Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Kenya’s Nyanza Province. The park covers an area of 120 km2 (46 sqmi), the park is situated in the western region of Kenya in the Nyanza Province of Kenya in Subi district with the Homa bays the nearest stay. The park was gazetted in 1983. The park protects the only indigenous population of the rare roan antelopes with in Kenya, at present, the population is on the verge of extinction with individual populations numbering approximately 40. It was named Ruma upon the request of the local community.
Attractions of Ruma National park.
Wildlife.
The park has game species ranging from African Leopards, roan antelopes, eastern black rhinoceros, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribis, cape buffalo, Lelwel hartebeests, olive baboons, Bohor reedbucks, hyenas, servals, topis, honey badgers, bush pigs, vervet monkeys and among others.
Birds.
Ruma National Park is a birding destination with over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it an important bird area, the rare intra-African migrant, the blue swallow is one such avian species.
Rich in Reptiles.
Ruma has an exceptional snake population. Easily spotted species include The African spitting cobra, forest cobra, python, eastern green mamba, black- mouthed mamba and puff adder. The park also abounds in Lizard, skink and gecko.
The Last Refuge of the Roan Antelope.
One of the Africa’s rarest antelopes and the third largest of the Kenya’s antelopes, the roan (or Korongo as it known in Swahili) is a large, grey to rufous antelope with a distinctive black and white face, not unlike a tribal mask. Roans live in herds of up to 20 members, led by a bull.
The Oribi Antelope.
The small and graceful Oribi antelope (known as Taya in Swahili) has a conspicuous bare black glandular patch below the ears, a short black- tipped tail and black knee tufts. Living in strongly bonded pairs or small groups, oribi inhabit grassland and dense undergrowth.
Activities in Ruma National park.
Activities done in the park that can be done them include Game viewing, Bird watching, sightseeing, camping, team building, mediation, the Ruma park is highly recommended as it has breath-taking view and location.
Game Drives.
Wildlife viewing is one of the most exciting experiences to enjoy in Ruma national park, this activity is a chance to enjoy the marvellous landscapes as well as the exceptional wildlife species such as eastern black rhinos, roan antelopes, Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and the bush pigs. The best time to enjoy the activity of game drives is during the dry season.
Bird Watching.
As known and mentioned that the Ruma national park has more than 400 species of birds such as the migrant Blue swallows, Kingfishers, sunbirds and African fish eagles. The birds in the park can be best sighted or watched during the rainy season, because there is a higher chance of spot the migrant species.
Nature Walks.
Nature walks are done in the park as well, they offer an up- close chance to interact and observe almost the park’s nature.
Camping.
Camping is another amazing activity to enjoy during your visit to Ruma National park, as your enjoying the wilderness and have picnics with some of the picnic sites to Twiga and Korlango’s sites.
Boat cruises on Lake Victoria.
Boat rides are the greatest explore to the wildlife on the shores of Lake Victoria such as Hippos, Crocodiles as well as aquatic birds like the pelicans, kingfishers, African fish eagles and among others. During the boat cruise you can watch the sunset while enjoying a baebeque on request or having a glass of juice or wine while enjoying the environment.
Picnics.
Tourists can enjoy packed lunch at an historical site known as Korlango, this site used to be an escape site by the Kalenjin during colonial time when fighting for freedom. They used to be brought to the Lambwe valley to die due to resistance of colonial rule. Twiga picnic site is also another magnificent site in the middle of the park where you can dine with striking view of game.
Best time to visit Ruma National Park.
The park can be visited all the year around but the best time is from June to October and January to February. During that period that’s when wildlife viewing is bestly done and other activities during the dry season.
Where to stay in Ruma national park.
The accommodations here range in various three stages namely the Budget, Mid- Range and the Luxury accommodations that the Victoria Sands Lodge, Karibuni Eco Lodge, Ruma River Lodge, View Point Cottages, Bimoss Beach Resort and among others.
Ruma National Park Entrance fees.
| Category | Citizen( KSH) | Resident( KSH) | Non- resident (USD) |
| Adult | 300 | 300 | 22 |
| Child | 125 | 125 | 13 |
How to get to Ruma National Park.
Ruma National Park can be accessed by both Road and Flight Transport from Nairobi to the park.
By Road Transport.
Ruma National Park is around 383.9 km from Nairobi to the park, this takes you about 7 hours and thirteen minutes to reach the park.
By Flight Transport.
This is the cheapest way to get from Nairobi to Ruma National Park and it only costs 40 USD, and it’s the quickest way takes just 4 hours.
Ruma national park is the most beautiful and the most known terrestrial park in Kenya, dubbed the ‘’ Last retreat of the Roan antelope’’, the park protects the only indigenous population of rare roan antelopes within Kenya while on Kenya Safaris .
