By Roselyne Obala

In the traditional Luhya round-hut style, Sosa cottages are the image of a well preserved culture. While they borrow from other conventional high-end hospitality facilities to provide calm and comfort, the village setup gives them an ancient feel.

Local tourists relax on the neatly trimmed lawn.

In Luhya, Sosa means ‘rest’ or ‘relax’ thus the cottages offer a wonderful scenery of Lake Victoria on one side and the expansive surrounding vegetation, hills and plains on the other. Located in Gesambai, 23km from Kisumu and 2.5km into the Majengo-Hamisi Road, the tranquil gateaway sits on a five-acre piece of land.

From afar, the round huts appear grass-thatched but they are roofed with special black iron sheets from South Africa. The walls are made from local bricks from Mombasa that resemble blocks while the floor is made from Mariakani stones.

The self-contained suites are fitted with modern facilities and luxurious beds. The verandas overlook manicured gardens. Neatly trimmed tea bushes line the fences and, according to manager Dan Okumu, they offer great attraction to tourists. This mix of designs and materials, according to Okumu, is meant to portray the various cultures in the country. Dignitaries often hold closed-door meetings in its executive lounge. Sosa also has outdoor facilities to entertain guests who prefer open-air luncheons. When fully booked, it accommodates 32 guests. Three of the cottages are three-roomed.

A bedroom in Kikune cottage.

Children have a big play field where they can enjoy bicycle riding and funfair. Groups and families can also enjoy a barbecue on order.

The proprietor of the facility, Ambassador Bruce Madete, says the cottages are currently under expansion to accommodate more clientele. "We are overwhelmed with the high numbers of guests we receive on daily basis," he says.