Lake Simbi National Sanctuary

For the Birds

Located close to Kendu Bay town, Lake Simbi is a tiny Crater of volcanic origin with no known inlet or outlet measuring about one kilometer 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.

Traditional folklore allude that where the lake sits today existed a village which mysteriously disappeared in a violent storm when residents refused to shelter and feed an old woman who sought refuge there thus creating a large depression that formed what is called Lake Simbi Nyaima today.

Attractions & Activities

The sanctuary makes a great destination for bird watching as the bird life here is exceptional. The lake provides opportunities for recreational activities and personal wellbeing. The water is used by a local church as a source of blessings and is believed to have supernatural powers. Visitors flock here in a quest to quench their thirst especially on questions about the origin of the lake.

• 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 farmers.

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.