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The Wasamo clan are the custodians of Nzenze Island (also called the Moving Island) which is still used for rain-making ceremonies. This island is said to have followed the Wasamo clan in their migration from Uganda and will continue to follow them wherever they go.
The main language spoken on the island is Dholuo, but Olusuba is still used in places and steps are being taken locally to preserve the language. The majority of the population lives in small rural communities. Because of the isolation from the mainland, these communities are close-knit and extremely supportive and caring of one another.
People on the island live largely from fishing and small-scale farming. At night-time, the lake is alive with fishing by lantern lights and the voices of fishermen.
Most transport around Mfangano Island is still by boat and this is a unique aspect that can be shared by visitors. Motor vehicles and roads are very few on the island. There are some boda-boda motorbike taxis to get around, but on land, most travel is done by foot.
Hiking around the unspoilt island will reveal countless plant species. The ancient sacred groves are varied and diverse, and feature some rare species of trees. They may be of particular interest to those interested in life sciences and biodiversity conservation. They have unique origin and symbolism in the different clans represented on the island, and some have been kept intact for generations.