Kendu Bay on the shores of Lake Victoria

Kendu Bay lies on the shores of Lake Victoria. The water shapes the town’s geographical setting; nearby, Lake Simbi offers a different perspective on the landscape. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Kendu Bay, you can first consider whether your trip is focused mainly on the lakeshore, or also on birdwatching and the traditions surrounding Lake Simbi.

Between Lake Victoria and Lake Simbi

Lake Simbi is a few kilometres from Kendu Bay Town, off the Homa Bay–Katito road. The alkaline lake therefore differs from Lake Victoria, on whose shores Kendu Bay lies, even in how it is described. These two connections with the water provide a concrete frame of reference: the town itself is characterised by its location on the great lake, while Lake Simbi is a separate destination nearby.

Lake Simbi and the neighbouring Odango areas are home to numerous birds. These include flamingos, little grebes, little egrets, and Egyptian geese; the area is suitable for birdwatching. Those interested in birds will find a special connection with nature here, alongside Kendu Bay’s lakeshore setting.

Simbi Nyaima: the lake and Luo tradition

Lake Simbi is also associated with a Luo tradition: Simbi Nyaima is explained as “the village that sank.” The story is about a village at the site of the present-day lake. According to the tradition, it disappeared in a violent storm after its residents refused an elderly woman shelter and food. This story is part of the oral interpretation of the place; it is a traditional tale, not a historical account of the lake’s origins.

Another local tradition holds that Lake Simbi’s water is used to treat skin conditions. This should be understood as a traditional practice, not as a medical claim or recommendation. For visitors, the lake is thus associated both with a natural setting and with stories passed down by the local community.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kendu Bay, you can use your preferred focus for the trip as a guide: the lakeshore setting describes the town itself, while birdwatching and the stories about Simbi relate to Lake Simbi and its nearby surroundings. This can help you decide which of these themes you want your trip to centre on, without conflating the two places.

If you are mainly interested in the landscape around Lake Victoria, Kendu Bay’s location is the natural starting point for your plans. If alkaline Lake Simbi, its birdlife, or the Luo tradition is your main focus, include the surrounding area in your plans as well.

Homa Bay in the wider context

In the wider destination of Homa Bay, Ruma National Park offers another natural and historical context. The area was protected as a game reserve in 1966 under its former name, Lambwe Valley, and was later upgraded to national park status.

Mfangano Island is also part of the Homa Bay context. It has 36 sacred sites, 19 of which remain intact and can still be found. The rock art on the island may be about 2,000 years old and is attributed to early Twa hunter-gatherer groups. Mfangano is known for its ancient rock art and sacred sites. The island is also home to the Abasuba Community Peace Museum, which promotes rock art tourism on the islands of Lake Victoria.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mbita, Homa Bay, Kadongo.

Go to the main travel overview: Homa Bay.