Ruma National Park
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About Ruma National Park
“Valley of the Roan Antelope, Rhino, Rothschild’s Giraffe and Oribi”
Ruma National Park is located in Homa Bay County in western Kenya. Ruma National Park is Kenya’s only remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope, offering visitors a rare and rewarding wildlife safari experience. The park lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River Valley, bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the southeast and the volcanic Ruri Hills to the north, creating a natural setting for exploration and adventure.
Ruma Park was gazetted in 1966, initially as a Game Reserve formerly known as the Lambwe Valley, and later upgraded to a National Park. It covers an area of approximately 120 km².
The Park lies within a broad valley basin formed by surrounding hills, creating a distinct landscape that supports diverse wildlife and ecological processes. Ruma National Park is of high conservation value and plays a critical role in the protection of threatened species in western Kenya.
Home To The Roan Antelope
Ruma Park Landscape & Scenery
Woven with a rich mosaic of landscapes, Ruma promises undiscovered wildlife encounters and tranquil wilderness escapes. Its open plains provide ideal conditions for game viewing, guided walks, hiking, and organized group activities, making it well-suited for sports-based outings and nature-centered outdoor experiences.
Best Attractions In Ruma National Park
Scenic Wilderness & Tranquil Landscapes
Critically Endangered Roan Antelope, Endangered Blue Swallow, & Rothschild Giraffe
The Animals & Wildlife In Ruma National Park
Ruma protects Kenya’s only roan antelope, a herd of fewer than 20 individuals. Other antelopes include the 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-necked spurfowl, yellow-throated longclaw, white-fronted bee-eater and superb starling.
Conservation Safari
Safari Activities In Ruma National Park
The main activity is wildlife safaris. In Ruma Park, 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.
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9 Days | 8 Nights
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The Best Time To Visit Ruma National Park
As for Ruma National Park, it can be visited all year-round, but wildlife viewing is best during the dry months as from June to October and January to February. Visiting Ruma during the peak of the short rains in November and during the long rains in April and May can be somehow challenging.
Tours & Tickets To Ruma National Park
Together, Ruma National Park’s rare wildlife, scenic landscapes, cultural connections, and outdoor events make it a unique destination where adventure, heritage, and conservation come together in one unforgettable wilderness experience.
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