By Hope Barbra
For several decades, the Western Kenya tourist circuit remained idle, dormant, and attracting minimal domestic and international tourists. The worst-affected region in the circuit has been Migori County, which despite hosting several tourist destinations, has failed to excite tourists to the region. This has been primarily due to bad and impassable roads, a lack of recreational facilities, and hotels of international standards.
Tourist destinations
For instance, Migori shares with Homa Bay, Ruma National Park. It also houses Thimlich Ohinga, which is a unique architectural stone structure. The site lies on a gently sloping hill some 46 km northwest of Migori town near Macalder Mines. Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The stone structure enclosure has walls ranging from 1.0 to 4.2 metres in height, which were built of loose stones and blocks without any dressing or mortar. The archaeological record of materials found within the site goes beyond 500 years ago. Thimlich’s strategic location forms a perfect stopover for those on their way to or from the nearby Ruma National Game Park, Gogo Falls, or the Macalder gold mines. Apart from Thimlich Ohinga and Ruma National Park, the county is a gateway to Maasai Mara National Park and Tanzania.
Other destinations in Migori County include Muhuru Bay and Sori, scenic coastal towns on Lake Victoria where visitors can take boat rides, watch birds, and experience lively local island life.
Mugabo Beach & Rocks: Known for crystal-clear waters and magnificent boulders that emerge into Lake Victoria. It is an ideal spot for leisurely boat rides and photography.
Gogo Falls: An important archaeological and natural site featuring a significant hydroelectric power station alongside both natural waterfalls and historical artefacts.
But lately, the Western Tourist economic potentials are being opened up by the emergence of hotels of international standards, improved road networks, and recreational facilities.
The New economic frontier
The construction and opening-up of Sori Lake View Resort has become a focal point in the opening of Migori Tourist destinations. The facility is lying on the beach of Lake Victoria, a 30-minute ride to the famous Migingo Island and other islands on Lake Victoria, and offers ambience and serenity to both domestic and international tourists. Sori Lake View Resort is a hidden and peaceful resort situated on the Western side of Sori town, hidden and tucked away from the busy Sori Market. The facility offers lush, green lawns and a tranquil, breezy atmosphere which makes you forget that you are in the usually dry area around the lake region. It is an ideal getaway for couples, families, and offers an ideal working environment for corporate entities and CSOs that intend to deliver on their yearly targets.
Chief Executive Officer Hon. Jackie Paul said the facility aimed at opening up tourist potential in the region.
“We aim to popularize the town and tourist destinations in the region by providing high end accommodation and exploring and exploiting economic opportunities along the lake front,” she said.
Risks
Hon. Jackie Paul said the economic risk to construct an international hotel was intentional to inspire other local investors to venture and help create economic opportunities in the region.
“We took a risk and the positive response we have received from both domestic and international tourists show the huge economic opportunities in the tourism sector in the region,” she said.
Opening the Lakefront
Sori-Lake View Resort is a gateway to all the tourist destinations in the county and the neighbouring counties of Tanzania and Uganda. The presence of Lichota Airstrip provides another opportunity to open up the regional tourist destination.
In the menu
Sori-Lake View Resort is a home away from home, with a high security presence, strategically located on the lakefront of Lake Victoria. At the resort, visitors have the opportunity to fish from the lake, and roast or cook the fish fresh from the lake. The facility specialises in all types of traditional African dishes and foods that include obambla, aliya, mor alenya, kuom cham, omena, dek, atipa, mamba, seu, and apoth. The facility has a fishing boat and speedboats that the tourists use to venture into the lake to various destinations.
The unique Hippo sighting
Hippos come out; mama hippo walks on the beach and grazes by the waters.
Schools—Sori National School recently and Bl. Tezza Secondary Schools are in the neighbourhood.
Landing point for aeroplane.
Right.
Tight security—police station in the neighbourhood, including the office of the DCC for Nyatike West.
Tour the lake, which follows the rules. We have the lake guide.
International tourists
Denmark, Italy, Tanzania, USA, and France have stayed in the hotel and visited Gwasi Hills, Sori and Tigra Hills, and Gorome for flora and fauna.
Facilities
Gym, recreational facilities, and fitness facility. Rooftop.
Sauna services.
Included
Recreational and fitness facilities:
1; Modern gym
Team-building facilities, trainers.
Packages
Bouncing castle…
Slides, fun games, educational facilities for the kids.
Free gifts for the kids.
Wi-Fi.
Strong internet.
Planted trees to give a green environment.
Community Service
We support widows and orphans twice a month and engage in town cleaning and tree planting.
Rooms
Sori Lake View Resort boasts 36 rooms, with a capacity to host 50 guests. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and access to free Wi-Fi. The facility offers single and double rooms. Prices are affordable. Security is tight with 24-hour CCTV surveillance and trained personnel to do the housekeeping. We have an air-conditioning system.
