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This is a park covering the whole of an
uninhabited island in the middle of Lake Victoria , Africa ’s
largest fresh-water lake and one of the sources of the Great
Nile. Strictly speaking, Rubondo is in Northern Tanzania , but
for want of a better space and in keeping with the fly-in
safaris akin to Western Tanzania , we have placed this page in
this section.
Rubondo Island , in the southwest of Lake Victoria , is one of
Tanzania ’s smallest National Parks and occupies an entire
island in Lake Victoria . The 240 square km island, also known
as “The Jewel of Victoria”, provides a unforgettable experience
for visitors, including the main island and 11 smaller islets,
combining the breathtaking natural beauty of a forest refuge
with the relaxing tranquillity of sandy lake -shore beaches.
The Island is some 28 km in length along the north-south axis
and between 3 and 10 km wide. Lake Victoria covers 68,000 square
kilometres and is the largest lake in Africa and the second
largest in the world – comparatively it is twice the size of The
Netherlands. There are NO vehicles on Rubondo – the island is
untouched by pollution from modern day transportation or
commercialisation, and one of the only places that offers a
truly ecological break. Rubondo Island boasts a unique diversity
of flora and fauna. Only here can the visitor be sure of seeing
Sitatunga and have the chance of observing small gangs of
chimpanzees. Other mammals frequently seen include hippos,
otters, bushbucks and vervet monkeys. Rarer sightings are genet,
colobus, marsh mongoose and suni antelope.
Rubondo is a paradise for bird-lovers, with nearly 430 species
documented on the island. The diversity of habitats, from open
woodland to papyrus swamps and evergreen forest, together with
its geographical location in the heart of Africa , attracts
numerous resident and migrant species. The island has an
abundance of herons, storks, egrets, ibises, cormorants,
kingfishers, flycatchers, bee-eaters, hornbills and birds of
prey, including the highest density of fish eagles anywhere in
the world.
ACCESS:
There are scheduled flights from Arusha, Lake Manyara,
Serengeti and Mwanza in peak season, charter flights only in low
season. There are twice weekly flights from Arusha (via Seronera)
to Rubondo on Tuesday and Friday, depart at 1425hrs arrives
1700hrs. Flights back to Seronera and Arusha on Wednesday and
Saturdays, 0800hrs. The alternative is to travel by road from
Mwanza to pier and then boat transfer (not very regular).
ACCOMMODATION:
Rubondo Island Tented Lodge.
CAMPING:
There is also a TANAPA campsite on the island for those who
wish to do their own camping over a week or so.
ACTIVITIES ON RUBONDO:
Days on the island are filled with guided walking and hiking
safaris, in search of elephant, giraffe, hippo, chimpanzees and
the rare Sitatunga antelope. Boat trips on the lake are also fun
and there is also some excellent fishing. This is a very
beautiful spot, perfect for people who want some relaxation
after a busy safari, but who don't necessarily want to lie
around on a beach all day.
Wildlife Safaris Programs |
Mountain Climbing |
Eco/Culture Tours |
Zanzibar Holidays |
Gorilla Safaris - Rwanda. |
Victoria Falls Tours |
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