Homa Bay County lies in western Kenya, on the shores of Lake Victoria. It is a county of lakeside villages, farmland and fishing communities, and a visit here is a good way to see how life runs along one of Africa's great lakes.
What the county is known for
- Fishing: the lake shapes daily life, and the boats, markets and shoreline activity are central to the county's character.
- Agriculture: the land beyond the shore is farmed, so rural scenery and local produce are part of any trip.
- Family history: the county is the birthplace of the father of former President Barack Obama, which draws some visitors with a personal interest in the area.
Planning a visit
Homa Bay suits travellers who want to step away from the bigger tourist circuits and spend time in a working lakeside region. Much of the appeal lies in simply being there: walking by the water, watching the fishing activity, and seeing the countryside that rises behind the shore.
Because the county is rural and spread out, it helps to plan transport and accommodation ahead, and to check local conditions before setting out. Those interested in the county's links to the Obama family may want to read up on that history before arriving, so that their visit is grounded in the local context.
