If it’s about ferry rides and beaches, Mbita rivals coast

The Rusinga Island Lodge, which is located on Rusinga Island. Its close proximity to Mbita adds to the town’s allure. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT |

What you need to know:

  • A fresh tilapia dish will have you coming back for more.
  • With terrorist threats affecting other places, town is your safest bet.

For many residents of Mbita Town, it’s quite easy to argue that one does not need to visit Mombasa to enjoy a ride on a ferry.

This small lakeside town in Homa Bay County rivals the coast in hospitality and tourism, at least according to its enthusiastic residents.

The cool breeze and the beautiful scenery of Lake Victoria gives an atmosphere of calm, with a view of several islands dotting the vast water body greeting the town’s visitors.

Mbita residents thrive on fishing and watching glistening ngege (tilapia) and mbuta (Nile perch) being pulled out of water as fish monger women jostle for their share reveals a rich industry still to be fully exploited.

What defines your presence in Mbita is enjoying a mouth watering and delicious plate of fresh tilapia and ugali in the many eateries in the town.

The town’s close proximity to Rusinga Island has seen a rapid rise in hotels such as Rusinga Island Lodge, Bimoss Hotel and Lake Victoria Safari Village tourist resort that specialises in hospitality and conference services.

Rusinga Island, which is connected  to Mbita Town by a cross-way, now  under renovation, is famous for being the cradle of mankind.

It is also home to Kenya’s independence hero Thomas Joseph Mboya, who was felled by an assassin’s bullet in 1969.

With the onset of county governments, there is hope that the tourism potential of the region will be fully exploited through the establishment of a better transport network.

Both domestic and international tourists have been flocking to the town, thanks to the threat of terrorism facing other parts of the country.

You can get to Mbita via road from Homa Bay Town, a journey of about 42 kilometres that takes at most an hour if you drive on the newly tarmacked road. 

One can also reach Mbita by ferry from Luanda Kotieno for Sh150.

What makes the ferry favourable to most commuters is its capability and capacity to carry vehicles across the lake.

So, if you’re thinking of an unforgettable experience, add Mbita to your must-visit-places list.

Mr Oduor is a teacher and freelance writer.

Do you know of a place that captures the beauty, warmth and the distilled essence of our country? Can you write crisply and take captivating pictures? Send your write-up and pictures to [email protected]