Rubondo island lies in the southwest corner of the famous Lake Victoria, the second-largest lake in the world. The park comprises Rubondo and eleven smaller islands covering 457 sq km. The main island is 26 km long and ranges from 3 km to 10 km in width with 80% of its surface covered by pristine, untouched forest.
A small contingent of park rangers, chimp researchers and our camp staff are the only inhabitants of the island.
Rubondo Island has a landing strip that can accommodate light aircraft.
For those on a self-drive trip, they can drive to Muganza or Nkome and take a boat from there. The recommended time for travel is morning or late evening.
Highlights
- Hiking through the habitat of wild chimpanzees
- Tracking the endemic Sitatunga antelope
- Walking safaris, game drives, and boat trips viewing the lush forest and extensive variety of wildlife
- Boat trips to nearby Croc and Bird Island to sight many of over 200 endemic and migratory species
- Viewing the largest population of fish eagles in Africa
- Game fishing the legendary Nile perch (The largest fish ever caught on the island weighed 105kg!)
- Exploring the wetlands by canoe
- Dhow sailing on a traditional dhow
Specialty Aspects
- University groups
- Birding over 200 endemic and migratory species (December to February for migratory birds)
- Sitatunga antelope
- Wildflowers – particularly wild orchids (November to March)
- Butterflies (November to March)
- Otters
- Frogs