RUMA NATIONAL PARK

Ruma National Park is dubbed the "Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope", Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Nyanza Province. 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. The park was established in 1966 as Lambwe Valley Game Reserve. It was later renamed “Ruma” after one of Kenya’s most powerful wizard, the much feared Gor Mahia who lived around the park (affiliated to Gor Mahia F.C.). The park is located in the vast Lambwe Valley. The park is assessable and motor-able all year round using three main circuits. However during the rainy season, 4 wheel drive vehicles are advised.

It is the only terrestrial park in Nyanza province. Ruma National Park is situated in Western Kenya near Lake Victoria. The park is located  in Southern Nyanza province in Lambwe Valley 140 km from Kisumu and 425 km west of Nairobi. The Park covers an area of 120 square kilometres.It lies on the floor of the Lambwe Valley, bordered by kanyamwa escarpment, gwassi Hills,ruri hills to the north and Sumba hills.

Game species at Ruma National park range from leopards, roan antelopes (Hippotragus equinus), black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), Rothschild's giraffes Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi, oribis Ourebia ourebi, cape buffalos, Lelwel hartebeest s (Alcelaphus buselaphus lelwel), olive baboons, Bohor reedbucks (Redunca redunca), hyenas, servals Leptailurus serval, topis Damaliscus korrigum, honey badgers (Mellivora capensis), bushpigs (Potamochoerus larvatus) and vervet monkeys among others.

There are Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it an Important Bird Area (IBA). The rare intra - African migrant, the blue Swallow ( Hirundo atrocaerulea) is one such avian species.

Picnic sites

The Korlang’o historical picnic site was used as escape route by the Kalenjin people during the British colonial time when they were brought to Lambwe Valley to die during the resistance, as the place was un-inhabited due to tsetse fly and malaria. Twiga picnic site, situated in the middle of the park allows clients to snack with the animals.

Two campsites are available i.e. Nyati (special) campsite and Fig-tree campsite. The Fig-tree campsite is public and a backpacker’s haven.

Other attractions include: team building, meditation, sightseeing, wildlife research and education.

Oribi guest house is a unique self-catering guesthouse allows clients to cherish the park’s tranquility, wilderness, scenic beauty and sunset. Three bedrooms are available and can accommodate a maximum of 6 people. The guest house is eco-friendly powered by solar energy. DStv is also available which is a satellite television service.

Point to Note: Ruma National Park is free of tsetse fly, thanks to a collaboration of KWS, PATTEC and Kenya Veterinary Department.

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