Ruma National Park

Ruma National Park is located in Homa Bay district, Nyanza province, about 425 sq km, West of Nairobi, 23km south –west of Homa bay, 10kms East of Lake Victoria. Ruma National Park was first gazetted in 1966 as the Lamwe valley Game Reserve, acquiring National park status in 1983, covering an area of 120 sq km. It is the last sanctuary of the endangered Roan Antelope.
Ruma National Park is nestled between two hills thus a valley Kanyanira escarpment and Guasi Hills offering a very scenic view. Kaksingiri springs that rise from Kanyamira escarpment and then disappear 200m away is also worth a visit.
It comprises of Savannah grassland and woodland with extensive Acacia thickets, experiencing a humid climate; one rainfall peak between April-June and a light down pour between October-December.
Biodiversity
The park is a habitat to a variety of Roan Antelope, Genet cat, Serval cat, Jackson’s hartebeest, OribiRothschild’s Giraffe, Topi, Impala, Bush baby, Bush buck, African Hare, Olive Baboon, Spotted hyena, white tailed mongoose, large grey mongoose, Porcupine, Leopard, Steinbok, Aadvark, Cane cat, African wild cat, Clawless Otter; reptiles like the Agama Lizard ,Puff adder, African spiting Cobra, Lizard, Gecko and a variety of native bird species as well as the rare intra-African migrant.
How to get there
By road: From Homa Bay takes the main C20 tarmac road in the direction of Rongo. The park main gate is 42 km from Homa Bay. After 10 km branch off to the right at Rodi Konapy and proceed 20 km to Mirogi, here, follow the sign posts using a 12 km murram road to the park, accessing the park main gate at Kamato.
Self- catering Accommodation
The Oribi guest house has 3 bedrooms; one triple and two doubles, with an extension for accommodating drivers and domestic staff. It is managed by KWS, located near park headquarters.
The guest house has one bathroom, a beautifully furnished sitting room with log fire place, dinning are and a fully equipped kitchen.
Alternative Accommodation
There are 2 camping sites: Kamato and Nyati camping sites, in the park premises both of them close to Kamato gate. There are no facilities at campsites but upon request, fuel wood and water can be provided by the Warden’s office.
Note: The park is accessible all year round; open daily, 6:00am-7:00pm including public holidays.
No entry is allowed on foot.
After 6:15pm visitors will not be allowed entry.
Bird life
The park is endowed with over 400 bird species such as the Blue Swallow, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Sun bird, Magnificent fish eagles, kingfishers.
-Flora such as the Acacia thickets.
Activities

• Game viewing
• Bird watching
• Driving circuit
• Camping

Provided
Caretaker, kerosene lamps, mosquito net, pillows, bed linen, towels, soap and toilet tissue.
What to Pack
• Picnic items and camping equipment for those who will stay overnight.
• Safe drinking water that is bottled and insect repellent.
• Sun hats, sun glasses.
• Cameras, Binoculars, guide books.
Park Entry Charges
Obtainable via Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) headquarters, Nairobi.
Payment acceptable in Ksh or US $.
When to Visit
- Wet Season: The long rains are from March to the May and the short rains occur mainly during November. Sometimes they are longer or shorter or absent altogether. It is coldest in the park between June and July.
- Dry Season: June to September is usually dry; December to March is the hottest period and therefore not the best time for Ruma safaris