Ruma National Park Ruma National Park is the only Terestial Park in the entire Nyanza Province. It was initially established as the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve in 1966 to protect its indigenous population of rare roan antelopes which exist nowhere else in Kenya. In 1983 it was gazetted as a National Park. Namely Ruma N. Park It was renamed “Ruma” upon request of the local community. The area had been so named by one of Kenya’s most powerful wizard, the much feared Gor Mahia who lived around the park. The park is largely of black cotton soil with surrounding area settled with a mix of small scale cultivation and grassy pasture land. Location The Park lies in Western Kenya close to the shores of Africa’s largest inland lake, Lake Victoria. It is situated in Lambwe Valley in South Nyanza, 140 km from Kisumu, 10 km east of Lake Victoria and South West of Homa Bay and 425 km west of Nairobi. It lies on the flat floor of the Lambwe Valley, bordered by the kanyamwa escarpment to the south east, Gwassi Hills, Sumba hill and ruri hills to the north. The Park covers an area of 120 square kilometers. ACCESS Main access is from Kisumu via Homa Bay – 140 km, via Kisii – 65 km. The main gate is 42 km from Homa Bay take Main C – 20 tarmac road in the direction of Rongo. After 10 km branch off to the right at Rodi kopany and proceed 20 km to Mirogi. At Mogori follow the signs to the Park a distance of 12 km on a Murrum road from Migori. OR 24 km from Homa Bay take main C – 20 tarmac road in the direction of Rongo. After 2 km branch off to the right at Mbita – Homa Bay Road junction. After 11km branch left at the park signage taking road D213 to Kamato Gate. From Kisii via Rongo to Rodi kopany branching off to the left. One can also access the Park from Kisumu via Lwanda K’otieno from Lwanda K’otieno take ferry to Mbita then drive 20 km to Nyatoto Gate. Park Roads Three main circuits which are motorable all year round 4 wheel drive is necessary during the rainy seasons. Park Gates Two gates, the Main Gate (Kamato Gate) and Nyatoto Gate CLIMATE Hot and humid, mean annual rainfall is 1200 – 1600mm. The park has a humid climate, the long rains falling April-June and the short rains falling October-December MAJOR ATTRACTIONS Roan antelope which is found nowhere else in the country. Wildlife – Roan antelope, leopard, buffalo, hyena, Rothschild giraffe, oribi, Jackson and lelwel hartebeest, impala, bohor reedbuck, serval cat, topi, baboons, vervet monkey, honey badgers, bush pig and many more. Birds – The Park is an IBA area with over 400 species of birds recorded. It is renowned amongst ornithologists for its rare intra - African migrant, the blue swallow. The Park provides an unspoiled world for game lovers, bird watchers, tranquility and peace for meditation, historians, campers, team building, picnic, sundowners and scenic beauty. Facilities. Campsite Two campsites, Nyati campsite which is a special campsite and Fig tree campsite which is a public campsite and a backpacker’s haven. Picnic site Korlang’o picnic site which is a historical site as Korlango was used as escape route by the kalenjin during the colonial time when they were brought to Lambwe Valley to die during the resistant, as the place was inhabited due to tsetse fly and malaria. Twiga picnic site which is in the middle of the Park allowing you to snack with the animals. Oribi guest house It is a unique self catering guesthouse built on the Kanyamwa Escarpment where Gor Mahia used to frequent. For those who want to have an over night stay and appreciate the Park unique attributes of tranquility, wilderness, scenic beauty and watching the sunset. It has 3 bedrooms accommodating a maximum of 5 people with a full equipped kitchen. Activities Game viewing, bird watching, picnic, camping, team building, meditation, sight seeing, sundowner. Vegetation The Park is a classic image of East Africa with a land of rolling golden savanna dotted with picturesque acacias backed by dramatic hills and magnificent escarpment. It also has unique mosaic of riverine woodland and balanties trees. Current status The Park is free of tsetse fly, thanks to a collaboration of KWS, PATTEC and
Posted on: Wed, 28 Aug 2013 13:33:39 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015