Rubondo is a tropical island near the western shores of Lake Victoria and is about as pristine a place as it is possible to find.  There has been no human habitation on the island for decades, and it is covered by primary tropical forest, interspersed with small patches of savannah and swamp.

The main island and 9 other smaller ones were grouped into Rubondo National Park in 1977. Boating along the rocky shore line is one of the key activities to enjoy. Clean sandy beaches overhung with huge forest trees fringe the bays, and there is a large piece of papyrus swamp on one side which is a magnificent water bird habitat. 

Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere. A rare swamp loving antelope, the sitatunga is found amongst the papyrus stands, and elephant are often seen on the shores along with masses of hippo, crocs, an occasional leopard, vervet monkeys, etc. In the forests themselves there is of course a variety of smaller wildlife, including genets, civets, bush pig etc. and unhurried forest hikes are one of the activities to enjoy.

Chimpanzees were introduced at the end of the 1960’s and following a recent intensive habituation program they are now approachable by visitors. So, this beautiful island paradise is now a place where one can enjoy watching man’s closest living relative, and without the arduous mountain trekking of other chimp habitats. Rubondo is also a place rich with birds. Nearly 400 species have been recorded including the African grey parrot. The diversity of habitats from open woodland to papyrus swamps and evergreen forest attracts numerous resident and migrant species. The Island has an abundance of storks, hornbills, herons, and birds of prey, including the highest density of fish eagles anywhere in the world, with their haunting cry a constant background sound. For bird enthusiasts an afternoon and evening boating in the papyrus swamps is a must.

Rubondo is a great place to go fishing for Nile Perch (catch and release), and some fish can regularly exceed 10 – 15 kgs., and occasionally top 50 kgs. and more. This fishing is done from a small sport-fishing boat in the deeper waters around the island. 

Activities

• Chimpanzee habituation experience. Under the supervision of a guide it is possible to approach chimpanzees on foot and to quietly watch them for a limited period.
• Game drives. Game viewing in an open vehicle are conducted on simple forest tracks.
• Nature walks. Go hiking for an hour, several hours or even for a day or two overnighting in a light weight fly camp on one of the small sandy beaches.
• Educational walks through chimpanzee habitat
• Birding.
• Boating safaris. Enjoy time on the water in an open motor boat or in your own canoe.
• Catch-and-release fishing. 

Getting there

Air.  There is an airstrip on the island and regular scheduled flights from all the main safari destinations in Tanzania

Road. Mwanza is the nearest city from where it is possible to arrange a private boat taxi to and from the island 

Safari ideas

Rubondo can feature in a boat Lake tour which starts at either Musoma city or Burigi Chato National Park and includes Saanane Island and possibly other Lake islands. Such a tour could also include the Serengeti.