Rubondo Island National Park
Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park includes Rubondo Island and several other small islands of Lake Victoria.
The park boasts for its rich and diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily viewable from the lake shore. The rare Sitatunga, an extremely endangered amphibious antelope, can sometimes be viewed escaping from the charging predators by hiding and camouflaging itself in the lake shore marshes.
A visit to Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors a break from game viewing in the tranquil peace of a lake shore setting. Exploring the islands within the park creates an excitement for day trips. Fishing expeditions into Lake Victoria are easily arranged through the major lodges. Rubondo Island National Park is a relaxation from the rigorous safari circuit and a relaxing place from which to explore Lake Victoria.
Attractions
- A variety of water birds , Eurasian migrants and introduced African grey parrots
- High density of African fish eagles distinctly seen
- Animal species including Sitatunga, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Bushbucks, Pythons, Crocodiles, Chimpanzees (not fully habituated), Bush pigs and Suni
- The Lake Victoria forming a spectacular sight for visitors with the deepest point in the lake (Irumo) forming part of the park
- Magnificent view of one of the last remaining representatives of evergreen dense primary lowland Congolese forest with a unique habitat mosaic in the midst of high biodiversity value
- Beautiful and attracting beaches such as Fly catcher, Mchangani and Michicoco
- Important gulfs of Irumo and Kamea
- Clear sighting of both sun rise and sun set
- Cultural sites such as “Ntungamirwe”, “Maji Matakatifu”, “Altare” and “Solo” which explain the life of natives who once stayed in the park
- “Birds Islands”, breeding sit for water birds
- Crocodile Island
Visiting Rubondo Island
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.
Rubondo can be accessed by plane from mainland Tanzania, affording spectacular views over Lake Victoria. Scheduled flights operate from many locations in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha and also the Serengeti. It is also possible to fly here directly from Kigali in Rwanda if you wanted to combine Rubondo Island with a visit to the gorillas.
The best time to visit Rubondo is during the dry season, between June and October. December through to February sees a large number of migrant bird species visit the island so for keen birders this can also be a great time to visit.