Ruma National Park is a mix of environments that includes riverine woods, undulating savannah, spectacular escarpments, and towering cliffs. It promises unexplored wildlife treasures and undisturbed serenity. Additionally, it is the last refuge for the critically endangered roan antelope in Kenya. Ruma is located on the level ground of the seasonally wet Lambwe River Valley, which is bounded to the south-east by the Kanyamwa Escarpment and to the north by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills. The birdlife in Ruma is remarkable. The blue swallow, a rare intra-African migrant that is threatened internationally, is routinely recorded in the park because it is the only protected area in Kenya. Blue swallows migrate to Kenya from their breeding sites in southern Tanzania in April and then leave again in September. They require damp grassland for both foraging and roosting.
Ruma National Park Climate.
Ruma National Park has a hot, muggy climate. There are two rainy seasons there: from early October to early December and from March to June. From the middle of December to February and from the end of June to September, the dry season begins.
Ruma National Park: Why Go?
There are many wonderful things to do in Kenya, and Ruma National Park lies ten kilometers from the shores of Africa’s largest inland lake and is bordered by pasture grasslands and small-scale farming. The soil is black cotton clay.
Ruma National Park is relatively underdeveloped, so visitors will need to be independent and have a 4×4 safari vehicle. However, the absence of tourists compensates visitors with less congested plains. Visitors to the historical landmark of Korlango can eat a picnic lunch there. The Kalenjin used this location as a hideout during the colonial era while they were battling for independence.
The best time to Visit Ruma National Park
Anytime of the year is a good time to explore Ruma National Park. The greatest times to see animals, however, are from June to October and from January to February during the dry season. Due to the state of the road, it is difficult to access the park at the height of the short rains in November and the long rains in April and May.
Ruma National Park’s wildlife
Ruma National Park is a popular Kenya safari destination for nature lovers since it was created to preserve the last known population of the critically endangered roan antelope in Kenya. In addition to the stunning roan antelope, Ruma provides safari visitors with the chance to witness a variety of wildlife, such as the native Rothschild’s giraffe, serval cat, impala, vervet monkey, buffalo, Jackson’s hartebeest, and occasionally the reserved spotted hyena and African leopard. The great wildlife experience offered has recently been enhanced by the reintroduction of both black and white rhino into the park.
In addition, Ruma National Park is home to a remarkable variety of snakes, including the African spitting cobra, python, eastern green mamba, black-mouthed mamba, and puff adder. Ruma is a haven for uncommon bird species for bird lovers. The park is the sole protected location where the rare intra-African migrant, the blue swallow, is often sighted.
In the park, there are more than 400 distinct bird species that have been identified. In addition to ostriches, sunbirds, kingfishers, African fish eagles, and pelicans, it is a haven for the uncommon blue swallow, one of intra-exceptional Africa’s migrations.
Tourist Attractions: what to see at Ruma national park
The Last Refuge of the Roan Antelope
The roan (or Korongo, as it is known in Swahili language) is a sizable, grey-to rufous antelope with a striking black and white face that resembles a tribal mask. It is one of Africa’s rarest antelopes and the third largest of Kenya’s antelopes. Roans are found in herds of up to 20 individuals, ruled by a bull.
The Oribi Antelope
The diminutive and beautiful Oribi antelope, also called Taya in Swahili, has a short tail with a black tip and black knee tufts, in addition to a noticeable exposed black glandular area below the ears. Oribi frequents grassland and thick vegetation, living in close-knit pairs or small groups.
Realm of rare birds
The birdlife in Ruma is remarkable. The blue swallow, a rare intra-African migrant that is threatened internationally, is routinely recorded in the park because it is the only protected area in Kenya. Blue swallows migrate to Kenya from their breeding sites in southern Tanzania in April and then leave again in September. They require damp grassland for both foraging and roosting.
Tourist activities: things to do at Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park offers a variety of activities, including game viewing, bird watching, sightseeing, camping, team building, and mediation. The park is highly recommended because of its stunning position and outlook.
A game drive
One of the most thrilling activities to take part in Ruma National Park is wildlife viewing. With this excursion, you may take in the breathtaking scenery as well as the amazing wildlife, which includes elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, bush pigs, roan antelopes, and Rothschild’s giraffes. The dry season is the ideal time to go on a game drive.
Nature strolls
In the park, taking nature walk is one of the must and never miss activity to enjoy your safari holiday. They provide a close-up opportunity to engage with the magnificent natural world. You will have the opportunity to see wildlife while participating in this activity.
Birding safaris
More than 400 different bird species, including migratory blue swallows, kingfishers, sunbirds, and African fish eagles, may be seen in Ruma National Park. The rainy season is the best time to go bird watching because it increases the likelihood of seeing migrating species.
Camping safaris
Another beautiful safari activity to enjoy in your Kenya safari tour to this national park is camping. In your camping safari to this park, enjoy a picnic at one of the Twiga or Korlango sites while taking in the environment.
Boat cruises on Lake Victoria
The fauna along the Lake Victoria beaches, including hippos and crocodiles, as well as pelicans, kingfishers, and African fish eagles, can be explored on boat rides. On request, you can have a barbeque and sip wine or juice while taking a boat ride and watching the sunset.
Ruma National Park Safari Walk: Get up close and personal with nature and wildlife while saving money in Ruma National Park.
Photographic safaris: Participants on a photo safari might go on a tour together and document their favorite moments.
Getting to Ruma National Park
Via Road transport, Ruma national park can be accessed by road transport on which, The park is situated 42 kilometres (26 mi) from Homa Bay on Lake Victoria, 140 km (86 mi) from Kisumu, and 425 km (264 mi) west of Nairobi.
Via airline Fly-Sax, scheduled flights are available from Nairobi to Homa Bay. For those asking how to get to Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is where international aircraft land. The NBO airport lies 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi, and entry to Kenya almost certainly requires a visa.
Ruma National Park accommodations.
The accommodation Rates at Ruma National Primarily vary by the time of year and the type of lodging. The park has variety of accommodations such as lodges and campsites for visitors to choose from based in their interest and budgets.
Lodges.
Exclusive and opulent lodges and camps offer some of the most breathtaking vistas in the world combined with first-rate service, delectable cuisine, and other opulent amenities, making them the ideal choice for the ultimate luxury destination. Luxurious, moderately priced, and affordable accommodations are all available at Ruma National Park.
The following are some examples of the lodging options, some of which are near national parks and others of which are inside Ruma National Park:
Mfagano Island Camp and Rusinga Island Lodge offer luxurious lodging.
The Golden Rays Resort and Ruma River Lodge are two examples of midrange lodging.
Budget lodging options include the ACK Guesthouse, Oribi Guesthouse, Hotel Twin Towers, Hotel Hippobuck, Hotel Oyugis Hill Breeze, and Ruma Tourist Lodge.
Camping
The Twiga campsite, the Korlang’o site, the Nyati special campsite, the Fig tree public campsite, and others are available to visitors to Ruma national parks as camping options.
