border.
Busia
County 40 · headquarters: Busia
- Port Victoria: A fishing town on the shores of Lake Victoria.
- Busia border town: Main road crossing into Uganda.
Kisumu
County 42 · headquarters: Kisumu
- Lake Victoria and Dunga Beach: Boat rides, sunsets and fresh fish.
- Kisumu Impala Sanctuary: A small lakeside sanctuary for an easy wildlife walk.
- Kit Mikayi: A striking rock formation with cultural significance.
- Kisumu Museum: A National Museums of Kenya site with a traditional homestead.
Siaya
County 41 · headquarters: Siaya
- Nyang'oma Kogelo: The ancestral home of Barack Obama's family.
- Lake Kanyaboli and Yala Swamp: Wetland birdwatching near Lake Victoria.
Homa Bay
County 43 · headquarters: Homa Bay
- Ruma National Park: Kenya's only home of the roan antelope.
- Rusinga and Mfangano islands: Island life, rock art and the Tom Mboya mausoleum.
- Simbi Nyaima: A crater lake steeped in local legend.
Migori
County 44 · headquarters: Migori
- Thim Lich Ohinga: Dry-stone enclosures, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Gogo Falls: Falls on the Migori River.
Kisii
County 45 · headquarters: Kisii
- Tabaka soapstone carvers: Watch artisans carve the famous Kisii soapstone.
Nyamira
County 46 · headquarters: Nyamira
- Highland tea country: Green hills and tea farms.
Few formal attractions are listed yet. Local research is needed.
Before you go
Opening hours, entry fees and event dates change, so check them with the operator, the Kenya Wildlife Service or the county government before you travel. Places in this guide were last checked on 19 Oct 2026. If something has changed, tell us.
Frequently asked questions
What can I do in Kisumu?
Take a boat ride and eat fresh fish at Dunga Beach, visit the Impala Sanctuary and Kisumu Museum, and see Kit Mikayi.
What is special about Kakamega Forest?
It's Kenya's only tropical rainforest, home to primates and hundreds of bird species. Guided walks are the best way to see it.
How do I get to Rusinga and Mfangano islands?
Rusinga is linked to the mainland at Mbita by a causeway. Mfangano is reached by boat from Mbita.
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service — park entry fees
- National Museums of Kenya
- Magical Kenya — Kenya Tourism Board
Links are for reference only. METRIKA is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by these organisations.
Last reviewed 19 Oct 2026. METRIKA gives estimates and general information, not financial, tax, legal or immigration advice.