Ruma National Park is Kenya’s only remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope, the park lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the south east, and by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills to the north. It is located in western Kenya, close to the shores of Lake Victoria.
Ruma national park is woven by a mosaic of landscapes that range from riverine woodland to the dramatically rolling savannah to magnificent escarpment and towering cliffs, Ruma promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace.
History of Ruma National Park
The Park was gazetted in 1966, initially as a Game Reserve formerly known as the Lambwe Valley, and later upgraded to a National Park and renamed “Ruma” after one of Kenya’s most powerful wizard who lived around the park. It covers an area of approximately 120 square kilometres.
Key attractions and activities in Ruma National Park
Birdwatching
Ruma is a great destination for bird lovers to see a variety of birds but mostly to spot the endangered blue swallow. This bird species depends on moist grasslands for both feeding and roosting and arrives in Kenya from their breeding grounds in southern Tanzania around April and depart in September.
Ruma national park records over 400 bird species that includes crested francolin, blue quail, Red necked spurfowl, Dideric cuckoo, Ross’s Turaco, Eastern plantain eater, blue headed coucal, Bare faced Go away bird, African palm swift, spotted thick knee, three banded plover, spur winged lapwing and much more birds.
Wildlife viewing
The park hosts a variety of wildlife species and Ruma national park is known for protecting the endangered Roan Antelope in Kenya. It protects other animals such as Rothschild’s giraffe, serval cats, oribi, African leopard, Topi, Jackson’s hartebeest, Bohor reedbuck, cape buffalo, spotted hyena, Lelwel hartebeest, black and white rhino, honey bagders and many more.
How to get there
The park is accessed by two gates namely; Kamato main gate and Nyatoto gate. By road, drive 22 kilometres on the main road towards mbita. After 14 kilometres branch off to the left at kadio and proceed 8 kilometres to main kamato main gate.
Accommodations
Ruma national park offers mid range and budget accommodations. these include;
Rusinga island lodge
Rusinga Island Lodge, they are proud of providing an exquisite African freshwater lake island shore experience in a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere. For manicured velvet lawns stretch to the water’s edge, creating a serene haven for a myriad of unique bird species and scenery.
With renowned hospitality, delicious home-grown, home-cooked food, and indulgent accommodation, with spacious grounds offering a safe environment for children to play, a range of exciting water sports, an open spa for luxurious treatments, combine to offer a halcyon oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Oribi guest house
The guest house consists of three bedrooms, two doubles and one triple hosting 6 occupants. It has amenities such as dinning area, bathroom, beddings and many more.
Ruma River lodge
The lodge is tucked along the peaceful banks of the Ruma River, in Homa Bay County, Ruma River Lodge is where serenity meets adventure. More than just a place to stay, Ruma River Lodge is a destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature, with culture, and with themselves.
Surrounded by sweeping grasslands, acacia, and the untamed charm of nearby Ruma National Park, this lodge offers a rare balance of rustic elegance and curated comfort. For the intrepid traveller, the avid birdwatcher chasing rare sightings, the couple craving intimacy, or the family yearning for meaningful time together.
Nyati camping
This is a camping ground for visitors who love camping. There are special designated areas for camping near the rivers in the park, visitors are required to come along with personal necessities such as cooking gas or firewood and others.
Fig tree
This is also a public camping ground for visitors and have got amenities such as water, bathroom, and kitchen. Public campsites do not require prior booking from the authorities like others.
What to pack
Visiting Ruma national park, visitors are advised to carry personal effects such as safe drinking water, food, camping gears, binocular, insect repellent, sunscreen, first aid kit, sunglasses and hiking gear.
Rules and regulations in the park
- Do not feed the animals in the park
- Do not litter or throw cigarette butts
- Do not make noise, animals are wild and can react dangerously.
- Never hoot and drive under the influence of alcohol
- Always follow the recommended speed limit of 40km/h while in the park.
- Do not leave campfires unattended while camping
- View wildlife from a distance of 20 meters
- Stay on established trails and avoid off tracking
- Adhere to park entry and exit times. Gates open at 6 AM close at 6 PM, unless you are spending overnight.