Situated in the Kericho town of Kenya, the Ruma National Park is one of the most renowned and well- known national parks in the country. There is a diverse and wide range of flora and fauna found here, including the famous endangered Roan antelope. The national park offers and promises some undiscovered wildlife treasures and moments of peace and serenity. The park is also the only enclosed, protected area that houses the globally endangered blue swallow. Situated close to the Lake Victoria in West Kenya, this place is a true gem in the country that is equally productive and rewarding.
Things To Do In The Ruma National Park
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- Explore and discover some of the rarest and most exotic species of birds and animals including the endangered Roan antelope, blue swallow, and the Rothschild giraffe.
- There are numerous exotic bird species present in the national park. The Ruma National park offers a lot of bird watching opportunities and tourists can hire experienced and knowledgeable guides who provide a lot of interesting facts and detailed information on the various kinds of bird species present in the park, which is great for bird and nature enthusiasts.
- Tourist and visitors can also stay for an overnight camping experience that is offered near the national park. The camp sites offered by the park are a must- visit since they provide memorable experiences with the wildlife.
- There are numerous scenic hiking and trekking trails in the Ruma National Park, that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and opportunities to witness the wildlife in their natural habitat up close. These sceneries offer great photo opportunities for photographers.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Kenya
Entry Fee And Opening Hours Of The Ruma National Park
- The entry fee for resident adults/ citizens in the Ruma National Park is 300 Ksh (Kenyan Shilling) and for children it is 215 Ksh. For non citizens, it is around 25 USD ( Rs 2,087). It is crucial that visitors and tourists look up these rates and confirm it with their local/ tour guides in order to ensure a smooth trip and experience with no hassles whatsoever.
- The opening hours of the terrestrial and marine park is 6 am- 6 pm. For the Nairobi safari walks, the operation hours are 9 am – 5.30 pm. The best time to visit the park is during the morning hours when the likelihood of spotting animals and birds is higher and tourists can also experience a peaceful ambience in a comfortable and pleasant weather. Again, it is advisable that tourists look up the timings/ opening hours of the park before visiting to guarantee a hassle- free trip.
Places To Visit Near The Ruma National Park
There are many tourist spots that tourists can visit near the Ruma national park that will make their trip an amazing one full of unforgettable memories.
1. Lake Victoria
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The Lake Victoria is one of the largest lakes in Africa and is situated near the Ruma National Park. It is also the source of the very famous River Nile. The lake is very popular among tourists for boating, fishing or to simply relax. This is an amazing place to meditate and introspect, owing to the serene ambience and the breathtaking vistas.
Distance from the Ruma National Park: 10 km
Best time to visit: July- October
Suggested Read: Wildlife In Kenya
2. Kisumu
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Kisumu is a beautiful and serene town located near the Ruma National Park. There are a lot of fascinating and incredible tourist attractions found here, including the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Dunga Hill Camp and the Kisumu Museum. This is an amazing tourist destination situated very close to the park and is guaranteed to elevate and enhance your trip to Kenya to the fullest.
Distance from the Ruma National Park: 137 km
Best time to visit: December- March
3. Rusinga Island
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Another fascinating but secluded tourist destination located close to the Ruma National park, the Rusinga Island is known for its archaeological and historic significance. It is also renowned for the Tom Mboya Mausoleum and the stunning panoramic vistas that the island provides, which makes it the perfect tranquil escape.
Distance from the Ruma National Park: 51 km
Best time to visit: September- November
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Ways To Reach The Ruma National Park
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- By air: The nearest airport to the park is the Kisumu International Airport which is about 80 km away from the park. Visitors and tourists can hire a cab from here to reach the place in about 2 hours.
- By bus: Frequent buses travel to Ruma National Park from nearby towns and major cities. Visitors can also opt for this mode of transportation to reach the national park quicker and without hassles.
- By road: Visitors can also bring their private vehicles to the park. From Homa Bay, the park is about 42 km by road. The roads are well- connected, well- maintained and the journey offers some stunning scenic views that are guaranteed to leave a permanent imprint in your memories.
- Other means: There are taxi and cab services available all over the country and is also very popular. They are quicker and also relatively a cheaper means of communication in the country.
Further Read: Restaurants In Kenya
Now that you have the perfect list of things to know before visiting the Ruma National Park, it is time to pack your suitcases, plan an enthralling visit and set out on an exciting trip to Kenya to visit this incredible destination. Explore and embark on a wildlife exploration and get an opportunity to spot some of the rarest and most exotic species in the world, including the famous Roan antelope.
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Ruma National Park
When is the best time to visit the Ruma National Park in Kenya?
The dry seasons of June to October and December to February are usually considered to be the best time to visit the park as well as the peak season. This is because the animals and birds are easier to spot in these seasons owing to better visibility.
What are some of the animals found in the Ruma National Park?
Some of the different animals found here are the famous and endangered Roan antelope, Rothschild’s giraffe, hyena, serval cat, impala, vervet monkey, bohor reedbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest and many more exotic species.
Where is the exact location of the Ruma National Park?
The park is located close to Lake Victoria in Western Kenya, in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza. The park has two gates for entry and exit.
Are elephants found in the Ruma National Park?
Yes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, eastern black rhinos can all be spotted in the Ruma National Park.
What are some of the challenges that the Ruma National park is facing?
Some of the serious problems that the park is facing are habitat loss and forest degradation due to clearance of grasslands for activities such as agriculture and infrastructure development. Another major issue that the park is facing is eco degradation and the rise of incidences of endangerment among various species of animals and birds.
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