Destination guide
Ruma National Park: roan antelope by Lake Victoria
Reviewed 27 Oct 2026 · Each statement is labelled.
The park
Ruma National Park covers about 120 km² in Homa Bay County. It was gazetted in 1966 as a game reserve and later upgraded to a national park.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 Oct 2026
It is Kenya's only remaining sanctuary for the endangered roan antelope. Rothschild's giraffe and the endangered blue swallow are among its highlights.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 Oct 2026
What to do
The open plains suit game viewing, guided walks and hiking. The park also hosts the Roan Antelope Half Marathon, and the Rusinga Cultural Festival takes place nearby.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 Oct 2026
Getting there
From Homa Bay town, drive about 22 km on the C19 towards Mbita, then take the all-weather road to Kamato Main Gate.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 Oct 2026
Park rules
Gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00 unless you are staying overnight; visitors keep at least 20 metres from wildlife, stay on established roads and trails, keep to 40 km/h, and carry out all their rubbish. Single-use plastic is prohibited.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) · checked 27 Oct 2026
Confirm before you travel
- Road conditions to Kamato Main Gate
- Accommodation in Homa Bay or near the park
- Guided walk arrangements
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Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service (opens in a new tab) — About Ruma National Park (checked 27 Oct 2026)