Lake Simbi National Sanctuary

The Enchanted Crater Lake

Tucked away near Kendu Bay town in Homa Bay County, Lake Simbi Nyaima is a small but captivating crater lake of volcanic origin, measuring about one kilometer in radius. The lake has no known inlet or outlet, a feature that adds to its mystery and allure. Its still, alkaline waters shimmer under the sun, attracting large flocks of flamingos, little grebes, egrets, and Egyptian geese, turning the crater into a breathtaking sanctuary for bird lovers and nature photographers.

According to local folklore, the site of the lake was once a thriving village that vanished overnight after its people refused to offer food and shelter to a weary old woman seeking refuge. In response to their unkindness, the heavens opened in a violent storm, flooding the entire settlement and leaving behind a deep depression that filled with water. The name Simbi Nyaima, meaning “the village that sank” in the Luo language, serves as a powerful reminder of compassion, hospitality, and respect for strangers.

Today, Lake Simbi Nyaima stands not only as a natural wonder but also as a spiritual and cultural landmark. Many visitors come seeking healing and blessings, as the lake’s waters are believed to possess curative powers, especially for skin ailments. A local church regularly conducts ceremonies at its shores, drawing pilgrims who believe in the lake’s divine connection.

The surrounding landscape is characterized by volcanic alluvial soils, clay, and black cotton soils, supporting vegetation that includes acacia, balanties, and combretum trees. Though the water’s high alkalinity makes it unsuitable for drinking and prevents the existence of fish, local communities harvest natural salt from its edges — a traditional practice that has endured for generations.

Beyond its ecological and economic roles, the lake offers visitors a serene environment ideal for reflection, recreation, and education. Students, researchers, and travelers alike find inspiration in its tranquil beauty and the legend that surrounds it. With a basin supporting around 325 individual farmers and a population of roughly 250,000 people, the region around Lake Simbi Nyaima continues to blend natural wonder, cultural heritage, and community life in perfect harmony.

Silent, sacred, and steeped in myth, Lake Simbi Nyaima remains one of Kenya’s most intriguing and lesser-known destinations — a living story where nature, legend, and spirit meet.