Lover's pearl in Siaya

By JECKONIA OTIENO

Whoever thinks that honeymooners can only celebrate their new marriage by the silky beaches and resorts at the Coast or game reserves might not have Siaya County in mind.

In the fast growing town of Siaya is a little haven christened Nam Sagali Gardens. Driving to this hideout is a new tarmac road that connects Siaya town and Rang’ala, a small township along the busy Kisumu – Busia Road.

An exclusive getaway stands burly along the Siaya-Busia Road. Essentially, Nam Sagali is situated beside a tiny, dusty shopping centre of Kobare, in the country that is home to Obama’s father.

Not long ago, such a luxurious undertaking was unheard of in this rural setup. Constructed in 2007, the spot makes for a perfect honeymoon getaway.

Nam Sagali Gardens [Photo/Standard]

The compound is tidy and manucured creating a fascinating view as one approaches from the gate. Flowers neatly line crisscrossing paths within the compound. To add on to the natural fragrance drawn from the remote neighbourhood, indigenous trees stand in the compound. Most notable is the hardwood siala tree.

These offer a charming delicate scent that waft to the beat of the wind, early mornings and late evenings — a perfect atmosphere for a dreamy stroll.

REFRESHING AIR

Since the eastern side of the gardens is heavily populated with trees and shrubs, the view of the west is usually magnificent in the evenings as the sun kisses the horizon creating an overwhelmingly romantic sensation for lovers who want to wander and enjoy the refreshing village air.

From Nam Sagali, in the tranquillity of the evening, one can in fact catch the sound of the gentle surge of Mudurme rivulet; a few hundred metres away as it roars down to nourish the Nzoia River.

Mornings are neither dull nor overshadowed by the sun’s exit at twilight. The chirping birds hop from branch to branch offering entertaining bird watching, at no extra cost.

In the heat of the lake region, the native trees offer a cool shade where occupants can chat away or take a quiet afternoon nap.

A visitor can choose to walk up to the lounge, rest on the veranda or simply while away the time under the dark shades in the compound.

The facility has three one-storey villas. Each of these has self-contained rooms with service at your back and call. Life in the rooms is what is just needed for those from their nuptial ceremony.

For wine bibbers, there is a fully stocked bar, which stocks diverse kinds of wines for those who appreciate the tot. A restaurant, which serves a wide variety of African dishes, on request, stands spaciously commanding a wide space beside the wine bar.

The Barack Obama ballroom is a spacious quadrant that can serve wedding receptions and ballroom weddings

Nam Sagali might be placed quite out of the major towns, but it stands to compete gracefully for the ‘Just Married’.