Ruma National Park is one of Kenya’s quieter parks, and its wildlife is unusual. It is home to Kenya’s only native population of roan antelope, which makes it significant far beyond its size.
Where it is and how big it is
Ruma lies in the Lambwe Valley near Homa Bay in western Kenya, covering about 120 square kilometres. It was gazetted in 1983 and is run by the Kenya Wildlife Service. It was originally called the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve.
The roan antelope
Ruma is the last refuge of Kenya’s native roan antelope, and numbers are critically low.
Other wildlife
- Rothschild’s giraffe, oribi, topi and reedbuck.
- Black rhino and buffalo.
- Baboons, hyenas and servals.
- Leopards are present.
Birds
More than 400 bird species have been recorded, including the rare blue swallow, and the park is an Important Bird Area. Bring binoculars and read iconic birds of a Kenya safari.
Getting in
Visitors enter through the Main (Kamato) Gate or the Nyatoto Gate, and payment is cashless. We can arrange entry and a guide for you.
Combine it with Rusinga
Ruma pairs well with a trip to Rusinga Island and Lake Victoria. It is quiet, so it suits travellers who value space and wildlife over crowds. For a very different park, see the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Getting there
The Kenya Wildlife Service gives two routes from Homa Bay town to the Kamato Main Gate. One takes the C19 toward Mbita, turns left at Kadio (Malela Junction) and continues on the D213. The other takes the C20 toward Rongo, turns right at Rodi Kopany and continues via Mirogi on the D213.
A short history
The area was gazetted in 1966 as a game reserve, the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve, and was later upgraded to a national park, with the park gazetted in 1983.
How rare is the roan?
The Kenya Wildlife Service calls Ruma Kenya’s only remaining sanctuary for the roan antelope. One published source puts the population at around 40 animals and describes it as on the verge of extinction, though it gives no year, so treat the number as approximate.
What you can do
Activities listed by the Kenya Wildlife Service include game viewing, guided walks and hiking. Ask your guide which areas are open on the day you visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ruma National Park known for?
It is home to Kenya’s only native population of roan antelope.
Where is Ruma?
In the Lambwe Valley near Homa Bay in western Kenya.
How big is Ruma?
About 120 square kilometres.
Is it good for birds?
Yes. Over 400 species have been recorded and it is an Important Bird Area.
When was Ruma protected?
It was gazetted as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966 and as a national park in 1983.
Can I walk in Ruma?
The Kenya Wildlife Service lists guided walks and hiking among the activities.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Facts checked on 5 November 2026 from Wikipedia’s Ruma National Park entry (secondary source) and the Kenya Wildlife Service’s Ruma page. Wildlife lists and gate arrangements can change, so confirm before you travel.
