Guide to Visiting Ruma National Park: 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.
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.
What are the safari activities to do while in Ruma National Park
Nature walks
Exploring the great outdoors at Ruma National Park through nature walks is a fantastic way to connect with the environment. As you stroll along the trails, you can soak in the breathtaking scenery and spot a variety of wildlife. It’s a perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature up close and personal.
Birding
Ruma National Park is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya. The park is home to over 400 bird species, making the park exceptional for bird watchers. The park is also the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded. During your birding excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to spot different colorful bird species such as 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 among others. The best time for birding is during the rainy season because there is a higher chance of spotting migrant species.
Boat cruise on Lake Victoria
Taking a boat cruise on Lake Victoria offers a fantastic opportunity to see the incredible wildlife that surrounds this vast body of water. As you glide along the lake, keep your eyes peeled for hippos basking in the sun and crocodiles lounging by the shore. You’ll also have the chance to spot a variety of beautiful birds, including kingfishers, pelicans, and majestic African fish eagles soaring above. It’s an experience that combines adventure with the beauty of nature.
Game Drives in Ruma National Park
One of the highlights of visiting Ruma National Park is the opportunity for thrilling game drives. As you journey through the park, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the land. During your game drive tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife species such as roan antelopes, buffaloes, Lelwel hartebeests, olive baboons, African leopards, eastern black rhinoceros, Rothschild’s giraffes, oribis Bohor reedbucks and bushpigs as well as colorful bird species. The best time to enjoy game drives is during the dry season which starts from June to October and from January to February.
Camping
One of the great ways to experience Ruma National Park is by camping. Spending the night under the stars allows you to connect with nature and unwind. You can set up your tent in designated areas and make the most of the peaceful surroundings. Don’t forget to plan a picnic! There are lovely picnic spots like Twiga and Korlang’o where you can relax and enjoy a meal in the heart of the wilderness. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and stunning views while creating unforgettable memories.
Photography safari tours
Photography safari tours offer an exciting way for visitors to explore Ruma National Park while indulging their passion for photography. During these tours, you can connect with fellow photography enthusiasts, share tips, and create lasting memories as you snap stunning images of the park’s breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, these tours are a perfect opportunity to enhance your skills while enjoying the beauty of nature.
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 its 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 more enjoyable.
Where to stay at Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park offers a variety of places to stay, catering to different budgets. You can find everything from luxurious lodges to more affordable options. Some of the accommodations are right next to the park, making it easy to access the stunning wildlife and scenery. Others are actually located within the park itself, providing a unique experience surrounded by nature. Here are some of the options available: 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.
How to get to the park
Getting to Ruma National Park in Kenya, you can travel by road or air. The park is accessible from two gates, the Main Gate Kamato Gate and Nyatoto Gate.
By road: You can access Ruma National Park from the major Kenyan towns by road. The main gate is located at Homa Bay, which is the neighboring town that offers food and accommodation for tourists. You can also access the park from Kisumu via Homa Bay or Kisii.
By air: You can fly from Nairobi to Homa Bay. The Kisumu International Airport is the closest airport to the park, about 80 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to get to the park.
