Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park is one of two Tanzanian national parks located on the island in Lake Victoria, the largest fresh water body in the continent. The Park is the largest of two Islands National Park in Tanzania – located on the South-west corner of Lake Victoria. However, the second largest Island Park is Saanane Island National Park.

 The Island is administered by Geita District of Geita Region, and Rubondo Island National Park is under Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The island attracts a small number of visitors each year, mainly game fishermen and bird enthusiasts.

Rubondo Island National Park has a total area of 456,8 km2, of which 220 km2 is made up of water and 11 small islets. Rubondo Island is about 150 km (93 mi) west of Mwanza. The main island, Rubondo is 237 km2 in size. These 11 islands form the Rubondo Island all together with the National Park cover an area of 456.8 km2.  Lake Victoria is 1,134 meters above sea level and the highest point on Rubondo is the Masa Hills in the far south, at an elevation of 1,486m (350m above the level of the lake). The main island measures 28 km long and are 3–10 km wide. Rubondo essentially consists of a partially submerged rift of four volcanically formed hills, linked by three flatter isthmuses this area is really scenic while on safaris as you will enjoy an array of escarpments teeming with diverse flora form. The island has no rivers and the soil is volcanic in nature.

Rubondo Island National Park has a mixed evergreen and semideciduous forest habitat, which covers about 80% of the island’s surface area with common species including Croton sylvaticus, Drypetes gerrardii, and Lecaniodiscus fraxinifolius, and often with a dense understory of lianas, or woody vines. The forest in Rubondo is interspersed with patches of open grassland and, all but restricted to the Lukaya area is the acacia woodland. When you explore the eastern lakeshore, you will experience the rocky areas and sandy beaches whilst the western shore supports extensive papyrus swamps, lined with palms.

Rubondo National Park is haven for water birds as well as big animals like elephants. Visitors to this island will have an opportunity to exercise fishing skills by doing spot fishing! Velvet monkeys, genet cats, spotted-necked otters, hippos, crocodiles, chimps, elephants, giraffes, and marsh bucks are just a few of the animals that call the park home. A number of different bird species reside in the park. Rubondo is one of the few areas in Tanzania where one can encounter rare sitatunga.

Things to do in Rubondo Island National Park – Top things to do in Rubondo & Safari highlights

Fishing Safaris

The fishing equipment available in Rubondo Island National Park includes fly fishing, spinning live and dead bait, and trolling. Nile perch, one of the largest and most prized freshwater fish in Africa, is one of the lures that draw travelers from all over the world to this island. Rubondo Island, however, offers this experience on “catch and release policy.” There will be additional charges for the permits and requirements.

Game drives

Game drive in this amazing safari park are rewarding since it is home to great species of wildlife. Rubondo Island boasts a number of the indigenous species such as hippo, bushbuck, vervet, sitatunga, crocodiles, elephants, chimpanzee, giraffe, black and white colobus monkeys, suni and grey parrots, buffalos, bushpig, hyrax, warthog and large spotted genet cat. During your game drive you will encounter several of the mentioned species and learn more about them. 

Chimpanzee Trekking

The first-ever attempt to release captive chimpanzees into the wild, saw their reintroduction in the Island. Their survival to this day remains a testament to the early pioneers who introduced them here half a century ago. However, the chimpanzees are certainly one of the island’s most attractive draws to visitors. You can trek Chimpanzee while on your safari to this epic Island safari park in Tanzania.

Bird Watching

Beside the different wildlife species in Rubondo Island National Park, you will also be delighted to spot different bird species, especially water birds. With over 1,000 speciesregistered in Tanzania and Kenya together, the East African region is indeed diverse in terms of birdlife. There are approximately 200 species of indigenous and migrant birds which can be observed either breeding or pass through the National Park. The Island has an abundance of herons, storks, ibises, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and birds of prey. However, it is believed that the park has the highest density of fish eagles in the world.

Canoeing Safari

Guided canoe trips offer a different perspective of the Island and across the quiet inlets as well as covers places that can’t be reached on foot. You can paddle around the coast on your own or with the assistance of a guide, looking for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. Examine the Rufiji River’s several channels and lakes, which are populated by hippos.

Best time to visit Rubondo Island National Park

June to September is the most preferred time of the year to go on safaris to Rubondo Island safari Park. However, the temperatures on Rubondo are pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September. This is also the best time for walking, as the trails are easier to navigate when they are dry.