The Yala Wetlands add a defining natural highlight to Busia County, with waterways and birdlife.

Yala Wetlands and Samia Hills

The Yala Wetlands is a cross-border wetland area between Busia and Siaya. It filters water from the Nzoia and Yala rivers, which flow into Lake Victoria. More than 300 bird species live in the area. Canoe trips travel through narrow waterways surrounded by tall papyrus; Sitatungas can occasionally be spotted in the water. If you are planning a canoe trip, check in advance whether it is currently offered.

The Samia Hills are another major destination for nature and outdoor activities. They include the hills of Odiado, Funyula, Dahiro, Nabuganda and Shamakhene. The Samia Hills offer opportunities for picnics and church services, as well as camping, hiking and sightseeing; the hills are also designated an Important Bird Area. Compared with the Yala Wetlands, the focus shifts from narrow waterways and canoe trips to a range of recreational activities in the hill country. If hiking or camping is your main interest, the Samia Hills offer a different way to experience nature.

Teso Culture and Archaeological Heritage

Busia County describes the Museum of Teso Culture in Amagoro as the first museum of Teso culture in Kenya. This makes it a clear point of reference for this cultural focus. Kakapel National Monument in Teso North, Busia County, features ancient rock art and caves. The two places offer different perspectives: the museum focuses on Teso culture, while Kakapel is notable for its archaeological features. You can therefore choose between a museum-focused visit and ancient art and caves.

Traditional pottery is also part of Busia’s cultural identity. The Aterite Pottery Group works to revive and promote it within the local community. The Kiwimbi Library in Amagoro holds more than 35,000 volumes. These themes complement the museum and monument with efforts to promote a tradition and a library collection.

There are different ways to explore nature, from canoe trips and river landscapes in the Yala Wetlands to the range of activities and Important Bird Area designation of the Samia Hills. Cultural attractions range from the Teso museum and Kakapel to pottery and the book collection, so you can tailor your visit around your interests in nature, activities and culture.

Kenya in a Broader Context

As part of the wider destination of Kenya, the Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests form a distinct cultural landscape. They comprise ten separate forest areas stretching for around 200 kilometres along the coast and containing the remains of fortified Mijikenda villages, known as Kayas. The Kayas date from the 16th century onwards and were abandoned by the 1940s. They are considered sacred places and homes of the ancestors, and are cared for by councils of elders.

Discover more destinations: Busia, Malaba, Bumala, Kitui County, Kiambu, Central, Makueni District, Rift Valley.

Return to the broader travel overview: Kenya.