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Kakamega City Tour

As the morning sun slowly creeps over Kakamega, the city comes alive. Boda-Bodas slalom between market stalls, the smell of freshly baked chapati floats through the air and the chatter of people starting their day can be heard everywhere.

The untold story in western Kenya

This is Kakamega, a town that may not be on the average traveller's radar, which is exactly why you should be here. With Ian, our local legend, you'll dive into the beating heart of this city. No mapped out tourist routes, no crowded bus loads full of visitors, but a pure and raw introduction to everyday life in Western Kenya. This is a city tour like you won't experience anywhere else.

The city you don't expect

We start the day the way the locals do: with a walk through Muliro Gardens. In this green oasis in the middle of the city, Kakamega's residents gather to relax, chat and escape the heat of the day. This park was formerly known about 15 years ago for the ‘seat of orgies’ (you can look that up yourself as I am not going to describe it for you), but fortunately this peculiar situation has long since been addressed and the reputation of this beautiful park has been restored. Ian talks further about the history of this place as we walk on, towards the bustling city centre. 

From the quiet garden (without any orgies), we step into a completely different world: the lively markets of Kakamega. Here you can feel the beating heart of the city. Vendors call out their prices, boda bodas (motorbike taxis) zigzag through the streets and the smell of fresh mangoes, spices and grilled meat mixes with the warm afternoon air. Ian takes you to a local stall and lets you try sugarcane, a local snack in this region. He chuckles gently as you struggle with the tough fibrous stuff, but gives you the right technique to eat it: chew, suck out juice and spit it out.

The stories of Kakamega

This is not just any tour, this is experiencing the city through the eyes of a local. Ian knows every street corner and every story of the community. He tells you about how Kakamega was once an important place for gold mining, about how the town's name ‘kakamega’ roughly means ‘squeeze’ in Luhya, a tribe that originally inhabited the region. This word was used to describe how the first European settlers ate ugali. We continue walking past a huge shopping mall funded by a church, and learn about the town's own way of life: a mix of tradition and modernity.

Our route takes us to the Kakamega stadium, where the local Messis and Ronaldos are born and where the community gathers for games and events. From there, we walk to one of the city's best-kept secrets: the Crying Stone of Ilesi. This mysterious rock, said to ‘cry’, has deep spiritual significance for the Luhya community. Today, the stone appears dry, but Ian tells stories of ceremonies, legends and ancient rituals that still take place here.

Getting to work: pottery and cooking Kakamega-style

But Kakamega is more than markets and stories. Here you can get hands-on with ancient crafts yourself. We visit Roland and Frederick, two local potters who take their work to the next level. No modern turntables here, but an old car tyre and wooden planks to make the perfect pots and bowls. The coolest thing? Their artworks can even be found in Nairobi's chic boutiques!

And then it's time to cook. Mama Julia is waiting for us in her house, where the smell of wood fire and spices already flies in from the kitchen. Together with her, we go to the market to get fresh ingredients for a typical Kenyan meal. Back in her kitchen, we learn how to roll the perfect chapati, how to season sukuma wiki just right and how to make a traditional stew like her mother used to do. In between chopping, baking and roasting, Mama Julia shares stories about her childhood in Kakamega, life as a mother and daily life in this vibrant community.

Want the ultimate Kakamega experience? Then combine the city tour with a visit to Kakamega Forest, Kenya's last piece of tropical rainforest. After exploring the city, browsing the markets and getting your hands dirty in the kitchen or pottery, this rainforest is the perfect escape from the crowds. Dive into nature with a local ranger through the dense jungle, spot colourful birds and listen to the mysterious sounds of the ancient rainforest.

The real Kakamega, the real Kenya

Kakamega is not a place full of big sights or famous attractions. It is a place where you feel local life, a place you experience by meeting people, hearing stories and becoming part of the rhythm of city life. And how cool is that? This way, you discover the real Africa, not the one you see on Instagram.

Whether you are laughing at your failed chapati, surviving the hustle and bustle of the market or strolling through the streets with Ian and hearing old legends, this city touches you in a way you didn't expect.

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1. Africa is our home

We know it from the farthest corners, and that results in amazing trips. We put them together by venturing out there ourselves. Believe us, you won't find these experiences anywhere else!

2. Local experiences

That means you'll visit local people in their villages and communities. Hike with the Maasai, cook with your host family in a homestay, and cast a line with traditional fishermen.

3. You decide

So, what are you in the mood for? We'll custom-tailor the entire trip to your wishes. And you can count on us along the way, even at night.

4. Travel responsibly

While you enjoy your dream trip, you'll be contributing to the development of local communities, economies, and the environment. That feels good!

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