Ruma National Park was initially established as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966 to protect its indigenous population of rare roan antelopes which exist nowhere else in Kenya. In 1983 it was gazetted as a National Park.
The Park lies in Western Kenya close to the shores of Africa’s largest inland lake, Lake Victoria. It is situated in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, Homa Bay county 140 km from Kisumu (Kenya’s 3rd largest city).
Fishing (On Lake Victoria) and agriculture are the main economic activities in Homa Bay County.
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The Main Gate (Kamato Gate)
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The park is accessible from two gates, the Main Gate (Kamato Gate) and Nyatoto Gate. Payment is by cash only.
Directions
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Oribi guest house
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It is a unique self catering guesthouse. It has 3 bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 6 people with a full equipped kitchen. Oribi is solar powered and DSTV available.
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The Park is a classic image of East Africa with a land of rolling golden savanna dotted with picturesque acacias backed by dramatic hills and magnificent escarpment.
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An African fish eagle perched on a tree.
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Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Ruma National Park is home to the Rothschild’s giraffe, one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies with only a few hundred members in the wild. All of those that are living in the wild are in protected areas in Kenya and neighboring Uganda.
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Dubbed the “Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope”, 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.
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Park Roads
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Get outta my way!
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Three main circuits which are motor able all year round 4 wheel drive are necessary during the rainy seasons.
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A pair of Jacksons Hartebeest
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Also seen in abundance are oribi, bohor reedbuck, impala, topi, waterbuck and buffalo. Leopards may also be sighted.
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The Park unique attributes of tranquility, wilderness, scenic beauty and watching the sunset.
Getting there – By road; From Nairobi the most direct route to Ruma National Park is via Nakuru, Kericho and Kisii. From Kisii proceed in a southerly direction on the main A1 road to Rongo, a distance of 34 km. At Rongo turn to the right and proceed 27 km to Rodi Kopany. Then turn left and head for Migori, a distance of 20 km. At Migori follow signs to the park, entering at Kamato main gate.
Where to stay – Kenya Wildlife Service Self-Catering, Oribi Guesthouse, Kamato and Nyati Campsites
Despite its beauty and serenity, the park is off the beaten path and one is unlikely to encounter other visitors.
Post courtesy of KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service)
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5 Comments
Excellent pictures. Love the vibrant colors of the scenery.
good looking. encourage local tourism and local investors so that the park becomes a cash cow for the local residents. develop the beaches by opening more rest houses and more motorized boats for tourist use.
How much do u charge for the accomodation in guesthouse?
What’s needed here is an eco-friendly safari camp and hot air ballooning excursion company around the park!
Tourists visiting the park have to be self-sufficient thus the need for a luxury camp in the area with guided tours, that would really elevate the value of this park. During our visit the road from Nyatoto gate was being fixed, that is great.