The Guide to Ruma National Park
Kisumu and the western province of Kenya are famous for the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria and the extensive fishing carried therein. However, Ruma National park is slowly changing this perception with its determined effort to preserve the rare roan antelope and further put Kisumu on the world map.
Ruma National Park is a protected area in the department of Cesar, Colombia. The park covers an area of approximately 37,500 hectares and is located within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range.
It is named after the Ruma indigenous people who live in and around the park. The main purpose of the park is to protect the biological diversity and cultural heritage of the region. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna including jaguars, tapirs, wooly monkeys, spider monkeys, white-tailed deer, black howler monkeys and more than 290 species of birds.
It also contains a wide range of ecosystems ranging from evergreen forests, montane grasslands and paramos to mangroves and coastal lagoons. The park lies in Lambwe River Valley flat floor bordering Kanyamwa escarpments, Ruri Hills, Sumba Hills and Gwassi Hills.
The park is an arc to Rothschild’s giraffe; this is the largest of all giraffes and is easily seen in large herds feeding from treetops.
Contact Us to Learn More About Ruma National Park
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Ruma National Park Top Attractions
Ruma National Park is a popular tourist destination, offering multiple nature-based activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and more. It also serves as an important research site for scientists studying the local ecosystems and species.
1. Game Drives and Wildlife Viewing
Ruma National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife including zebra, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, antelope and more. Visitors can enjoy game drives that will take them through the park to see all of these amazing animals in their natural habitat.
2. Hiking and Camping
Hikers can choose from two main hiking trails in the park, both of which offer breathtaking views and rewarding experiences. Camping is also allowed at designated campsites located within the park.
3. Bird Watching
Ruma National Park is a great place for bird watching enthusiasts as it has over 300 species of birds to spot and observe. Visitors can choose from guided bird walks or take their own self-guided tour to explore the park.
4. Fishing
With its large lake and abundance of fish, Ruma National Park is a great spot for anglers. Fishing can be done from boats or directly on shore and tackle can be rented from the local shops in the area.
5. Cultural Tours
Ruma National Park also has several cultural sites that visitors can explore such as ancient rock paintings and burial grounds. Guided tours are available to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
6. Boating
Boats can be rented from the park for visitors to take out on Lake Victoria, offering a unique way to explore the beauty of the park. There are also canoeing and kayaking opportunities as well.
7. Picnicking
There are several areas within the park where visitors can enjoy a picnic under the shade of trees and watch as animals roam by. Visitors can also take part in activities such as nature walks, bird watching and fishing during their picnics.
Best Time to Visit Ruma National Park
The best time to visit Ruma National Park is during the dry season which runs from June to October. During this time, the park is less crowded and temperatures are cooler. The wet season from November to May can also be a great time for wildlife viewing but it can be very hot and humid.
How to Get to Ruma National Park
The closest airport to Ruma National Park is the Kisumu International Airport which is located about 80 km from the park. From here, visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi to get to the park. There are also several options for public transport within the area and these can be found at tourism offices in major cities such as Nairobi and Mombasa.
Visitors to Ruma National Park should be aware that there are no facilities available at the park and that all supplies such as food, water and camping gear must be brought in advance. The park is also closed from sunset until sunrise, so visitors should plan their activities accordingly.
With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of wildlife, Ruma National Park is an amazing destination to explore and should be on every traveler’s list.