Simbi Nyaima

Simbi Nyaima fills a volcanic crater a short way inland from Lake Victoria, and its water is dark green, alkaline and said to have no visible inflow or outflow, which fed the story that gives it its name: in Luo tradition an old woman arrived at a village feast and was turned away by all but one household, whereupon a storm sank the whole settlement and the lake appeared, sparing only the family that had shown hospitality. The lake is small, ringed by a steep crater rim with a path around part of it, and flamingos and other waterbirds use it depending on conditions. It is a short stop rather than a destination, usually visited alongside Kendu Bay or on the way between Kisumu and Homa Bay, and local guides tell the story and point out the features from the rim.

What you actually see

• The green crater lake - dark alkaline water in a steep bowl.
• The rim path - a walk around part of the crater edge.
• Waterbirds - flamingos and others when conditions suit.
• The legend - the sunken village story told by local guides.

When to go

Year-round; mornings are best for light into the crater and for avoiding the heat. It takes under an hour, so it fits into a drive along the lake shore rather than a trip of its own.

Honest expectations

The lake is small and there is little infrastructure: a fee collector, a rough path and stalls. Bird numbers vary and may be nil. The water is alkaline and not for swimming. Some visitors find it underwhelming without the story, so a guide adds most of the value.

Nearby

Kendu Bay is on the lake shore; Homa Bay and Ruma lie southwest.