Ruma National Park was initially established as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966 to protect its indigenous population of rare roan antelopes which exist nowhere else in Kenya. In 1983 it was gazetted as a National Park.

The Park lies in Western Kenya close to the shores of Africa’s largest inland lake, Lake Victoria. It is situated in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, Homa Bay county  140 km from Kisumu (Kenya’s 3rd largest city).

Ruma National Park_fish village

 

Ruma National Park_Lake shoreFishing (On Lake Victoria) and agriculture are the main economic activities in Homa Bay County.

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Ruma National Park_kamato gateThe Main Gate (Kamato Gate)

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The park is accessible from two gates, the Main Gate (Kamato Gate) and Nyatoto Gate. Payment is by cash only.

Ruma National Park_sign postDirections

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Ruma National Park_oribi guest houseOribi guest house

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Ruma National Park_oribi sitting room

It is a unique self catering guesthouse. It has 3 bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 6 people with a full equipped kitchen. Oribi is solar powered and DSTV available.

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Ruma National Park_hillside

 

Ruma National Park_rolling grasslands

 

Ruma National Park_rolling hills

The Park is a classic image of East Africa with a land of rolling golden savanna dotted with picturesque acacias backed by dramatic hills and magnificent escarpment.

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Ruma National Park_fish eagleAn African fish eagle perched on a tree.

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Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it an Important Bird Area (IBA).

Ruma National Park_Rothschild's giraffe

 

Ruma National Park_pair of Rothschild's giraffe

 

Ruma National Park_Rothschild's giraffes

 

Ruma National Park_Rothschild's giraffe upclose

Ruma National Park  is home to the Rothschild’s giraffe, one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild.  All of those that are living in the wild are in protected areas in Kenya and neighboring Uganda.

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Ruma National Park_roan antelopes from afar

 

Ruma National Park_roan antelopes

 

Ruma National Park_Roan antelopes grazing

 

Ruma National Park_majestic roan antelopeDubbed the “Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope”, the park protects the only indigenous population of rare roan antelopes within Kenya. At present, the population is on the verge of extinction with individual populations numbering approximately 40.

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Ruma National Park_road

 

Ruma National Park_road trackPark Roads

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Ruma National Park_get outta ma space
Get outta my way!

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Ruma National Park_tour suv

Three main circuits which are motor able all year round 4 wheel drive are necessary during the rainy seasons.

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Ruma National Park_Jacksons HartebeestA pair of Jacksons Hartebeest

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Ruma National Park_impala

Also seen in abundance are oribi, bohor reedbuck, impala, topi, waterbuck and buffalo. Leopards may also be sighted.

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Ruma National Park_sunset

The Park unique attributes of tranquility, wilderness, scenic beauty and watching the sunset.

Getting there – By road; From Nairobi the most direct route to Ruma National Park is via Nakuru, Kericho and Kisii. From Kisii proceed in a southerly direction on the main A1 road to Rongo, a distance of 34 km. At Rongo turn to the right and proceed 27 km to Rodi Kopany. Then turn left and head for Migori, a distance of 20 km. At Migori follow signs to the park, entering at Kamato main gate.

Where to stay – Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering, Oribi Guesthouse, Kamato and Nyati Campsites

Despite its beauty and serenity, the park is off the beaten path and one is unlikely to encounter other visitors.

Post courtesy of KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service)

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5 Comments

  1. Destination Infinity
    August 9, 2013 at 6:45 am — Reply

    Excellent pictures. Love the vibrant colors of the scenery.

  2. October 31, 2013 at 9:05 am — Reply

    good looking. encourage local tourism and local investors so that the park becomes a cash cow for the local residents. develop the beaches by opening more rest houses and more motorized boats for tourist use.

  3. Wasonga castone
    December 15, 2013 at 3:31 pm — Reply

    How much do u charge for the accomodation in guesthouse?

  4. English London
    June 24, 2021 at 1:03 pm — Reply

    What’s needed here is an eco-friendly safari camp and hot air ballooning excursion company around the park!

  5. Hügel
    November 26, 2021 at 10:31 pm — Reply

    Tourists visiting the park have to be self-sufficient thus the need for a luxury camp in the area with guided tours, that would really elevate the value of this park. During our visit the road from Nyatoto gate was being fixed, that is great.

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