RUMA NATIONAL PARK.
This is a national park in Nyanza province in Kenya. Ruma National Park is famous for the only indigenous population of the are Roan Antelopes in Kenya. within this time, the population of these antelopes have become scares worldwide and the population here is estimated to be below 50 species. The national park also habituates. This national park as well is the only protected area in Kenya the globally threatened blue Swallows are scarce intra-African migrant is found. This national park is full of magnificent landscape characterized of savannah towering woodland, acacia thickets, woodland and the volcanic plugs as well as the Riverine woodland. Ruma National Park is divided into 4 zones that’s the high use zone, closed zones, low use zone, and the influence zone.
The location and genesis of the park
The park was established in 1966 as a game reserve as Lambwe Valley. It was later named Ruma National Park after one of the powerful wizard who was so feared called Gor Mahia who lived around the park. The national park is found Nyanza province bordered by the dramatic Kanyamaa escarpment. The park is found west of Nairobi in Nyanza province the nearby city being Hoima Bay but south west of Homa. Ruma National Park covers an area of 120 km2 on a flat floor in Lambwe River Valley bordered by the Kanyamwa Escarpments.
After the establishment of the Ruma National Park in 1966 with aim of protecting the scares indigenous Roan antelope species well known as Karongo in Kiswahili
Attractions at Ruma National Park
Wildlife: This national park is a home of various wildlife species which are rare and not easy to be found anywhere in the country. Some of the wildlife species include, leopards, antelopes, cape buffalos, honey badgers, hyenas, Rothschild giraffes, vervet monkeys, and many others. There is a number of reptiles within the park and some of the species include, python, eastern green mamba, black mouthed mamba, lizards and many others
Birds: There have been recorded over 400 bird species and some of these include, blue swallow which rare and can be found anywhere in the country unless, kingfisher, African fish eagles, sunbirds, crested francolin, speckled pigeon, African green pigeon and many other birds around the park. There a categorized into the native and the migratory birds
There exist a good land scape and vegetation besides birds and wildlife that a visitor wouldn’t miss and the all favor visitors. There also lakes like Victoria the biggest in Africa and the world’s second covering about 68800km2.
some of the activities offered at Ruma National Park.
Nature walks.
This national park is known for the nature walks in Kenya and perfect as Kenya Safari destination. Because the park has a magnificent landscape, with Lambwe River, riverine woodland and the towering cliffs that attract visitors, this park offers the best.in the course of the nature walks in different trails a large number of animal plants and even landscape is seen and some of the birds within the journey. This activity is done at any time though the morning time is advised because the animals are now in their active stages as well as the birds.
Boat cruise at Victoria lake.
Those visited L. Victoria and Ruma National Park and haven’t taken boat rides have visited nothing. This could be among the most interesting things at the National Park. The activity provides opportunity to explore the place, aquatic life at the lake shore like the hippos, crocodiles, birds are easily seen floating and along the shore, including, pelicans, kingfisher and others. Because visitors cruise in luxury boats visitors can be watching the sun, taking glass of juice or wine as well and enjoying your best moment.
Game drives
At Ruma National Park, visitors can experience a well-protected game drive and it’s among the most interesting activities around the national park. During the game drive fantastic landscape, is viewed within the way, exceptional wildlife species such as the black Rhinos, roan antelopes Rothschild’s giraffes, elephants, buffalos, and the bush big. This activity is enjoyed throughout the year though the best time could be during the dry season.
Bird watching
This national park is said to have over 400 bird species including the native and the migratory birds that came at this national park. Some of the bird species here include, pelicans, kingfisher, sunbirds, eagles the African eagles and money others. The bird watching can be done throughout the year though the best time for the activity is the during the rainy season because that’s when even the migratory birds are present
Camping and having picnics, at the Twiga and Korlango camping site shouldn’t be missed around the park
When to visit the Ruma National Park
Here, the national park can be visited any time though sometimes depend on what a visitor wants to see and the climate around. The best time is between the month of June to October and from January to February during the mentioned time wildlife viewing is very easy.
ACCOMMODATION.
The accommodation around the park is categorized in three stages depending on the visitor’s desire. There include, luxury, budget and the midrange accommodation. some of the accommodation facilities include, Victoria Lodges, Bimosa Brach Resort, Ruma river Lodges and many others
DIRECTIONS
The national park is 383.9km from Nairobi to the park. This can take around 6-7 hours driving on the road. Those using the flight may require booking of 40 dollars taking below 4 hours from Nairobi city.