RUBONDO ISLAND

This is a little park covering the whole of an uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Victoria , Africa’s largest fresh-water lake and one of the sources of the Great Nile.

Strictly speaking, Rubondo is in North-western Tanzania, but for want of a better space and in keeping with the fly-in safaris akin to Western Tanzania , we have placed this page in this section.

Rubondo Island , in the southwest of Lake Victoria , is one of Tanzania ’s smallest National Parks and occupies an entire island in Lake Victoria. The 240 square km island, also known as “The Jewel of Victoria”, provides a unforgettable experience for visitors, including the main island and 11 smaller islets, combining the breathtaking natural beauty of a forest refuge with the relaxing tranquillity of sandy lake -shore beaches.

The Island is some 28 km in length along the north-south axis and between 3 and 10 km wide. Lake Victoria covers 68,000 square kilometres and is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest in the world – comparatively it is twice the size of The Netherlands. There are NO vehicles on Rubondo – the island is untouched by pollution from modern day transportation or commercialisation, and one of the only places that offers a truly ecological break. Rubondo Island boasts a unique diversity of flora and fauna. Only here can the visitor be sure of seeing Sitatunga and have the chance of observing small gangs of chimpanzees. Other mammals frequently seen include hippos, otters, bushbucks and vervet monkeys. Rarer sightings are genet, colobus, marsh mongoose and suni antelope.

An outcrop of rocks amidst scattered trees provides the perfect setting for the restaurant and bar, offering a splendid view of the lake and bay. A swimming pool is located conveniently close to the bar, among the palm trees. During the day the lake is usually calm, but when the wind picks up in the late afternoon the waves roll in, carrying in the singing sounds of the sea. Rubondo’s climate is comfortably warm all the year round and never gets as hot as on the coast. Enjoy its clean air –there is no traffic on the island.

Rubondo is a paradise for bird-lovers, with nearly 430 species documented on the island. The diversity of habitats, from open woodland to papyrus swamps and evergreen forest, together with its geographical location in the heart of Africa , attracts numerous resident and migrant species. The island has an abundance of herons, storks, egrets, ibises, cormorants, kingfishers, flycatchers, bee-eaters, hornbills and birds of prey, including the highest density of fish eagles anywhere in the world.

ACCESS
There are scheduled flights from Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Mwanza in peak season, charter flights only in low season. There are twice weekly flights from Arusha (via Seronera) to Rubondo on Tuesday and Friday, depart at 1425hrs arrives 1700hrs. Flights back to Seronera and Arusha on Wednesday and Saturdays, 0800hrs

The alternative is to travel by road from Mwanza to pier and then boat transfer (not very regular).

ACCOMMODATION
RUBONDO ISLAND CAMP
RUBONDO ISLAND TENT RUBONDO ISLAND TENTED CAMP
There is just one permanent tented lodge on the tiny Rubondo Island , located in a shady grove along the lake shore. The accommodation is in the form of 10 bandas (luxury tents) with ensuite facilities and twin beds. Each of the ten units overlook the lake, a view which may be enjoyed from the seclusion of a private terrace and just a few yards from the sandy lakeshore. The comfortable large tents have windows on all sides and, instead of the common zips, an entrance door. A spacious en suite bath- and dressing room has been constructed for each banda. Great care has been taken to use local natural building materials.

CAMPING
There is also a TANAPA campsite on the island for those who wish to do their own camping over a week or so.

ACTIVITIES ON RUBONDO
Days on the island are filled with guided walking and hiking safaris, in search of elephant, giraffe, hippo, chimpanzees and the rare Sitatunga antelope. Boat trips on the lake are also fun and there is also some excellent fishing.
This is a very beautiful spot, perfect for people who want some relaxation after a busy safari, but who don't necessarily want to lie around on a beach all day. Rubondo offers a host of activities to keep guests entertained.
• Walking Safaris
Take a nature walk in the forest with one of our experienced guides. Creepers and vines twist up the trees and the air is fragrant with the smell of wild jasmine. The forest is alive with antelope, birds, snakes and insects. Learn to identify species of bird, elephant and chimpanzee tracks. Be amazed at Rubondo’s unspoilt idyllic wilderness.
• Boating Safaris
Boating trips are an ideal way to see the best of the island and its water based attractions. Hippo, crocodiles, otters, fish and birds all thrive along the coastline and you can even see elephants walking across the beaches. A packed lunch can be arranged for those who want to spend the day on the boat.
• Game Drives
Explore the island by landrover, trekking through the forest, to the open hill land. The panoramic scenery is breathtaking and provides the chance to catch a glimpse of the park’s elephant, chimps and giraffe.
• Fishing
Rubondo is a fishing paradise. Sit on the rocks next to camp’s shoreside deck, and watch the fish jump. Whether you’re a novice or experienced angler this is one of the interesting activities offered at Rubondo. Boat fishing and fly fishing are also available.