Ruma was first gazetted in 1966 as Lambwe valley game reserve and acquired national park status in 1983. The park was established mainly to protect the Roan antelope which does not occur anywhere else in the country.
The soils are largely black cotton clay. The surrounding area is settled, with a mix of small scale cultivation and grassy pasture land.
Location:
Ruma National park is situated in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, 140 km from Kisumu, 10km east of lake victoria and south west of Homa bay. It lies on the flat floor of the lambwe valley, bordered by the kanyamaa escarpment to the south east.
Climate:
Hot and Humid. Mean annual rainfall is 1200-1600mm.
HOW TO GET THERE
Roads
The main access is from Kisumu via Homa Bay 140 km or via Kisii and Migori. Both roads are tarmac. From Homa Bay and Migori, park is reached through gravel roads with distances of 24 km and 8 km respectively.
Park Roads
The park has three main circuits.
Park Gates
Main Gate, Nyatoto Gate.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Roan antelope which does not occur anywhere else in the country.
FACILITIES
Campasites: Sigama Hill, Fig Tree.
ACTIVITIES
Game viewing.
