Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial national park in Kenya, located in Nyanza province. Ruma National Park was first established in 1966 as Lambwe Valley Game Reserve. It was later renamed “Ruma” after one of Kenya’s most powerful wizards, the much-feared Gor Mahia who lived around the park. The park is located in the vast Lambwe Valley 389.3 kilometers from Nairobi and 147.1 kilometers from Kisumu City. It covers an area of 120 square kilometers in Homa Bay County. It was established to protect its huge population of rare roan antelopes which cannot be found anywhere else in Kenya making it one of the most unique safari tour destinations. It was named Ruma upon the request of the local community.
Ruma lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River Valley. It is also bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the South-East, and by the Volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills, to the North, the Park is a long, narrow corridor of land contained on a fist-shaped peninsular extending into Lake Victoria making it one of the best tourist attractions in Nyanza regions of Kenya.
The park is also home to various wildlife species such as African leopards, roan antelopes, eastern black rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribis, cape buffalos, lelwel, hyenas, bohor reedbucks, primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys among others. The park houses over 400 different bird species recorded and the most spotted ones during your Kenya safaris here include; the rare blue swallows, Ostriches, sunbirds, kingfishers, African fish eagles, and pelicans among others.
Tourist Attractions found in Ruma National Park
Birdlife
Ruma National Park boasts over 400 different species of bird, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The park is also the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded. Other bird species that can be found at Ruma National Park include Black Coucal, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Pied Cuckoo, Dideric Cuckoo, Common Swift, Nyanza Swift, Little Swift, White-rumped Swift, Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Black-headed Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Tawny Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle, Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Gabar Goshawk, Eurasian Marsh-Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, African Goshawk, Shikra.
Thimlich Oginga
The Thimlich Oginga archaeological site is a significant treasure in East Africa, found in the southern part of Ruma National Park. This remarkable site features a collection of stone ruins, with a staggering 521 stone structures scattered throughout the area near Lake Victoria. The main attraction here is the central enclosure, which boasts sturdy walls that are between 1 to 3 meters thick and rise up to 4.2 meters tall.
Dating back over 550 years, these structures were built using rough stones and rock blocks, placed carefully together without the use of mortar. The whole site paints a picture of an ancient civilization, showcasing the ingenuity and craftsmanship of its builders. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past, attracting visitors who wish to learn more about this historical gem in the heart of nature.
Wildlife
The park is home to Kenya’s last remaining population of the beautiful roan antelope. Other wildlife species spotted here include leopard, spotted hyena, cape buffalos, lelwel hartebeests, olive baboons, reedbucks, servals, topis, honey badgers, eastern black rhinoceros, Rothschild’s giraffes, bushpigs, vervet monkeys and African spitting forest cobra among others.
Reptiles
Ruma National Park is a lively home for various reptiles, showcasing a remarkable array of snake species. Among them are the African spitting cobra, the forest cobra, the python, the eastern green mamba, the black-mouthed mamba, and the puff adder. The park also hosts other interesting reptiles, such as lizards, skinks, and geckos. Each of these creatures contributes to the park’s rich biodiversity, making it a fascinating place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Trees
Ruma National Park covers an area of 120 kilometers of mosaic landscape, golden grasslands, acacia, magnificent cliffs, balanitis trees, and riverine woodlands. The variety of tree density, canopy cover, and dominant grass species are among the attractions that can be seen during nature walks.
Activities to do
Nature walks
Exploring Ruma National Park on foot is a fantastic experience. It allows you to connect directly with the stunning natural surroundings. While walking, you’ll have the opportunity to spot various animals in their natural habitats, making it a truly memorable adventure in the wild.
Game drives
One of the best things to do at Ruma National Park is go on a game drive. This is a fantastic way to see some breathtaking views of the park while also spotting some amazing animals. During your game drive tours, except to see amazing animals such as Elephants, Rhinoceros, Buffaloes astern, roan antelopes, Rothschild’s giraffes, hartebeest impalas, Hyenas, bush pigs among others, making each drive a thrilling adventure.
Bird watching
Ruma National Park is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting over 400 different bird species. Among these are stunning migrants like the blue swallow, Harlequin Quail, Scaly Francolin, Red-necked Francolin, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared-Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove, Laughing Dove, Ross’s Turaco, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, White-browed Coucal. The best time for bird watching is during the rainy season because there is a higher chance of spotting migrant species. Exploring this park is sure to be an exciting adventure for anyone interested in birds.
Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Taking a boat ride on Lake Victoria offers an exciting opportunity to see the amazing wildlife along the shoreline. As you glide across the water, keep an eye out for hippos and crocs basking in the sun. During your boat cruise safaris, you might also have the chance to spot other animals such as bohor reedbucks, African clawless otters, marsh mongoose, Nile crocodiles, and more. You might also spot various birds, including malachite kingfisher, marsh harrier, northern brown-throated weaver, orange weavers, papyrus gonolek, pied kingfisher, cattle egret, common moorhen, common Squacco and heron many others. It’s a wonderful way to connect with nature and witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
Camping
One of the great things you can do at Ruma National Park is camping. It’s a wonderful way to experience nature up close. You can set up your tent and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. Don’t forget to have a picnic. There are lovely spots like Twiga and Korlang’o where you can relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning views of the park.
The best time to visit Ruma National Park
The best time to visit Ruma National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October and from January to February. During these months, the weather is more pleasant, with less rain and clearer skies, making it easier to explore the park. Wildlife is also more visible as animals gather around water sources, offering fantastic opportunities for viewing and photography. Additionally, the cooler temperatures make hiking and other outdoor activities much more enjoyable
Where to stay
Accommodations in Ruma National Park range from luxury, to mid-range and budget accommodation. Some places to stay are found near the national parks, while others are actually inside Ruma National Park. These include a variety of options for visitors such as Mfagano island camp, Rusinga island lodge, Golden rays resort, Ruma river lodge, ACK guesthouse, Oribi guesthouse, hotel twin towers, Oyugi’s hill breeze hotel, hotel hippo buck and Ruma tourist lodge among others
Getting to
Getting to Ruma National Park in Kenya is quite straightforward, whether you prefer driving or flying. the park has two main entry points: the Kamato Gate also known as the main gate and Nyatoto Gate.
By Road: If you enjoy road trips, you can easily drive to Ruma National Park from several key towns in Kenya. the main gate is located near Homa Bay, which is just a short distance away. Homa Bay not only provides a perfect spot to rest but also offers various places to eat and stay for visitors. If you’re coming from Kisumu, you can make your way to the park either through Homa Bay or by taking the route through Kisii.
By Air: for those who prefer flying, you can hop on a plane from Nairobi to Homa Bay. The nearest airport to Ruma National Park is Kisumu International Airport, about 80 km away. Once you land, you have the option to taking a bus or getting a taxi to reach the park comfortably.
