The main gate is 42km from Homa Bay. From Homa Bay take 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. At Mirogi follow the signs to the Park, entering at Kamato Main gate, a distance of 12km on a murram road from Mirogi

When to go

All year round,Daily 6.00 am - 7.00 pm including public holidays. No entry is allowed on foot and visitors will not be allowed entry after 6.15pm

What to take with you

• Drinking water, picnic items and camping equipment if you intend to stay overnight.
• Also useful are: binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and guidebooks.

MODE OF PAYMENT: Through Ecitizen  (https://kws.ecitizen.go.ke/ ) via MPesa, Visa Card, RTGS ,Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Special Services/Activities: 

Security/Guided tour per guide:

 Ksh. 1,720 – up to 4 hours

 Ksh. 3,015 – Over 4 hours

Vehicle Charges per Day:

No. of Seats KSH.

 Less than 6 seats 300

 6-12 seats 1,030

 13-24seats 2,585

 25-44 seats 4,050

 45 seats and above 5,000

Ruma National Park lies in Western Kenya, close to the shores of Lake Victoria. An island of wilderness in a sea of intense cultivation, the Park is situated in one of the most productive and populous regions in Kenya, and is one of the country’s more rewarding but less well known Parks.

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.

Climate

The Park has a humid climate, the long rains falling April-June and the short rains falling October-December

A vivid and Varied Landscape

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, the Park is a long, narrow corridor of land contained on a fist-shaped peninsular extending into Lake Victoria. The terrain is mainly rolling grassland, with tracts of open woodland thickets. The soils are largely “black cotton” clay (Oxisols).

Despite the fact that this park is less known, it holds lots of significant potential for discovery by the wanderlust. 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.

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.

Ruma National Park offers the following;

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: Ksh. 5,000

Non-Residents: US$ 100

Camping:

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 

Landline: 02035291129 

Mobile: 0717176709

Email: rumastn@kws.go.ke

Postal Address:

The Warden,

P.O. Box 420,

Homa Bay.