Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park is on the southern part of Lake Victoria. It is the largest island National Park in Africa, but is Tanzania’s smallest national park. Rubondo Island has been almost untouched by tourism, and has become a sanctuary for threatened wildlife.

The island is a verdant tropical forest, home to over 40 chimpanzees. Between 1966 and 1969, 16 captive-born chimpanzees were relocated to Rubondo Island National Park. These chimpanzees were rescued from zoos and circuses across Europe. It seemed they loved their new life in the wild and quickly established a healthy breeding troop, flourishing on the island.

Following on from the success of relocation of wildlife, several other mammal species, including elephants, giraffe, black rhinos and the rare suni antelope were relocated to Rubondo Island National Park. Unfortunately due to poaching, rhino are no longer found on the island. In 2000, 37 grey parrots that were victims of illegal trade were rescued and released on Rubondo. The parrots rapidly took to their island home and are now found all over the island. In addition, the park is home to elephants, giraffes and about 200 species of birds.

With the opening of Rubondo Island Camp in 2013, the island has now become a wild safari destination – with almost a Jurassic Park feel to it.

highlights

Wildlife

Considering the size of the island, Rubondo is home to a surprising number of large mammals. Elephant and giraffe have breeding populations, although despite their size these animals are rarely seen. By contrast, sightings of hippos, crocodiles and even otters are relatively common.

Rubondo is also one of the best places in Africa to see the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope, the only amphibious antelope in the world. Seeing one is truly a special experience.

The nocturnal civit and genet as well as a number of antelope species that are found in the dense forest.

There are a large number of butterfly species found on Rubondo, in part due to over 40 species of orchids that grow on the island.

On the shores of the island, and smaller bodies of water inland, high numbers of serrated hinged terrapins are found. These terrapins lay their eggs between October and January with the hatchlings emerging between March and April.

Chimpanzee habituation experience

The chimpanzees that were introduced in the 1960s to Rubondo Island National Park have for a long time been completely wild. The chance of spotting them was relatively slim. In recent years, Researchers have been carrying out a habituation process for these primates. Visitors can be part of this unique experience. The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience is a unique activity at Rubondo Island.

Birding

Rubondo Island is one of the best locations in Tanzania for bird watching. With over 300 species, it is a bird spotters paradise. Large flocks of pied kingfishers, numbering upwards of 50 birds is a sight to behold.
Open-billed and marabou storks are commonly sighted on the shores along with cormorants, darters and white egrets. Rubondo also has a very high concentration of fish eagles.

Catch & Release Fishing

Rubondo Island protects precious fish breeding grounds, allowing the Nile Perch & Tilapia to grow to record breaking sizes. Illegal fishing poses a threat to the natural resource, which is why the fishing is catch-and-release. Rubondo Island camp has been involved with sport fishing for many years, and they’ve had several fish in the 100lbs range that have been caught and released. The sheer size of these fish is an attraction to those interested in fishing.

Fly Camping

Fly Camping is one of the most unique ways to experience the magic of Rubondo Island National Park. Accompanied by your private team, head out into the wilderness of Rubondo to spend the night out in the wild, and experience all the island has to offer.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Rubondo is during the dry season, between June and October. Chimpanzee Trekking is easier and sightings are greater during this time. December through to February sees a large number of migrant bird species visit the island so for keen birders this is a great time to visit.

Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park

highlights

Wildlife

Chimpanzee habituation experience

Birding

Catch & Release Fishing

Fly Camping

Best time to visit

Bare Foot Nature

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