Island forest
Dense forest trails where chimpanzee trekking and nature walks take place.
Island Wilderness
Rubondo
An island paradise in Lake Victoria, Rubondo is home to chimpanzees, sitatunga antelope, and extraordinary birdlife in a lush forest setting.
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Lake Victoria, north-western Tanzania
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Known for
- An island national park, Chimpanzees
Overview
About Rubondo
Rubondo offers a highly unusual 'Jurassic Park' style escape. It is Africa’s largest island national park, featuring untamed rainforests, catch-and-release Nile Perch fishing, and a unique chimpanzee habituation program.
Rubondo is an island national park in the south-west of Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake. Forest, papyrus swamps and sandy coves cover the island, and there are no permanent villages, so it feels like a private wilderness.
Chimpanzees were released on the island in the 1960s and have since formed a wild, self-sustaining community. Habituation is still ongoing, so sightings are possible but not guaranteed. Other introduced and native animals include elephants, giraffes, the shy sitatunga antelope, hippos and crocodiles.
With very few visitors, Rubondo is a peaceful extension to a Serengeti safari: forest walks, boat trips, birding and world-class sport fishing.
Known for
- An island national park
- Chimpanzees
- Sitatunga antelope
- Birdlife and fishing
At a glance
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Lake Victoria, north-western Tanzania
- Size
- About 457 km² including the surrounding water
- Established
- 1977
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- By road
- By road to the lake shore near Muganza, then a short boat crossing.
- By air
- Charter flights land on the island’s own airstrip, often combined with the western Serengeti.
Inside the park
Areas of Rubondo
Where you stay and explore shapes what you see. These are the main areas we plan around.
Lake shore & papyrus
Sitatunga, otters, hippos and crocodiles along the swampy edges.
Open water
Boat trips, fishing for Nile perch and tilapia, and fish eagles overhead.
Wildlife
What you can see in Rubondo
Chimpanzees, sitatunga and spotted-necked otters on a forested island with almost no other visitors.
Mammals
- Chimpanzee
- Sitatunga
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Hippo
- Spotted-necked otter
- Vervet monkey
Water & birds
- Nile crocodile
- African fish eagle
- Kingfishers
- Herons
- Grey parrot
When to go
The best time to visit Rubondo
June to October is driest and best for forest walks. November to March is superb for migratory bird watching.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarQuieter / wet
- AprQuieter / wet
- MayQuieter / wet
- JunPeak
- JulPeak
- AugPeak
- SepGood
- OctGood
- NovQuieter / wet
- DecGood
Dry season
Easiest walking conditions and the best time for chimpanzee trekking.
Wet seasons
Lush and green, with heavier rain and wetter trails.
Getting there
Travel and access
By road to the lake shore near Muganza, then a short boat crossing.
Charter flights land on the island’s own airstrip, often combined with the western Serengeti.
Things to do
Activities
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Forest walks
- Boat trips around the island
- Sport fishing
- Birdwatching
Where to stay
Camps and lodges
We match each stay to your budget and the season, from classic tented camps to luxury lodges.
Island camp
A small lakeside tented camp is the only accommodation on the island.
A day here
You trade 4x4s for walking boots and boats. Trek through dense, humid forests tracking chimps, canoe through papyrus swamps watching for sitatunga, and simply disconnect in a remote canopy camp.
Our travel tips
- Rubondo combines well with the western Serengeti by charter flight.
- Chimp sightings are not guaranteed here; Mahale is the place for near-certain encounters.
- Bring binoculars: the birdlife is excellent.
The Photographic Journal
The Spirit of Rubondo.
Questions
Rubondo: frequently asked questions
Rubondo questions
Combine with
Pairs well with Rubondo
Plan your Rubondo safari
Tell us your dates and interests. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with ideas and prices.