About Lake Simbi National Sanctuary
Located close to Kendu Bay town, Lake Simbi is a tiny Crater Lake measuring about one kilometre in radius. Both Lake Simbi and adjacent Odango sites support a substantial bird population that includes flamingos, little grebes, little egrets and Egyptian geese, making it a haven for bird watchers.
Simbi Nyaima means the village that sank. Simbi Nyaima is actually a crater lake a few kilometers from the shores of Lake Victoria. The Luo attach great importance to the site because of the legendary story. It is said that the people of Simbi were celebrating their success at the chief’s home. An old woman appeared at the scene looking for shelter and food. But the chief threatened to beat her up if she stayed. She was forced to leave and one lady sympathized with her and gave her food and a warm bath. She advised the kind lady to leave the village with all her children and husband.
No sooner had they left than a heavy storm swept the whole village and it sank. The locals believe it happened in the olden days.
Key features
- L. Simbi is a small alkaline crater lake of volcanic origin with no known inlet and outlet
- Population:250,000 with the basin having 325 individual.
- Soil: Volcanic alluvial, clay and black cotton
- Vegetation: Acacia-balanties-combretum-striga weed
- Birdlife: Flamingoes, little grebe, little egret, Egyptian goose
- Land use: Agriculture
- Due to its high alkalinity the lake is not used for drinking and has no fish.
- Natural medicine as the water treats skin diseases.
- Mining of salt by the locals from the lake.
- Provides opportunity for recreation activities.
- Personal well being and the water is used by a local church as source of blessing and it is believed to have supernatural powers.
- Provide education for the local community due to the story of the lake origin
- Bird watching as the lake is known for bird life.