Ruma National Park

Dramatic Valley of the Roan Antelope, Rhino, Rothschild Giraffe and Oribi

Being Kenya’s last remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope, Ruma National Park lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River Valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the South-East, and by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills to the north. It’s located in Western Kenya, close to the shores of Lake Victoria.

A mosaic of landscapes, ranging from riverine woodland and rolling savannah to magnificent escarpments and towering cliffs, Ruma National Park promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace. It is also Kenya’s last remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope. Ruma lies on the flat floor of the seasonally watered Lambwe River Valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpment to the South-East, and by the volcanic plugs of the Ruri Hills to the north. Ruma’s birdlife is exceptional.

The park is also the only protected area in Kenya where the globally threatened blue swallow, a scarce intra-African migrant, is regularly recorded. Blue swallows, which depend upon moist grassland for both feeding and roosting, arrive in Kenya from their breeding grounds in Southern Tanzania around April and depart again in September.

Woven by a mosaic of landscapes that range from riverine woodland to the dramatically rolling savannah to magnificent escarpments and towering cliffs, Ruma National Park promises undiscovered wildlife treasures and undisturbed peace.

Attractions & Activities

Scenic views, peace and tranquility, coupled with the great wilderness appeal, all converge here! For the bird lovers, Ruma is a great destination to see the endangered blue swallow. This bird species depends on moist grasslands for both feeding and roosting and arrives in Kenya from their breeding grounds in Southern Tanzania around April and depart again in September.

Other wildlife species include Rothschild’s giraffe, rare roan antelope, serval cats, honey badgers, Topi, Burchell’s zebra, black rhino, Jackson’s and Lelwel hartebeest, Bohor reedbuck, leopard, buffalo and the spotted hyena.

Ruma makes a great destination for outdoor lovers that love taking on the less beaten hiking trails of nature. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and camping.