“For the Birds” Located close to Kendu Bay town, Lake Simbi is a tiny Crater Lake measuring about one kilometer in radius.   Simbi and adjacent Odango sites support a substantial bird population that includes flamingos, little grebes, little egrets, and Egyptian geese, making it a haven for bird watchers.

Lake Simbi National Sanctuary is situated near Kendu Bay Town. It derives its name from Lake Simbi, a small alkaline crater lake with a radius of about 1km. Lake Simbi National Sanctuary features unique vegetation comprising of acacia banalities-combretum-Striga weed. It sits in an area of about 0.29 square kilometers and the basin occupies an area of 0.59 square kilometers. This National Sanctuary straddles at an elevation of about 1142 meters.

The word Simbi Nyaima denotes the village which sank. Simbi Nyaima in the actual sense is a crater lake just next to the shores of Lake Victoria and serves best as a prime site for you to spot most of the flamingos. The Luo, on the other hand, believes this site is of great significance given its legendary story. It is believed that the people of Simbi were celebrating their success at the chief’s place. The old woman appeared at the scene searching for refuge and food. However, the chief threatened to beat her up in case she stayed. She was then forced to leave and one lady sympathized with her and offered food and a warm bath. She advised the kind lady to leave the village with all her children and husband and immediately they left, a heavy storm swept the entire village and it sank.

Size of Lake Simbi national Sanctuary

Lake Simbi National Sanctuary features unique vegetation comprising of acacia banalities-combretum-Striga weed. It sits in an area of about 0.29 square kilometers and the basin occupies an area of 0.59 square kilometers. This National Sanctuary straddles at an elevation of about 1142 meters.

Location of Lake Simbi national Sanctuary

Located close to Kendu Bay town, Lake Simbi is a tiny Crater Lake measuring about one kilometer in radius.

How to get to Lake Simbi National Sanctuary

Lake Simbi National Sanctuary lies in Southern Nyanza in Homa bay district and it is reachable from Nairobi via Mai Mahiu to Narok then to Bomet where you will connect to the T-Junction of Kaplong. From the T Junction, turn left to Sotik to Kisii where you will drive along the Oyugis route.

Things to do in Lake Simbi national Sanctuary

Birding tours

Lake Simbi National Sanctuary also features Lake Simbi-a tiny alkaline crater lake which formed due to volcanic eruption. However, its inlets and outlets are not known.

There are many bird species to look for in Lake Simbi National Sanctuary. They include little egrets, Egyptian goose, flamingos, little grebe, and many others. Most of the bird species in this sanctuary can be spotted around Lake Simbi and Odango sites.

Bird watching is the major safari experience offered to tourists on Kenya safari in Lake Simbi National Sanctuary.

The birds to look for while on a birding tour in this sanctuary include among others flamingos, Egyptian goose, little egrets, little grebe, and many more.

When to visit Lake Simbi National Sanctuary

Lake Simbi National Sanctuary is open to travelers on Kenya safari throughout the year. However, the dry season which begins in June, July, August, September, and December, January, February is considered to be the best for anyone planning to visit this national sanctuary. March, April, May, and October, November is ideal months for bird watching in Lake Simbi National Sanctuary?

Where to stay in Lake Simbi National Sanctuary

The nearby accommodation options for visitor stay in Lake Simbi National Sanctuary include Hotel Pikadili, ACK Guesthouse Homa Bay, Impala Eco-Lodge, Imperial Hotel Express, Sovereign Hotel, and Hotel Nyakoe Kisii.