Here is a list of the best places to visit in Kisii County. A hilly topography with several ridges and valleys characterizes Kisii County (also known as Getembe or Bosongo). The county is dissected by permanent rivers that flow westward into Lake Victoria. Among the notable ones are Kuja, Mogusii, Riana, and Iyabe rivers.
Kisii shares common borders with Nyamira County to the north, Narok County to the south, and Homabay and Migori Counties to the west. Without further ado, here is a list of the best places to visit in Kisii County.
List Of Best Places To Visit In Kisii County
1. Tabaka Soapstone Mining and Carvings
Tabaka is about 24 kilometres from Kisii town and is known for its unique Kisii soapstone rocks. It is a labor-intensive process that uses little to no machinery. Instead, miners work with shovels, picks, axles, and machetes to dig out large soapstone chunks. Soapstone is mined and then shaped into various household accents. Craftsmen do this work with simple tools. Large knives, known as pangas, cut large soapstone rocks into smaller pieces. Hammers, chisels, files, and smaller knives are used for more detailed work. Craftsmen sometimes soak soapstone in water to soften it and make it easier to carve.
When a piece is finished, it is sanded and polished. Depending on the artwork, soapstone can also be dyed and painted in vibrant colors. Men are in charge of mining and carving, while women are in charge of sanding, dyeing, painting, and polishing. Tabaka in Kisii County is the primary source of soapstone in Kenya. You can purchase several soapstone carvings at affordable prices.
2. Rigena Ria Kwamboka
Rigena Ria Kwamboka, found in Boncharia, is one of the unique rock features in the county. The huge rock lies on top of a smaller rock and swings when pushed. However, it cannot fall, even when pushed harder. The rock served as a communication centre when the community needed to be alerted of an occurrence. Circumcision rituals were also conducted here.
3. Manga Hills
Hiking and sightseeing adventures are ideal on the hill. The hills also divide Kisii and Nyamira counties. Kisii Town is 8 kilometres away. Manga Hills, which spans 100 acres, is a popular tourist destination that brings a new sense of cultural significance to the Abagusii people. The site is most notable for being a sacred monument listed in Kenya’s National Museums. It provides a panoramic view of Lake Victoria’s waters, which are visible from about 60 kilometres away at Homabay.
Standing on top of the rocks called Rigena rie Manga, one can easily see the beautiful landscapes of the Southern parts of Kisii up to the lake regions. The ridge also has an endless hole called Engoro ya Manga, which is believed to have been connected to Lake Victoria. Therefore, care is required from those touring the area to avoid potential accidents. Manga vegetation also makes it ideal for nature trails as well, where you can breathe in the fresh air and listen to the birds chirp, something you don’t get to do in busy, chaotic cities.
4. Kamel Park Hotel
The state-of-the-art facility is located some twenty minutes away from Kisii town and has some of the most luxurious amenities that a resort can provide. The Kamel Park Hotel is a great definition of tranquillity because of its wonderful location, which provides its guests with a unique experience each time they visit the hotel. The high altitude that surrounds Kamel Park Hotel creates an ideal environment for relaxation and recreation. The hotel offers a breathtaking view of Kisii Town and its surroundings.
First, there is a helipad, so their guests can arrive and depart whenever they want without having to worry about traffic jams. From corporate meetings, weddings, retreats, and award ceremonies to holiday parties and everything in between, Kamel Park Hotel is Kisii’s leading events venue. Their Elegant and flexible spaces, spacious grounds, and ballroom will elevate your event or function and leave a lasting impression on you and your attendees.
The hotel has invested greatly in the swimming pool, to ensure that the guests get the best. Their tremendous swimming pool is characterized by a baby pool, where free floaters are offered, they also have two of their swimming pools heated, hence endurable in all weather conditions; and, of course, a very beautiful waterfall.
5. Masabo Hill
Masabo Hill is located in the town of Nyariba Masaba. According to legend, the hill was named after a Dutch missionary. To prevent soil erosion, the missionaries constructed wooden gabions along the Mogonga River, which are still in place. Masabo Hill is unique because it grows thatching grass, which is used to build traditional houses and shrines.
6. Tara Prehistoric Site
Tara Prehistoric Site is located in South Mugirango and dates back more than 100 years. The site was preserved to showcase the earlier inhabitants’ rock drawings and paintings.
7. Sameta Hill
Sameta Hill is 17.3 kilometres away from Kisii Town. Sameta Hill is the highest point in Kisii County, with a forested summit that was once used as a shrine. The residents believed that simply visiting the hill and offering sacrifices would bless them. The hill also offers excellent opportunities for hiking and sightseeing of other beautiful scenery in Kisii County and beyond.
8. Kisii Sports Club
The Kisii Sports Club was started in 1914. The club has a nine-hole course, with its fairways and greens covered with local grass. The course measures 5,703 yards for men and 4,847 yards for women, with a par of 70 for both. The club has a heated pool to accommodate you in case of high humidity. If you want to burn some calories, their well-equipped gym will not disappoint. It’s simply the ideal place to unwind or vent about the stresses of the week. There is also an on-site restaurant that serves a variety of sumptuous meals to satisfy your appetite after a day of high-energy activities.
Kisii Golf Club Contacts
Phone: 020 2589778
9. Manga Caves
Before visiting the holes at Manga Caves and Hills, the community believes that a knot of grass must be tied, or else the spirits will haunt you after you leave. The community believes the ancestors lived in various holes and caves on the Manga hills. These are extremely deep holes. One of the holes, legend has it, connects to Lake Victoria. According to legend, a white man threw a dog into the hole, and it emerged from Lake Victoria.
10. Nyakwana Waterfall
These breathtaking falls are located on the River Gucha. The River Gucha originates in the Kiabonyoru highlands. Nyakwana waterfall, also known as “Ekeera” by locals in Kisii County’s Nyaribari Chache constituency, is a stunning natural resource with a long history. Couples walk hand in hand on a typical day, whispering heartfelt words to one another as residents arrive with their fishing rods for the day’s catch. The Nyakwana River is large and calm enough for teenage boys and girls to swim in.
11. Nyangweta Forest
Nyangweta Forest is located in the southern part of Gucha and is one of the most important tourist attractions in Kisii. It is a vast piece of land that stretches for 104 hectares of pure, lush vegetation. Nothing compares to the sensation of trekking through such a dense forest, from the serenity and tranquillity to the sheer change in scenery. Because the forest is home to numerous bird species, bird watching should be your first activity. The green vegetation also makes an excellent backdrop for photography sessions.
12. River Gucha
The River Gucha flows from the Mogonga Highlands to Lake Victoria. The river creates a scenic view that will captivate you. The river well serves the surrounding community and is also an ideal location for water adventures. Locals frequently dive into the waters, especially on hot days. After swimming, they take a walk along the banks and listen to the sounds made by the water as it rushes by.
13. Nyamasibi Hills
The Nyamasibi hills are approximately 2100 metres high, so going up will stretch your muscles and provide an unparalleled view of the vast Kisii land and its surroundings. Furthermore, you can set up camp for a night or two, listen to the crickets outside at night, and breathe in the cool breeze.
14. Nyamarambe Waterfall
The only waterfall in the region has cave-like special features that act as tourist attraction sites.
15. Humphreys Hill House
The house is located at Kiang’anyo Hill, which is within the Kisii Township. Abagusii people consider the hill a sacred place where rituals and other important community activities are performed. The hill also provides spectacular views of the fast-growing Kisii town and it is the ideal place to watch sunsets.
Services Offered:
Humphreys Hill House in Kisii offers a range of amenities, including a garden, shared lounge, restaurant, and bar. This luxurious 5-star hotel provides concierge service, luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and free WiFi throughout the property. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, and some rooms offer a stunning city view. Bed linen and towels are provided in every room. Guests can also indulge in a buffet breakfast and take advantage of the sun terrace at Humphreys Hill House.
Room Rates:
| Room Type | Cost |
| The tea room (Standard suite)—Double | Ksh 15,000 |
| Deluxe superior suite–Single | Ksh 15,500 |
| Deluxe superior suite–Double | Ksh 22,000 |
| Rooftop suite–Double | Ksh 22,000 |
| Family duplex suite–3 to 4 guest | Ksh 30,000 |
| Presidential suite – 3 to 4 guest | Ksh 70,000 |
Humphreys Hill House Contact
Email: humphreyshillhouse@gmail.com
Phone: +254 769 683 706
Other places to visit include;
- Nyanchwa Hills (Ekerore)
- Kiong’anyo Hills
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