Rubondo Island National Park, situated in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Established as a game reserve in 1965 and later gazetted as a national park in 1977, it spans approximately 456.8 square kilometers, encompassing the main Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islets.
The park’s diverse ecosystems include mixed evergreen and semideciduous forests, open grasslands, and papyrus swamps, providing habitats for a variety of species. Notably, Rubondo Island is home to a population of chimpanzees, introduced in the late 1960s, which have since adapted to the wild environment. Other wildlife includes vervet monkeys, sitatunga antelope, hippopotamuses, bushbucks, and a variety of bird species.
Visitors can engage in activities such as game viewing, bird watching, fishing, and boat cruises along the lake’s shores. The park offers a tranquil retreat with its unspoiled natural beauty, making it a unique destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Tanzania.
Drive to Mwanza
From Arusha, drive approximately 552 km to Mwanza, which takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Boat Transfer
From Mwanza, you can arrange a boat transfer to Rubondo Island. This can be organized through tour operators or the park authorities.
From Mwanza
Scheduled flights operate from Mwanza Airport to Rubondo Island Airstrip. For example, Auric Air offers flights departing Mwanza at 5:00 PM and arriving at Rubondo at 5:28 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
From Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Serengeti
Charter flights are available from these locations to Rubondo Island. These flights can be arranged through various tour operators or directly with airlines.
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Explore the park’s varied landscapes through guided game drives, where you can encounter indigenous species such as elephants, giraffes, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, sitatunga antelope, hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
Engage in chimpanzee trekking to observe these primates in their natural habitat. The park is home to a population of chimpanzees, providing a unique opportunity to witness their behaviors and interactions.
For fishing enthusiasts, Rubondo Island offers opportunities to catch Nile perch and tilapia. The park practices a strict ‘catch and release’ policy to preserve the aquatic ecosystem.
With over 200 species of indigenous and migratory birds, including herons, storks, ibises, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, and a high density of fish eagles, the park is a paradise for bird watchers.
Explore the serene waters of Lake Victoria through guided boat trips or canoeing. These excursions offer opportunities to spot wildlife
Embark on guided walks through the park’s forests to learn about its rich biodiversity, including various plant species and the park’s conservation efforts.
Engage with local communities to learn about their cultures, traditions, and customs, enhancing your understanding of the region’s heritage.
Discover our sample tour that can help you to get started. Each tour can be tailored based on your travel wishes.
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