Visit West Kenya!

Ruma National Park

Ruma is a nice full-fledged game park that is completely out of the way of the normal tourist routes. As a result it is very quiet: you are likely to be the one one there! It was registered because of a herd of the rare but beutifil Roan Antelope.

What is there to see?

Ruma National Park is situated in the Lambwe Valley in between the hills of South Nyanza. It is mostly open country with some herds of larger herbivores roaming the fields. There are giraffe, oribi, hartebeest, reedbuck, buffalos and it is the only place in Kenya that has a population of Roan Antelopes, a larger antelope with beautiful large curved horns. In addition there are hyenas, and the odd leopard.

Where can I stay

Ruma has a small KWS-run guesthouse. Call the warden (059-22544 or tru 020-600800) to reserve. Apart from this, Ruma N.P. has no lodges or hotels. Closest are facilities in Homa Bay or in Mbita. There are two very basic campsites. You'll have to count on wild camping. Take everything.

Where do we go for food and drinks?

Check the gusthouse. Otherwise within Ruma N.P. there is no facility at all. Again, if you are camping make sure you bring everything: food, water, fuel, equipment.

How do we get there?

There are three ways to get to the main gate of Ruma N.P.: --- From Kisumu or Kericho through Ahero Katito, Kendu Bay and Homa Bay --- From Kisii through Rongo, Homa Bay --- From Kisumu through Kisian, Ndori, Luanda Kotieno, the ferry, Mbita In all cases prepare for bad roads. Use of a 4WD is recommended in normal weather and required in rain seasons. The turn-off to Ruma N.P. is halfway the Homa Bay - Mbita road (around 30km from Homa Bay). It is sign posted well with the standard characteristic KWS park sign. Can't be missed. Turn South and after about 12 km you get to the gate.
There are matatus doing these routes, but you might have to switch vehicles a few times. The last stretch, the Homa Bay - Mbita road, does not have very frequent matatus, but it is not impossible to do. Expect long waits and crowded vehicles.

What else is there to see nearby?

999