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The manga hills is found in both Nyamira and Kisii county whereby Nyamira county takes the top of the cliff while Kisii takes the lower case.

This hill is associated by the Abagusii community and they call it the Emanga ridge. Standing on this hill, one can see beautiful landscapes of the southern parts of Kisii up to the lake region.

The Manga hills as several historical facts and for someone who loves history wouldn’t want to miss out knowing the Abagusii beliefs. The hill has an endless hole called Engoro ya manga which is believed to have connected to the great Lake Victoria.

It is believed that during the migrations, the Abagusii people first settled in this hill before they moved to other parts of Kisii. This hill is full of caves and massive rocks that served to the people as places of shelter and and they could spot the enemy during attacks.

Manga hills served as the first court and during the colonial era, the first court was called Ritongo and was useful in settling disputes and negotiating dowry prices.

This hill is considered sacred/holy place and it has procedures to follow for all who want to see it. One has to tie a bundle of green grass then collect some pieces of firewood which are thrown into the hole so that ancestors allow the access. It is also here that community elders come to offer sacrifices and offerings to their ancestors when faced with disasters such as drought, famine and floods.

It is believed that when the region becomes very hot and dry, the ridge will burn itself and then there will be heavy rains. It  is believed that at night the residents, see fire burning bushes but when they visit the place the following day, they won’t see any damage caused by the mysterious fire.

Ever thought of changing your gender to the opposite one? Then make a trip to Nzambani Rock in Kitui.

Locally known as ‘Ivia ya Nzambani’, it is a stone outcrop standing approximately 183m above the ground. The rock is situated about 8km from Kitui town along the rough Kitui-Mutitu road.

Tales surrounding the rock have since become a source of curiosity, attracting many tourists.

It is believed that anyone who goes around the rock seven times changes into a member of the opposite sex. This tale has been passed from one generation to another, but it is clear that no one has ever tried to go round the rock seven times. There are many other tales as to how the rock came into being.

The rock is undoubtedly one of the country’s largest stone outcrops.

How did it come to existence?

“There was nothing here. It was a forest where people came to graze and look for firewood, but one day, three girls came looking for firewood, and one of the girls found a round stone, which she picked and hid in her chest so she could take it to her grandparents to use for pounding tobacco.”

The girls were dressed in animal skin, as there were no clothes. After some time, the girl realized it was growing big and heavy, and she had to stop collecting firewood. When the rest of the girls came, they found that their friend had turned into a rock apart from the head.

Her name was Nzambaa. She told her friends what happened and requested they help her, but they were not able as it was already getting dark and there were wild animals. The girls went to Nzambaa’s home and narrated to her parent, who went together with them and also tried to save the daughter, but it was impossible. Elders met and sacrificed a black sheep, which also failed to recover her.

The next day, they came back and found she had completely turned to rock. That is how Nzambani came to existence. The place has been used as a sacrificial place, especially when it was not raining.

The question that runs through everyone’s mind is: Has anyone ever changed their gender after going round seven times?

“One day, a boy said he wanted to be a woman as he felt women were treated better than men. When he approached the elders, he was told to go round the rock seven times very early in the morning. He did that all alone and by evening he had turned into a woman.”

Residents claim the stone is growing due to its shining allure and the undeniable fact that despite the trees around continue to grow throughout the years, they never surpass the rock’s height.

Rusinga island is found south-west of Kenya in Lake Victoria and is located in Homabay county. The island is linked to the main land by a causeway which invites you to the beautiful island with a view of the lake. The island is home to the Abasuba community also known as Suba.

Rusinga island is known for the discovery of the first fossils of the proconsul, an early ape and they were found by the explores Mary and Louis Leakey.

Rusinga island has different attractions which one wouldn’t want to miss out. This island gives a perfect mid-safari break and gets you to enjoy the coastal feeling for its clean sand beaches, onshore winds, get to swim against the tides, boating activities and enjoy the sunrise and sunset views. Rusinga is a home for wildlife which are found different parks example Ruma national park which is a home for the endangered roan antelope and the blue shallow which are rare intra-african migrant, El-molo crocodile park and the Ndere island national park. Rusinga island is home for 400 bird species.

What’s a visit without learning about the culture of the host community? Historians get to learn about the great Politian Tom Mboya where his grave is in a beautiful mausoleum and William X Schenmans grave who was a best friend to Tom Mboya and believed to be a best friend to Kenya.  Learn about the Abasuba festivals that occurs yearly on the Thursday and Friday before Christmas. Get to enjoy the traditional cuisines of the Suba people- delicious tilapia fish and the Nile Pearch fresh from the lake, participate in traditional sports and dance.

Rusinga island has sister inlands which are Mfangano island which is famous for the ancient rock-art and the Takawiri island which is coast away from the coastal region and the bird island which is home to the migrant birds over 300 birds.

Souvenir shopping is one of the true joys of traveling. It’s part of the fun of exploring a new place, and finding that perfect gem to remind you of a cherished city or experience. Here are some picks of Nairobi’s top specialty and souvenir shops.

Utamaduni Crafts Centre

Utamaduni is a Swahili word which means cultural heritage. Created by British Anthropologist, Richard Leakey, Utamaduni is a collection of local artisans who have come together in one place to sell their items. Utamaduni crafts center is a converted Kikuyu house containing about 18 arts and crafts shops. The unique selection of shops has a vast collection of items for sale. The craft center is a treasure trove of African crafts, antiques and art, with friendly staff to assist and help pack or ship if needed. The shops include those selling:

• antique jewelry
• Khangas, Kikoys and clothing made from both
• beaded plates, glasses, coaster, jewelry, wall hanging
• Kiondos (Kenyan baskets)
• leather bags & belts
• Kisii Soapstone
• African book & map shop
• local foodstuff
• wooden bowls and figurines
• kids clothing, toys and books

Maasai Market

The Maasai Market is a cutting-edge show of an indigenous people’s culture and way of life. The Maasai market, like most places in Africa, is a very vivacious space and can be a bit overwhelming for newbies. Kenyans are very entrepreneurial and the artisans, who come from a variety of communities, naturally want your business. Expect to be called and coaxed with promises of the ‘best price’ or ‘best quality’

For the ultimate breath of culture and color, the Masai Market gives you the opportunity to buy authentic African art, handcrafted beaded jewelry and clothing as souvenirs, gifts and even decorating material you could use for your home back in your country. At very affordable prices, you can purchase as many products as possible and at the same time promote local handicraft businesses.

Here you can buy:

• Maasai Sandals
• Maasai market Jewelry ranging from brass to beads, and you can find some really cool stuff
• Kenyan bracelets beaded in the Kenyan national colors, which locals also wear
• Maasai Shukas
• Kiondos (Kenyan baskets) and bags
• Artwork & Carvings

Nairobi City Market

City Market is a shrouded market situated in the Central Business District. This spot is a most loved both with local people and tourists. Here, you will find everything you need – fresh fruit, vegetables and verdure, beautiful flowers, newspapers, clothes, accessories, and fascinating local handicraft such as pretty Masai jewelry, woodcarving, national musical instruments, colored wraps, a warrior mask or an animal-inspired mask and bright fabrics. And all this at bargain prices.

Zanzibar Curio Shop

This hidden gem offers a great choice of local crafts. Carvings made from soapstone, or what the locals call Kisii stone, are available in a number of forms and designs, from vases and decorative art to dishes and other practical items you can use around the house. You can also shop for wickers, soapstone figurines, local semi-precious stones, hand-made beads.

Batik Heritage Store

This fascinating art gallery has an impressive array of colorful batiks, many of which are available to buy. The eye-catching designs are made by applying wax and dyes to the textile. Originally, batiks were only used to decorate clothing but can now be found on wall hangings, paintings and even throws. Traditional Kenyan batiks often have tribal designs and pictures of animals or the countryside. Batiks are made using different techniques, including stencils, etching and brush painting. The more intricate the design, the more you can expect to pay for it.

Biashara Street

Biashara Street means business street in Swahili. The street is the home of Nairobi textiles a hodge podge of fabric stores, and baby wear shops located in the centre of town, in the Central Business District. Here you can shop for brightly patterned kanga cloth, colorfully striped kikoys and bold wax fabrics of Western Africa.

Located in the Langata suburb of Nairobi, Kenya, the Carnivore Restaurant is a meat-lovers paradise. Serving Kenya’s famous Nyama Choma (barbecued meat), it has twice held the honor of being named “one of the best restaurants in the world”. It is must stop on your African safari.

The Carnivore has been an icon for tourists, expats and locals for decades. At the entrance is a huge barbecue pit laden with real swords of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and farmed game meats such as crocodile and ostrich. It’s a memorable night out.

Carnivore’s specialty is meat, and features an all-you-can-eat meat buffet. The all you can eat meat buffet is called The Beast of a Feast. This includes four courses: soup, salad, meats, and dessert. The barbecued meats are the main attraction. Served are various cuts of beef, chicken, pork, and lamb as well as farm-raised ostrich and crocodile. One can choose instead to order off a menu with dishes such as chicken pot pie, beef and pork ribs, burgers, and sandwiches.

UK magazine Restaurant named Carnivore one of the 50 best restaurants in the world in 2002 and 2003, when you could dine here on exotic game meats. Its legend seemed assured. In recent years, however, strict new hunting laws mean that zebra, hartebeest, kudu and the like are now off the menu, and you have to be content with camel, ostrich and crocodile in addition to more standard offerings.

There is also a signature cocktail called dawa. Dawa means medicine in Kiswahili but it tastes much better than any medicine. It is composed of a healthy shot of vodka, lime, sugar, and crushed ice.

For those looking for a fun night, you can head to the adjoining nightclub called Simba Saloon where you put on your dancing shoes to the latest tunes – from contemporary African music to hip-hop, rock and jazz.

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Nairobi, Kiambethu tea farm nestles itself at 7200 feet, high up in Limuru.

Located about thirty kilometers from Nairobi, Kiambethu has been the family home of one of the earliest tea growers in Kenya. The farm dates back to 1910 and the present house, set amidst colorful gardens, has been home to four generations.

The original home of AB McDonell, the first person to grow, make and sell tea commercially in Kenya, is open to the public, providing a tranquil insight into life, on a settler farm.

Kiambethu Tea Farm is one of Kenya’s oldest tea farms. It’s a family run business run by Marcus and Fiona Mitchell and it is possible to arrange a ‘tea luncheon’ with them. You can go, get a fabulous tour of the farm and learn the history of tea making in Kenya as well as of their farm and then get a home cooked meal.

You can also take a walk in the indigenous forest with the resident Kenyan guide who will identify the plants and explain how they are traditionally used. You will see the Colobus monkeys close up and wander in the gardens, which are home to a wide variety of birds. When you return to the house, you will enjoy a pre-lunch drink on the veranda with sweeping views across the tea fields to the Ngong Hills. Lunch is prepared with vegetables from the garden and desserts are topped with cream from the herd of Channel Island cows on the farm.

The Cradle of Mankind

Sibiloi National Park also known as cradle of mankind is a spectacular national park covering 1570 sq kilometers of magnificent landscape sceneries, the park is very important as it has got some of the world’s oldest remains of mankind.

Sibiloi National Park is situated on the eastern shores of the lake, near the Ethiopian border in the North Eastern shore of Lake Turkana which the largest desert lake in the world. Sibiloi National Park, the South Island and Central Island National Parks collectively form the Lake Turkana National Parks.

The Park boasts of significant plant animal and plant species while the flora formed of desert roses, omophoria woodlands, sand rivers, and sand stone out crooks and Europhobia grasslands. Mount Sibiloi stands 1700 meters above sea level, Sibiloi national park is one of not commonly recognized parks but offers a thrilling wilderness experience.

The Park was created to protect the fossil sites, that have contributed more to our understanding of human evolution than any other area on the planet so far. The Koobi Fora Region is the centre of archaeological, paleontological and geological interest. The movements of the earth, human origins and mammalian evolution over the last 4 million years have been documented and studied at many sites, but the most exciting part is that there is still a massive land area with fossil exposures that has yet to be explored.

Over the last 30 years, a Petrified Forest has been discovered and thousands of fossils brought to light, including more than 300 hominid specimens plus the remains of a giant Crocodile, Tortoise and Elephant. Dr Richard Leakey unearthed an ancient skull of an early human at this site and since then Sibiloi and the Turkana Basin have been the centre of scientific study and research.

Wildlife

The Park is extremely hot and arid, yet it protects a range of wildlife such as Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and greater Kudu. Other species include a comprehensive range of predators namely Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Striped and Spotted Hyena, Jackal and Caracal to name a few. Central Island is a major breeding ground for Nile Crocodile.

Birdlife is prolific with more than 300 species recorded around Lake Turkana. This number increases during the summer months when migrant species arrive. The alkaline lake is not suitable for many species, but Flamingos and Pelicans love the algae in the water and the salty environment. A variety of water birds including African Skimmers, Herons and Gulls can be spotted on the shoreline and the park is also home to local species such as the Crested Lark and Heuglin’s Bustard.

Lake Turkana

Lake Turka na is the world largest desert lake and the largest alkaline lake in Africa. The lake colour changes due to algae growth and the shifting winds; changing colours from grey to blue to jade.

The petrified Forest

The petrified forest in Sibiloi National Park is definitely one of Kenya’s hidden gems. Get to experience life in this middle-of-nowhere in Kenya’s northern frontier. The remoteness undoubtedly adds to the charm of the destination.

Culture

Experience the unique african culture by visiting the turkana, dassanach and gabbra tribes. This tribes have a lot to offer from their different cultural values and their way of life.

Koobi Fora Museum

In the language of the Gabbra people who live near the site, the term Koobi Fora means a place of the commiphora and the source of myrrh, which is a common plant in this hot and arid area. The Koobi for a museum boasts with Australophecus and homo fossils that explain the evolution of mankind than any other site in the continent, the discovery of fossils is evidence that humans were present two million years ago. There is also an elephant fossil dating 1.7 million years ago as well as a giant tortoise of 1.6 million years ago.

Set along Kenya’s spectacular Indian Ocean coast is the Kiunga Marine National Reserve. A pristine string of rugged coral isles, ringed by rainbow rural reefs. This pristine ecosystem incorporates a chain of about 50 calcareous offshore islands and coral reefs in the Lamu Archipelago.

The Park is composed of old, eroded coral, the islands predominantly lie inland around 2 km seaward and inshore of the bordering reef. They vary in size from a few hundred sq m to 100ha or more. Their walls rise sheer from the surrounding seabed and are usually deeply undercut on the landward side. The small outer islands provide nest sites for migratory seabirds. The reserve conserves valuable coral reefs, sea grass meadows and extensive mangrove forests, with their attendant biodiversity and is also a refuge for sea turtles and dugongs.

Visitors can view the teeming sea life in the coral reefs, sea grass and extensive mangrove forests. The reserve provides ideal opportunities for wind surfing, diving and snorkelling, water skiing and sunbathing.

Other attractions are a visit to the Swahili villages around Kiwayu Island, on a cultural tour of the rich customs and heritage of people at the coast. Kiwayu Island is the only inhabited region of Kiunga National Marine Reserve.