A rural retreat in Bondo

By Maureen Odiwuor

Bondo, in Siaya County might not be the obvious choice for a holiday getaway but its tranquil environment is ideal for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Located just 60km from Kisumu, getting there is pretty straightforward, whether you opt to travel by air through Kisumu International Airport, take a bus or drive there. A road trip from Nairobi takes about seven hours.

Rustic Town

Once you get to this rustic town, it is immediately evident that the pace is very different from that of city life; a serene rhythm with no place for speeding matatus, deafening noise or congested streets. The clean air, so close to the lakeside, is like manna to smog-assaulted lungs.

Comfortable accommodation is also available. We stayed at the Pride Hotel, a short distance from the town centre, and were impressed by the quality of services offered.

The hotel, opened last December, is a dream come true for businesswoman Mary Okong’o, who says she was motivated by the lack of sufficient bed capacity in the area despite the many tourist attraction sites.

Famous Sons

She has done well, in terms of facilities as well as décor and location. Pride Hotel serves as an excellent base from which to visit interesting areas in Bondo and the greater Siaya.

The county boasts attractions such as Yala Swamp and Wetlands, Ndanu Falls on River Yala, Lake Kanyaboli (the second largest oxbow lake in Africa), Lake Victoria and Alego Kogelo, where US President Barrack Obama traces his roots. Alego Kogelo, where you can meet the grandmother to the area’s most famous son, is only 14km from Bondo.

Another renowned person from Bondo was Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, a prominent politician and Kenya’s first vice- president. At his mausoleum, one can learn much about not only the country’s history but about also the Luo community’s culture.

There is even a Luo Heroes Exhibition Centre, which contains information on other leaders, including Jaramogi’s sons, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Dr Oburu Oginga.

After the history lesson, a stopover at the lake, just a stone’s throw away, is the ideal way to unwind. There are numerous activities to choose from, including going on a canoe or motorboat ride, relaxing along the beach or going for nature walks.

Pilgrimage Site

Kit Mikayi, along the Kisumu- Bondo Road, is a landmark that the local communities take great pride in. It is a large rock formation, about 40 metres high, linked to ancient legends and mystical tales. The rocks are also a pilgrimage site for members of the Legio Maria sect, who gather there to fast and pray.

After all this activity, it is a relief that ‘home’, in the form of Pride Hotel, is close by. The cool cream walls and earthy brown and dark yellow interior is a reflection of the warm African hospitality that awaits guests.

Traditional Meals

After a nice long bath, a traditional meal made using locally sourced ingredients is the perfect way to end the day.

Their specialty is authentic local cuisine, including mouthwatering fresh fish from the lake, brown ugali and kienyeji chicken. Contemporary foods can also be made on order for those with more ‘urban’ tastes.

All this can be enjoyed in either one of two restaurants, one ideal for those with children and the other, with a bar, meant for adults.

There’s the option of having your meal on the balcony while enjoying the cool evening breeze and watching the sunset. Or you could book one of the cottages and make a meal to suit your taste; vegetables, fruits and different kinds of meat are plentiful and affordable.

Whatever you opt for, you are more than likely to enjoy your stay in Bondo.