Kit Mikayi

Kit Mikayi is a stack of enormous granite boulders rising around forty metres from the surrounding farmland, three great rocks leaning together with a cave-like space beneath. The name in Dholuo means the stone of the first wife, from a story about a man who spent so much time at the rock that his wives said he treated it as a first wife. The site is genuinely sacred: Luo elders have used it for prayer and rainmaking for generations, and a Christian denomination now holds regular vigils and fasting retreats in the caves beneath the rocks, so visitors often find people praying there. Climbing partway up gives a view over Lake Victoria's hinterland and the sugar country around Kombewa. Guides from the surrounding community explain the traditions and the rock's place in local history.

What you actually see

• The balanced boulders - three great rocks leaning into a tower.
• The caves beneath - spaces under the rocks used for prayer and vigils.
• The viewpoint - the climb partway up for views over the plains.
• Living tradition - Luo elders and church groups using the site.

When to go

Year-round; mornings are cooler for the climb. The site is busiest when church groups hold vigils, which can be several days at a time. It combines easily with a Kisumu visit.

Honest expectations

This is an active place of worship and behaviour should reflect that; ask before photographing people at prayer. The climb involves scrambling on rock and is not for everyone. Guides at the entrance expect a fee. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Kisumu is half an hour east; Ndere Island lies out in the lake.