National Parks & Reserves in Homa Bay
Ruma National Park: A Haunt for the Roans
Originally dubbed the Lambwe Valley Game Reserve, it was set aside, in 1909, as an animal sanctuary mainly for the purpose of protecting the Roan antelope and the Jackson’s hartebeest in recognition of the game laws that gave them special protection on account of their scarcity. The roan antelope in particular has never been abundant in Kenya. In 1966 Lambwe Valley Game Reserve was reestablished as Ruma National Park, covering 120 km2 in the Lambwe Valley. In addition, the park is home to other antelope species such as Oribi, Impala and Bohor reedbuck.
Over and above the antelopes, Ruma National Park has a good concentration of wildlife. The present-day large mammal fauna of the park differs from that 30-40 years ago in that species such as the elephant, rhinoceros, and lion are no longer found here, having been either destroyed during early tsetse control operations or harassed to the point where they left permanently. The disparity was made worse when the migration of large species between the Lambwe Valley and the Masai-Mara plains ceased, presumably halted by extensive areas of human settlement.
Still and all, Ruma National Park offers visitors an opportunity to see plenty of wildlife including the Rothschild’s giraffe, serval cat, hyena, impala, buffalo, vervet monkey, roan antelope, oribi, bohor reedbuck, leopard, buffalo, and the Jackson’s hartebeest. Recently reintroduced species are Black rhino, White rhino, Burchell′s zebra, whose populations have adapted quite well. It iconic Roan antelope and Jackson’s hartebeest are easily spotted. The birds are also plentiful and variegated.
Ruma National Park lies within the picturesque Lambwe Valley, a south-westerly extension of the Kavirondo fault trough lying between the Kaniamwia Escarpment to the east and the Gwassi Hills to the west. At hand is Lake Victoria. The drive to Ruma National Park is wildly beautiful. In the park, the relatively flat terrain makes it easy to drive across, offering unbroken vistas. It does, however, make it harder to spot game, because one can hardly see more than the length of the glades.
The vegetation of Ruma National Park is contiguously variegated into three fairly distinct profiles. The forested region is restricted to the summit of Gwassi Hills, diminishing fast along the slopes. The wooded hillscape of Gwassi are dominated by Euphorbia candelabrum trees, often attaining a height of more than 10 m and tend to form dense continuous canopies that suppress undergrowth. The ensuing bushland is mainly formed by Combretum, on to the domination of grasslands.
The middle of Ruma National Park, where wildlife abounds, is a tree savanna. It is dominated by fairly dense stands of grass over the alkaline black clay soils. Only the areas along the Lambwe River, subject to seasonal flooding, are typified by an evergreen canopy of trees. The centre of Ruma National Park receives the greatest amount of rain, and is the center of interest for visitors. The parkways are good.
It is open year long. Ruma National Park lies close to the Equator, and tends to be hot and relatively humid. However, extremes of temperature and humidity are seldom experienced, on account of the altitude and occurrence of shore breezes from Lake Victoria. Rainfall follows a typical bimodal seasonal pattern with peaks in March May and October-December. Along the shore of the lake, particularly towards the south-west, there’s a single wet season that lasts from March to May.
Visitors to Ruma National Park can choose to stay at Ruma River Lodge or at the Kenya Wildlife Service run Obiri Guest House. For the avid camper, Nyati Camp nearby Kamato Gate is serviced with amenities and has a great outlook over the park. It is situated 30 km from Homa Bay via the C19 Homa Bay-Nyandiwa Road.
Kenya certainly has enormous touring resources. There are no less than sixty national narks, reserves and game sanctuaries, covering approximately 11% of the land surface. Each of these diverse and stunning national parks and reserves offers unique wildlife experiences and unique, breathtaking landscapes.
Index of National Parks & Reserves in Kenya
Baringo County - Lake Baringo National Reserve, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, Kerio Valley National Reserve, Lake Kamnarok National Reserve, Bomet County - The South Western Mau National Reserve, Busia County - Malaba Sanctuary, Elgeyo Marakwet County - Rimoi National Reserve, Embu County - Mount Kenya National Park; Irangi Forest Station, Mwea National Reserve, Garissa County - Bour-Algi Giraffe Sanctuary, Rahole National Reserve, Arawale National Reserve, Boni National Reserve, Homa Bay County - Ruma National Park, Isiolo County - The Bisanadi National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Kajiado County - Amboseli National Park, Kakamega County - Kakamega National Reserve, Kilifi County - Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park, Malindi Marine Reserve, Kisumu County - Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, Ndere Island National Park, Kitui County - Mwingi National Reserve, South Kitui National Reserve, Kwale County - Shimba Hills National Reserve, Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park & Reserve, Lamu County - Dodori National Reserve, Kiunga Marine National Reserve, Machakos County - Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Makueni County - Chyulu Hills National Park, Ngai Ndethya National Reserve, Mandera County - Malka Mari National Park, Marsabit County - Losai National Reserve, South Island National Park, Marsabit National Park & Reserve, Sibiloi National Park, Meru County - Meru National Park, Mombasa County - Mombasa Marine National Reserve & Park, Nairobi County - The Nairobi National Park, Nakuru County - Mount Longonot National Park, Crescent Island Sanctuary, Hell's Gate National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nandi County - Bonjoge National Reserve, Narok County - Masai Mara National Reserve, Nyeri County - The Aberdare National Park, Samburu County - Samburu National Reserve, Maralal National Reserve, Siaya County - Lake Kanyaboli Reserve, Tana River County - Kora National Park, The Tana Primate National Reserve, Taita Taveta County - Tsavo East National Park, Tsavo West National Park, Tharaka Nithi County - Mutejwa National Reserve, Trans Nzoia County - Mount Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park, Turkana County - Central Island Reserve, South Turkana Reserve, West Pokot County - Nasolot National Reserve
outlook
Located in the western Kenya, bordering Lake Victoria, Homa Bay County is known for its scenic landscapes, extensive lakeshore, and vibrant community life. It also offers a rich blend of cultural and historical attractions. Touring Homa Bay County allows you to immerse yourself in a part of Kenya’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, and immersive historical heritage that rarely gets under the limelight.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Ruma National Park
A Guide to Homa Bay County
A Summa Digest of Homa Bay
About Homa Bay Way Back When
48 Destinations in Homa Bay County, arranged as one would visit these - southeast, north then west - with aid of narratives, strip maps and distance chart:
Sondu Miriu Hydro Station, Old Kendu Bay Town, Olmak Beah Resort, Kendu Adventist Gendia, Lake Simbi Nyaima, Ondago Swamp National Sanctuary, Kisindi Lodge and Spa, Homa Hills, Abundu Hot Springs, Bala Lawi Hot Springs, Kanjera Prehistoric Site, Kanam Prehistoric Site, Asego and Kasarua Hills, Homa Bay Town, Asumbi Catholic Church, Asumbi Resort, Kodera Forest, Ruri Hills, Soklo Kipenji, BJs Ranch, Mbita Point, Victoria Sands Lodge, Gembe Hills, Mbita Ferry, Rusinga Island, Rusinga Island Lodge, Tom Mboya Mausoleum, White Stone Beach Resort, Rusinga Island Festival, Ngodhe Island, Kasawanga Village, Mfangano Island, Mfangano Island Lodge, Mawanga Rock Art, Kwitone Rock Art, Abasuba Peace Museum, Siambi Resort, Takawiri Island, Ringiti Island, Mbasa Islands, Gwassi Hills, Lambwe Valley, Ruma National Park, KWS Obiri Guest House, Kanyamwa Escarpment, Nyamugondho Shrine, Gor Mahia Shrine
Know More About Homa Bay County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Homa Bay is split into two main eco-zones; lakeshore lowlands and upland plateau. The lakeshore lowlands lie between 1,163 and 1,219 ms, with a long stretch bordering Lake Victoria along the north.
Homa Bay has an inland equatorial climate pattern modified by altitude, and Lake Victoria. Temperature ranges from 18oC to 33oC, with the warmest months being between December and March. February is usually the hottest month of the year.
