Thimlich Ohinga

Thimlich Ohinga is an archaeological site with multiple nested stone walls built without mortar on a hilltop in Migori County. The structures include various enclosures and foundations of traditional dwellings that reflect a well-organized settlement layout.

The settlement began in the 15th century as a fortified complex built by local communities in the Lake Victoria region. It developed over time as a defensive center where people organized their lives around safety and security.

The name comes from the Dholuo language and reflects how the community saw this place as a stronghold. The stone walls were central to how people organized their settlement and protected their families.

The site is best explored with a local guide who can explain the different wall sections and their purposes. Wear sturdy shoes and allow time for a leisurely walk around the structures and grounds.

The site contains dozens of individual stone structures spread across several hilltops, making it one of the largest concentrations of such constructions in the Lake Victoria area. This scale shows that large groups of people could live together here with organized social systems.