ECOTOURISM THRILL
For adventure lovers, the Ondiri wetland is home to 76 different bird species. The Nature Kenya list of 2019 reported that some of the birds identified in the area include the Golden-Crested Crane, also referred to as “muhau” in the Kikuyu language, which signifies that the place has clean water. Others include the Montane nightjar that makes sweet sounds at night, Augur buzzard, Weaver bird, Speckled mousebird, Firefinch, Sparrows and Grey heron. Ondiri used to be home to the Sitatunga Antelope but they became extinct in the area. However, they can be found in Saiwa Swamp Park in Kitale, Trans Nzoia county.
We can explore different places, learn new cultues and while at it, conserve our environment
Ondiri swamp is also home to different kinds of aquatic life, such as cold-blooded vertebrae. “We have identified fish such as the crayfish. We have also involved researchers and we were told that we can expect to see some reptiles like snakes and amphibians like toads and frogs,” Samuel said. Friends of Ondiri, in collaboration with KFS and Kefri, have established a program that involves replacing exotic trees with indigenous ones. “So far, we have grown about 11,000 trees and educated the community, specifically land owners around Ondiri, on the dangers posed by exotic trees like the Eucalyptus. We have cut down about 300 of those trees and planted the native ones,” Samuel said. In case you are looking to visit the area or conduct activities such as a group picnic or team building, be sure to visit the Ondiri Wetland Information Centre to seek guidance on a fruitful eco-tour. This will include a three- to four-hour trip around and on top of the quacking peat bog, bird watching and a nature trail in the surrounding forest, accompanied by after-tour activities organized as per your request. A fee of Sh200 is charged per person when a tour guide is requested, and it will cost a little bit more in case you need food to be organized for your tour. These organized tours are coordinated by the organization through its concerted efforts to educate the community and tourists at large on the beauty and benefits of the Ondiri wetland. One can also stay at the Mizpa guesthouse, which is located within close proximity of the wetland, and enjoy a beautiful evening around a bonfire with family or friends.
