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Description
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.
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Stay in the Wild. Explore. Create memories
Set in the quietude of nature, KWS offers a modest and wide range of self-catering accommodation options targeting the budget traveler. Whether you are looking to get away from the daily grind of life, away from the hustle and bustle of life in the city in the serenity of the bush, or just to soak in your senses and reconnect with nature, KWS bandas and guesthouses offer the perfect ambience.
Oribi Guest House: 1unit, 6pax
Consists of three bedrooms, two doubles and one triple.
Amenities: Dining area, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and beddings. Lighting is by solar. A house caretaker is available.
Rates:
Citizens & Residents: KES 5,000
Non-Residents: $100
Special Campsite:
• Nyati
For this category, only camping grounds are provided. The visitor has to reserve the campsite well in advance for exclusive use. Visitors are required to bring with them personal effects, drinking water, a source of fire and kitchen utensils. Most special campsites are located near rivers in the park unless otherwise indicated.
Public Campsite:
• Fig Tree.
For this category, standard amenities are provided; water, toilet/bathroom and kitchen area. Public campsites do not require prior booking.
*Prevailing camping rates apply per person per day including other park charges.
*Reservation of bandas/guesthouses and special campsites can be done through the park warden through 020 3529119 Email; rumastn@kws.go.ke or through KWS headquarters reservations desk; reservations@kws.go.ke
What to take with you
Whether camping or just visiting for a day trip, visitors are advised to carry with them the following; personal effects, clean drinking water, food, camping equipment if the visitor intends to stay overnight.
Also important are; Camera, binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, first aid kit, sunglasses, appropriate hiking/mountaineering gear and reserve car fuel if intending to be in the park longer.
Security/Guided tour per guide
• KES 1,720 – up to 4 hours
• KES 3,015 – Over 4 hours
Vehicle Charges per day
• Less than 6 seats - KES 300
• 6-12 seats - KES 1,030
• 13-24 seats - KES 2,585
• 25-44 seats - KES 4,050
• 45 seats and above - KES 5,000
By Road: From Homa Bay Town;
a) Travel 22Km on the main C19 tarmac road in the direction of Mbita. After 14Km branch off to the left at Kadio (Malela Junction) and proceed 8Km on the all-weather road D213 from Kadio (Malela Junction) to Kamato Main Gate.
b) Travel 42Km on the main C20 tarmac road in the direction of Rongo. After 10km, branch off to the right at Rodi Kopany and proceed 20km to Mirogi. Proceed for 12 Km from Mirogi on the all-weather road D213 and follow the signposts to the Park leading to Kamato Main gate.
Working Hours
- Monday Open all day
- Tuesday Open all day
- Wednesday Open all day
- Thursday Open all day
- Friday Open all day
- Saturday Open all day
- Sunday Open all day
Booking Inquiry
Location / Contacts
- Address : Ruma National Park, P.O. Box 420, Homa Bay, Kenya.
- Phone : +254203529119
- Mail : umastn@kws.go.ke
- Website : http://www.kws.go.ke/content/ruma-national-park
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