In the southwest of Lake Victoria lies Rubondo Island, an extraordinary example of wildlife conservation and Africa’s largest island national park at 26km long and up to 10 km wide. More than 75 percent of the island is covered in pristine equatorial rainforest. Since the 1960s, the island has been a haven for wild chimpanzee, the endemic sitatunga antelope, crocodiles, hippos, elephants and giraffes.
Rubondo Island Camp is the only accommodation in the national park, making it one of the most special places to visit in Tanzania. Aside from a handful of park wardens and researchers, as a guest, you have the island to yourself. Walk through the dense forest looking for chimps in the canopy above, cruise around the peaceful lake at sunset with a pair of binoculars to spot some of the 300 bird species that visit the island.
With its own airstrip, Rubondo can be accessed via Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and the Serengeti.
Day 1; Boat Cruise and Fishing
Occupy the waters of Lake Victoria on a boating excursion ranging from a casual canoe trip in the morning to a sundowner cruise on a dhow. It’s your chance to view crocodiles resting on the rocks for the sunshine.
Fishing enthusiasts enjoy catch-and-release trips in the advantageous waters of the large Lake Victoria. Fishing techniques uses during the trips include fly fishing, trolling, spinning, as well as live and dead bait fishing. The Island offers some of the best fishing experiences in East Africa and is renowned worldwide among anglers for the standard of the fishing guides and the opportunity to catch one of Africa's biggest and most sought-after freshwater species – the Nile perch.
Day 2; Birding
Rubondo is full of prime birding locations, whether you are content with the occasional sighting from your vehicle or prefer the view during your boat cruise. Birding excursions introduce you to various species that form part of the Rubondo Island National Park’s prolific bird list. Species include barbets, flycatchers, herons, kingfishers, sunbirds and birds of prey. Select your best pair of binoculars and pack your zoom lens to enjoy this activity.
Day 3; Chimpanzee habituation experience
Educational walks through chimpanzee habitat allow an intimate peek into the home of these primates who remain hidden in the boughs of the trees, as guests stroll through.
Day 4; Forest drives and walks
Daily game drives take place in open safari vehicles alongside a trained and experienced guide. The drives navigate their way through the wilderness, affording photographic opportunities of the landscapes and wildlife including sitatunga, elephant, chimpanzee and bush buck.
Explore the forest in walks or hikes alongside a trained guide. The expeditions have differing time periods, from a casual walk through the vegetation to a full day hike that results in an over-night fly camp.
Day 5; Cultural tour and departure
Cultural visits will allow you to interact with the local communities from the mix of Sukuma and Haya tribes. By spending time with locals, you will get an authentic view of their pristine and unique way of life. After the tour, you will head back to the lodge to pack your bags ready to depart.
• Dry Season: June to October
• Wet Seasons: November to December (short rains); March to May (long rains)
• Peak Of Wet Season: April and May
• Min Temperature Range: 13-18˚C/55-64˚F
• Max Temperature Range: 22-29˚C/71-84˚F
- Visa and travel insurance
- Local and international flights
- All drinks except Juice and Water
- Laundry
- Optional activities ex. mountain trekking