Ruma National Park is located in the Lambwe Valley of Homa Bay County, close to the shores of Lake Victoria and framed by the Kanyamwa Escarpment and the Ruri Hills. Covering about 120 km², it is the only terrestrial national park in the Nyanza region offering visitors a rare chance to experience an untouched safari destination in Western Kenya.
First established in 1966 as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve, the area was later upgraded to national park status in 1983 and named Ruma after the legendary Luo wizard Gor Mahia. Today, the park is the only place in Kenya where you can encounter the rare and majestic roan antelope making it a must visit for wildlife enthusiasts. It remains a peaceful retreat for travellers who want to explore Kenya beyond the usual safari circuit.
Why Ruma National Park Should Be on Your Safari List
Roan Antelopes in Ruma National Park
Roan antelopes are among Africa’s most distinctive and striking antelope species, easily recognised by their backward-curving horns, powerful build and bold facial markings. They are the second-largest antelope after the eland but their population in Kenya is critically endangered surviving only within Ruma.
Decades of habitat loss and poaching drastically reduced their numbers but ongoing conservation efforts in the park are now focused on protecting and gradually expanding this fragile population. For travellers spotting a roan antelope in its natural habitat is not only a rare privilege but also a reminder of the vital role Ruma plays in safeguarding Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
Oribi Antelope: Small but Remarkable
The Oribi antelope is another special resident of Ruma National Park. Smaller and more delicate than the roan, the oribi is a graceful species easily recognised by its slender legs, short pointed horns in males and a distinct black tail patch. Standing about 60–70 cm at the shoulder, these antelopes are well adapted to open grasslands where they feed mainly on fresh grasses and herbs.
Although they may not be as large or imposing as the roan antelope, oribis are fascinating to observe. They live in small groups or pairs and are extremely alert, often darting away with remarkable speed when disturbed.
The Blue Swallow: A Rare Migratory Jewel
Ruma National Park is also famous for its birdlife and among its most treasured species is the blue swallow. This elegant bird with its glossy blue plumage and long graceful tail streamers, is a seasonal migrant that travels thousands of kilometres from Southern Africa.
Ruma is the only protected area in Kenya where the blue swallow is regularly recorded. The birds usually arrive around April and remain until September, using the park’s grasslands as a vital feeding and resting ground. Globally the species is considered vulnerable due to loss of suitable grassland habitats across its migratory range making Ruma’s role in its conservation extremely significant.
For birdwatchers spotting a blue swallow in flight is a highlight of any visit a rare and memorable experience that adds to the park’s reputation as an Important Bird Area with over 400 recorded bird species.
Reptiles of Ruma National Park
Ruma National Park is also home to a fascinating diversity of reptiles. Among the most notable are venomous snakes such as the puff adder, spitting cobra, forest cobra, eastern green mamba and the black-mouthed mamba as well as the powerful African rock python. These species thrive in the park’s varied habitats of savannah grassland, riverine forest and rocky outcrops.
Apart from its rare species, Ruma National Park also hosts a wide variety of other wildlife that adds to the richness of the safari experience. Visitors may encounter Rothschild’s giraffes, buffaloes, hartebeests, topis, reedbucks, bush pigs, hyenas, leopards, servals and primates such as olive baboons and vervet monkeys.
Ruma National Park entry fees
The park fees for Ruma National Park vary depending on the season and the nationality of the visitor.
- Kenyan Citizens: Adults KES 250–300, Children/Students KES 200–250
- East African Residents: Adults KES 500–600, Children KES 250–300
- Other African Nationals: Adults USD 15–20, Children USD 10–15
- International Visitors: Adults USD 20–25, Children USD 15
- Vehicle Entry: From KES 1,000 (depending on size)
- Camping: Public and special campsites available at extra fees
- Exemptions: Children under 5 years and senior citizens (free entry)