Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre - Ruma National Park

Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre is a hotel near Ruma National Park.

Location
Ruma National Park, Western & Eastern Frontier, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-0.760458, 34.603123
Elevation
1,480m
Activities
hotel

Wildlife Near This Lodge

39 species observed within 20 km, 4 mammals, 17 birds.

  • Greenleaf Ticktrefoil (Plantae, 13 observations)
  • Red-billed Firefinch (Aves, 2 observations)
  • Straw-coloured Fruit Bat (Mammalia, 2 observations)
  • Silverleaf Desmodium (Plantae, 2 observations)
  • Speckled Mousebird (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Hadada Ibis (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Crowned Lapwing (Aves, 1 observations)
  • African Harrier-Hawk (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Pied Crow (Aves, 1 observations)
  • Fork-tailed Drongo (Aves, 1 observations)

Best Time to Visit Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre

The best months to visit Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre are February, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 21.81°C, rainfall 105.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.61°C, rainfall 77.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 75%
  • March: Good, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 150.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 76.2%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.96°C, rainfall 205.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 81.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 21.81°C, rainfall 123.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 21.46°C, rainfall 52.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 74.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 21.51°C, rainfall 50.1mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 71.8%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.87°C, rainfall 82.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 22.07°C, rainfall 116.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 75.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 22.41°C, rainfall 123.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 76.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 21.59°C, rainfall 202.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • December: Good, temperature 21.75°C, rainfall 116.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 79.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of accommodation and facilities can I expect at Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre, given its name?

Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre offers comfortable, budget-friendly hotel-style accommodation suitable for travelers visiting Ruma National Park. While it is a pastoral centre, it functions as a welcoming lodge with basic amenities, including clean rooms and dining services. Guests can expect a peaceful environment rather than a luxury safari camp experience.

How convenient is Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre for visiting Ruma National Park, and what are the transport options?

The Centre is strategically located close to Ruma National Park, making it an ideal base for day trips into the park. Guests typically arrange their own safari vehicles or hire one from nearby towns like Homa Bay to access the park's gates. The lodge itself does not provide game drive vehicles, so planning transport in advance is recommended.

What unique wildlife can I hope to see when staying at Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre and visiting Ruma National Park?

Ruma National Park is renowned as the only park in Kenya where you can spot the critically endangered roan antelope, making it a unique wildlife destination. Beyond the roan, visitors can also encounter Rothschild's giraffes, black rhinos, oribis, and a diverse array of birdlife, offering a distinct safari experience.

What is the best time of year to stay at Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre for optimal wildlife viewing in Ruma National Park?

The dry season, typically from June to October and December to February, is considered the best time for wildlife viewing in Ruma National Park. During these months, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the park roads are generally more accessible. The Centre provides a comfortable stay regardless of the season, but wildlife activity peaks during drier periods.

Does Cardinal Otunga Pastoral Centre offer dining options, and what is the typical value for money for a stay here?

Yes, the Centre provides dining services, usually offering local Kenyan cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to its guests. It is generally considered a good value option for travelers seeking affordable and clean accommodation near Ruma National Park, providing essential comforts without the higher price tag of traditional luxury safari lodges.

Other Safari Lodges in Ruma National Park

Parks in Western & Eastern Frontier

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya