Ruma National Park – Kenya’s Last Roan Sanctuary
- maria maris
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 10
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Homa Bay County, near the shimmering shores of Lake Victoria, lies one of Kenya’s best-kept secrets — Ruma National Park Kenya. Remote, peaceful, and deeply scenic, Ruma is known as “the Last Roan Sanctuary,” home to the country’s final population of the majestic roan antelope.
For travelers who seek quiet safaris, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes untouched by mass tourism, Ruma National Park is a true hidden treasure.
Ruma National Park Kenya – The Hidden Gem of the West
Located about 425 km west of Nairobi and 23 km from Homa Bay town, Ruma National Park Kenya spans 120 square kilometers of unspoiled beauty. It’s the only protected area in Kenya’s western region and offers a striking contrast to the dry savannahs of the east.
The park’s landscape features rolling grasslands, acacia thickets, and dramatic escarpments with distant views of Lake Victoria. Ruma’s tranquility and scenic charm make it ideal for photographers, birdwatchers, and travelers looking for solitude and authenticity.
The Roan Antelope – The Pride of Ruma
The rare roan antelope, among Africa’s most beautiful and endangered antelopes, is the crown jewel of Ruma. Standing nearly five feet tall at the shoulder, with backward-curving horns and a bold black-and-white face mask, the roan looks almost regal as it grazes across Ruma’s plains.
Kenya’s entire roan population — less than 50 individuals — lives here. Thanks to ongoing conservation efforts by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local communities, these antelopes are making a slow but steady recovery. Seeing one in the wild is a privilege few travelers ever experience.
Wildlife in Ruma National Park
Beyond the roan, Ruma National Park boasts diverse wildlife and birdlife. You can spot buffaloes, rothschild giraffes, impalas, bushbucks, reedbucks, hyenas, and sometimes even leopards.
Birdwatchers will love Ruma’s status as a Kenya Important Bird Area (IBA). Over 400 bird species thrive here, including the rare blue swallow, which migrates from southern Africa. Other highlights include African fish eagles, kingfishers, crowned cranes, and sunbirds — turning every walk or drive into a moving orchestra of wings and sound.
Landscape and Scenery of Ruma National Park
The landscape of Ruma National Park is one of soft hills, open plains, and dramatic escarpments rising toward the Kanyamwa and Gwassi Hills. The park’s name comes from “Gurume,” the local word for a spear, reflecting the area’s sharp ridges and heroic terrain.
The park’s elevation ranges from 1,200 to 1,600 meters, providing sweeping views over western Kenya’s valleys and distant glimmers of Lake Victoria. In the rainy season, the grasslands turn emerald green, while the dry months offer golden light — perfect for photographers.
Culture and Heritage Around Ruma National Park
Ruma’s surroundings are as rich in culture as they are in nature. The Luo community, dominant in the region, lives in harmony with wildlife and nature, guided by traditions that respect land and life. Visitors can stop in nearby villages to learn traditional fishing techniques, sample omena (lake sardines), or hear local legends about Luanda Magere, the Luo warrior said to have turned to stone.
This blend of wildlife and culture makes Ruma not just a safari — but a journey into Kenya’s western soul.
Activities in Ruma National Park
There’s plenty to do for nature lovers and explorers:
Game Drives: Explore open plains and woodlands in search of roan antelopes, giraffes, and buffaloes.
Birdwatching: Bring binoculars to spot blue swallows, cranes, and raptors.
Photography: Capture golden light, dramatic hills, and reflections of Lake Victoria.
Nature Walks: Guided hikes offer close encounters with flora and fauna.
Picnics: The Korlango picnic site offers panoramic views and peaceful rest spots.
For adventurous travelers, Ruma’s silence and open spaces make it ideal for meditation, art, and reflection.
Best Time to Visit Ruma National Park
The best time to visit Ruma National Park is during the dry seasons — January to March and June to October. Wildlife is easier to spot when grass is short, and roads are more accessible.
During the wet season (April–May and November–December), the park transforms into a lush green wonderland — ideal for photography and birdwatching, though some areas may be muddy.
How to Get to Ruma National Park Kenya
By Road: From Nairobi, take the Kisii–Homa Bay road (about 6–7 hours). The main park gate is the Kamato Gate, located 42 km from Homa Bay town.
By Air: Charter flights can land at Homa Bay Airstrip or Kisumu International Airport, followed by a scenic drive to the park.
Most visitors combine Ruma with a trip to Lake Victoria, Rusinga Island, or Mbita Bridge, making it an ideal western Kenya circuit.
Where to Stay Near Ruma National Park
While there are no lodges inside the park, comfortable options are available nearby:
Ruma River Lodge: Cozy eco-lodge with views of the hills.
Homa Bay Tourist Hotel: Convenient for park access and Lake Victoria trips.
Rusinga Island Lodge: Luxury stay on the lake, perfect for relaxation after safari.
Camping enthusiasts can set up tents in designated areas, surrounded by the sounds of nature and starlit skies.
Conclusion – The Hidden Heart of Western Kenya
Ruma National Park Kenya is a destination for the soul — quiet, authentic, and deeply connected to both people and nature. It’s where Africa’s rare roan antelopes roam, where blue swallows glide through open skies, and where the heart of western Kenya beats softly beneath the hills.
Safety & Travel Tips:
Travel with a local guide or ranger for navigation.
Carry water and sunscreen — the sun can be strong.
Respect wildlife and avoid loud noises.
Bring binoculars and a camera for the best experience.
In Ruma, you don’t just watch nature — you listen to it. And in its silence, you’ll hear the story of a land that has quietly protected its wild treasures for centuries.
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