Rubondo Island, in the south-west of Lake Victoria, is Tanzania's tenth national park. The 240 sq km island provides a unique experience for visitors to Tanzania, combining the breath-taking natural beauty of a forest refuge with the relaxing tranquility of sandy lake-shore beaches.
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 hippo, otters, bushbuck, vervet monkeys. Rarer sightings include black and white colobus, genet, marsh mangoose, suni antelope and elephant.
Rubondo is a paradise for bird-lovers, with nearly 400 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, ibises, egrets, cormorants, king-fishers, bee-eaters, flycatchers, hornbills and birds of prey, including the highest density of fish eagles anywhere in the world. The cry of the fish eagle and the lapping surf on the shores ensure the tranquil spirit of Rubondo for all who visit.
The wide variety of invertebrates and diversity of plants species makes Rubondo a fascinating place for naturalists. Fabulous butterflies create a kaleidoscope of colour in the forest together with the spectacular seasonal displays of orchids, fire-ball lilies and red coral trees.
Visitors have the freedom to explore the forest and lake shores by foot or boat allowing each person to discover his or her own magic of Rubondo and to leave with a uniquely personal experience of the island.
Activities in Rubondo include:
Walking Safaris
Take a nature walk in the forest. 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.
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.
Game Drives
Explore the island by 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 and giraffe.
Fishing
Rubondo is a fishing paradise. Sit on the rocks on shore side and watch the fish jump onto your line. Boat fishing and fly fishing are also available to catch fish as large as a man!
