Rubondo Island National Park

Why visit Rubondo Island

Rubondo Island National Park protects a large forested island and several smaller islets in the south-west of Lake Victoria, Africa's largest lake. Covering about 450 square kilometres of land and water, it feels very different from any other park in Tanzania: dense evergreen forest, papyrus swamps, sandy bays and rocky shores, with almost no other visitors.

The island is known for its chimpanzees, introduced in the 1960s and now living wild in the forest; tracking them is possible but more of an adventure than a guaranteed sighting. Rubondo is also one of the best places in East Africa to see the sitatunga, a shy swamp antelope, and it has excellent birdlife, including one of the densest populations of African fish eagles anywhere. Activities include forest walks, boat trips along the shore to look for hippos, crocodiles and otters, birdwatching and catch-and-release sport fishing.

When to go

The drier months, from June to August and December to February, are best for walking and boating. The island is green all year, and birdlife is good in every season.

Rubondo is reached by light aircraft or by road and boat from Mwanza. It suits repeat visitors, birders and travellers looking for something truly unusual, and can be added to a Serengeti safari or combined with Saanane Island near Mwanza. Ask us to plan a Lake Victoria extension.