Ruma National Park Guide

Ruma National Park is the only park in the Nyanza Province. Also known as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve, it was constructed to protect its huge population of rare roan antelopes which cannot be found anywhere else.

It was named Ruma upon the request of the local community. The park is located in Western Kenya close to Lake Victoria, in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza. The park covers an area of 120 kilometers. It has two gates, and the roads are three main circuits which are accessible by vehicles all year long.

Climate 

The climate in the Ruma National Park is humid and hot. It has two rainy seasons, from March to June as well as from October to early December. The dry season starts from the end of June to September as well as from mid-December to February.

Best Time to Visit

Ruma National Park can be visited anytime of the year. However, wildlife viewing is best during the dry season from June to October and from January to February. 

Note that it is challenging to visit the park during the peak of the short rains in November and during the long rains in April and May, due to the conditions of the road. 

Best Time to Visit

Ruma National Park can be visited anytime of the year. However, wildlife viewing is best during the dry season from June to October and from January to February. 

Note that it is challenging to visit the park during the peak of the short rains in November and during the long rains in April and May, due to the conditions of the road. 

Wildlife in Ruma National Park 

Regarding the mammals, the park includes exceptional wildlife mammals ranging from large ones to smaller ones. The mammals include African elephants, eastern black rhinos, Roan antelope, gazelles, Cape, Lelwel hartebeests, Rothschild’s giraffes, Hyenas, Orbis, Bohor reedbucks, Impalas, serval cats, Jackson’s Hartebeests, leopard, topi, baboon, monkeys, vervet monkeys, olive baboons and bush pigs, Honey Badgers, Topis, Mountain reedbucks

There are over 400 different species of birds that have been recorded in the park. It is a have to the rare blue swallows-one of intra-Africa’s extraordinary migrants, besides Ostriches, sunbirds, kingfishers, the African fish eagles and Pelicans.

Activities in Ruma National Park

Some of the activities that can be done in Ruma National Park is Game viewing, Bird watching, sightseeing, camping, team building, mediation, the park is highly recommended as it has a breathtaking view and location.

1- Game Drives

Wildlife viewing is one of the most exciting experiences to enjoy in Ruma National Park. This activity is a chance to enjoy the marvellous landscapes as well as the exceptional wildlife species such as  eastern black rhinos, roan antelopes, Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffaloes and bush pigs. The best time to enjoy game drives is during the dry season. 

2- Nature Walks

Nature walks are must-do in the park. They offer an up-close chance to interact with the spectacular nature. During this activity, you will also get to enjoy sights of the wildlife. 

3- Bird watching

As previously mentioned, there are more than 400 species of birds in Ruma National Park such as migrant Blue swallows, kingfishers, sunbirds and African fish eagles. The best time for bird watching is during the rainy season, because there is a higher chance to spot migrant species.

4- Camping 

Camping is another activity to enjoy within the park. Enjoy the wilderness and have picnics with some of the picnic sites of Twiga and Korlang’o sites.

5- Boat cruises on Lake Victoria

Boat rides are a great chance to explore the wildlife on the shores of Lake Victoria such as Hippos and Crocodiles as well as aquatic bird species like kingfishers, Pelicans and African fish eagles. You can also enjoy a boat cruise as you watch the sunset while enjoying a barbeque on request or having a glass of wine or juice.