Rock Art Sites in Homa Bay
Kwitone Rock Art: A Rainmaking Abode
Rising to 1,635 ms from the south to middle of Mfangano island, Mount Kwitutu is the most prominent natural landmark. Its moderate slope allows for easy walking to the upper reaches and where the Kwitone Rock Art site in located. The art is made up of sets of intricate red and white circles, on a concealed 40 ms overhang ledge on the hillside, sometimes known as the Kwitone Hill. The Kwitone Rock Art delineates that this site was most likely used as a traditional shrine. It bears much resemblance to Mawanga although here the colour and vibrancy is more intricate.
According to the elders, in times of war and trouble, people would come to the cave to ask the ancestors to bring peace. And during the battle between the Wagimbe and Wasaki (about 200 years ago), the Wagimbe took refuge in the cave. The Abasuba used Kwitone Rock Art Site for rainmaking ceremonies as late as the 1980’s, before the missionaries opposed ‘these rituals of worship’. Kwitone Rock Art is found 6 km from Mawanga site. It can be visited with a guide from the Abasuba Peace Museum, and requires a hike of one and half hours to reach.
Kenya is rich in rock art sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient cultures and artistic expressions of its early inhabitants. Most of these site features rock paintings believed to be several hundred years old, depicting human figures and animals. These rock arts sites, and unique as they are diverse, provide valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and social practices of early societies.
Index of Rock Art Sites Around Kenya
Busia County - Kakapel Rock Art, Bungoma County - Luucho Hills, Homa Bay County - Mawanga Rock Art, Kwitone Rock Art Site, Marsabit County - Marti Rock Art, Kalacha Rock Art, Turkana County - Lokori Pillar Site
outlook
Located in the western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is known for its scenic landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. Touring Homa Bay County allows you to immerse yourself in a part of Kenya’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and immersive historical heritage that rarely gets under the limelight.
You Are Here: Kwitone Rock Art
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Kwitone Rock Art
A Guide to Homa Bay County
A Summa Digest of Homa Bay
About Homa Bay Way Back When
48 Destinations in Homa Bay County, arranged as one would visit these - southeast, north then west - with aid of narratives, strip maps and distance chart:
Sondu Miriu Hydro Station, Old Kendu Bay Town, Olmak Beah Resort, Kendu Adventist Gendia, Lake Simbi Nyaima, Ondago Swamp National Sanctuary, Kisindi Lodge and Spa, Homa Hills, Abundu Hot Springs, Bala Lawi Hot Springs, Kanjera Prehistoric Site, Kanam Prehistoric Site, Asego and Kasarua Hills, Homa Bay Town, Asumbi Catholic Church, Asumbi Resort, Kodera Forest, Ruri Hills, Soklo Kipenji, BJs Ranch, Mbita Point, Victoria Sands Lodge, Gembe Hills, Mbita Ferry, Rusinga Island, Rusinga Island Lodge, Tom Mboya Mausoleum, White Stone Beach Resort, Rusinga Island Festival, Ngodhe Island, Kasawanga Village, Mfangano Island, Mfangano Island Lodge, Mawanga Rock Art, Kwitone Rock Art, Abasuba Peace Museum, Siambi Resort, Takawiri Island, Ringiti Island, Mbasa Islands, Gwassi Hills, Lambwe Valley, Ruma National Park, KWS Obiri Guest House, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Nyamugondho Shrine, Gor Mahia Shrine
Know More About Homa Bay County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Homa Bay is split into two main eco-zones; lakeshore lowlands and upland plateau. The lakeshore lowlands lie between 1,163 and 1,219 ms, with a long stretch bordering Lake Victoria along the north.
Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18oC to 33oC, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year.
