Ruma National Park


Ruma National Park is the only terrestrial park in Kenya's Nyanza Province. Dubbed the "Last Retreat of the Roan Antelope", the park protects the only indigenous population of rare roan antelopes within Kenya. At present, the population is on the verge of extinction with individual populations numbering approximately 40. The park was established in 1966 as Lambwe Valley Game Reserve. It was later renamed “Ruma” after one of Kenya's most powerful wizard, the much feared Gor Mahia who lived around the park. The park is located in the vast Lambwe Valley.

Wildlife

Game species range from African leopards, roan antelopes, eastern black rhinoceros, Rothschild's giraffes, oribis, cape buffalos, Lelwel hartebeests, olive baboons, Bohor reedbucks, hyenas, servals, topis, honey badgers, bushpigs and vervet monkeys among others.
Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the park, making it an Important Bird Area. The rare intra-African migrant, the blue swallow is one such avian species.

Park entry and charges

The park is accessible from two gates, the Main Gate and Nyatoto Gate. Payment is cashless