Ruma National Park

Pros & Cons

• Untouristy, off-the-beaten-track destination
• Home to Kenya’s only roan antelope
• Easily seen populations of white rhino, buffalo and Rothschild’s giraffe
• Good birding with 400+ species recorded
• The blue swallow, an endangered intra-African migrant, is present from April to September
• Some areas have tsetse flies
• Accommodation inside the park is limited to a guesthouse and campsite
• Parts of the limited road network may be impassable after rain

Wildlife

Ruma protects Kenya’s only roan antelope, a herd of fewer than 20 individuals now confined to a 6.5km²/2.5mi² fenced sanctuary near Nyatoto Gate. Other antelope include Jackson’s hartebeest, bohor reedbuck, waterbuck, impala and oribi. Introduced populations of Rothschild’s giraffe, white rhino, buffalo and plains zebra are thriving and frequently seen. Black rhino might occasionally be encountered around the airstrip, but leopard and spotted hyena are secretive and very rare. Common birds include red-throated spurfowl, yellow-throated longclaw, white-fronted bee-eater and superb starling.

Scenery

Ruma National Park is located in the Lambwe Valley, about 10km/6mi east of Lake Victoria. The dominant habitat is lightly wooded grassland, but there are also dense stands of acacia woodland. It is a scenic spot, surrounded by shapely forested hills and mountains. These include the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the southeast, the volcanic Ruri Hills to the north, and the westerly Gwassi Hills, which separate it from Lake Victoria.

Activities

The main activity is game drives. Coming from Kamato Gate, as most visitors do, you pass through an area of dense bush before emerging onto the Lambwe Plain. Here, you’re almost certain to see white rhino, giraffe, buffalo, zebra and a variety of antelope. It is also worth driving into the fenced sanctuary at Nyatoto Gate to look for roan antelope, but be warned they are not always easy to locate on the bushy hillside.

Weather & Climate

The weather and climate of Ruma are comparable to that of Kenya in general. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Kenya

Best Time To Visit

Ruma can be visited year-round, but wildlife viewing is best in the dry months from June to October and January to February. Visits during the peak of the short rains (November) and especially during the long rains (April and May) might be challenging because of the condition of the roads, which aren’t great even in the Dry season. A sturdy 4x4 is required throughout the year.

Getting There

Visitors to Ruma ideally need a high-clearance 4x4. Kamato Gate, the main point of access, is located about 380km/236mi west of Nairobi (allow 8 hours* driving time). The nearest town is Homa Bay, which lies on the shore of Lake Victoria about 25km/16mi to the north and can be used as a base for day visits.

There are no regular scheduled air services to Ruma. The closest major airport is at the Lake Victoria port of Kisumu (KIS), which is Kenya’s third-largest city and lies about 130km/81mi (2½ to 3 hours* drive) north of Kamato Gate.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Kenya and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Kenya
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Ruma NP?

Ruma Safaris

• Ruma Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Ruma