Rubondo Island National Park
Visit Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island National Park is one of two Tanzanian National Parks on an island in Lake Victoria. The other park is Saanane Island National Park.
Rubondo Island National Park attracts a small number of visitors each year. It is in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria, about 150 km (93 mi) west of Mwanza, Tanzania. The main island, Rubondo, is 237 km² in size. The park also protects 11 smaller islets, each less than 2 km².
The highest point on Rubondo Island is the Masa Hills in the far south, at an elevation of 1,486 m (350 m above the lake). The main island is 28 km long from north to south and 3–10 km wide. Rubondo Island lies on a rift in Lake Victoria and consists of four volcanic hills connected by three flatter isthmuses. The island has no rivers, and the soil is volcanic.
Highlights
- more than 400 bird species
- precious fish breeding grounds
- includes nine smaller islands
- Fantastic destination for bird watchers
- 90% of the island is forest
- Canoeing Trips
Located in the southwest of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island is Africa’s largest island national park.
The park includes the main Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islands, covering a total of 457 square meters. The main island is 26 kilometers long, with 80% of its surface covered by untouched forest and soft sandy beaches. There are no villages on the island, so the only inhabitants are park rangers, researchers, and the staff and guests of Rubondo Island Camp.
Wildlife highlights on Rubondo Island include chimpanzees (which researchers are working to habituate, so sightings are rare and not guaranteed), various species of monkeys, the rare sitatunga antelope (which hides in the papyrus swamp), elephants, giraffes, and more than 200 bird species. This includes the largest known population of fish eagles in Africa. The waters around the island are rich with fish, including tilapia and Nile perch. Visitors can expect a truly remote, unique, and wild destination — perfect for travelers with a sense of adventure looking for their own slice of paradise.
Rubondo National Park Location/Map
The Rubondo National Park: A bird watcher’s paradise
Birds are everywhere on the island, making Rubondo National Park a special place for bird watchers. Over 400 species have been recorded over the years. Flocks of African gray parrots, once released on the island, fly around excitedly and chirp in different tones. Herons, storks, and spoonbills breed in large numbers in the swampy areas along the banks. Thousands of Eurasian migratory birds join them every year.
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Popular questions about Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island National Park is located in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. It is one of the few national parks in Africa situated on an island.
The park covers an area of approximately 456 square kilometers, including Rubondo Island and several smaller islets.
It is one of Africa’s few island national parks, known for its pristine wilderness, chimpanzee conservation program, and diverse wildlife, including rare sitatunga antelopes and aquatic animals.
The park is home to chimpanzees, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, sitatunga, giraffes, otters, and various bird species like the African fish eagle and grey parrot.
Yes, a group of chimpanzees was introduced in the 1960s for conservation, and they are now thriving in the wild.
While chimpanzee trekking is available, sightings are not always guaranteed as the chimps are still being habituated to human presence.
Over 300 bird species can be found, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and migratory birds from Europe.
Yes, Rubondo is one of Tanzania’s best sport fishing destinations, with Nile perch that can weigh over 100 kg.
Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris, chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, canoeing, sport fishing, and nature walks.
Yes, visitors can book guided walking safaris, boat trips, and game drives with professional guides.
No, there are no self-drive safaris on the island. Guided tours and boat safaris are the best ways to explore the park.
We use 4x4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for excellent wildlife viewing and photography. They are spacious and well-maintained.
You can reach the park by domestic flights from Arusha, Serengeti, or Mwanza, or by boat from the mainland (e.g., from Mwanza or Nkome).
Yes, options include Rubondo Island Camp (luxury tented lodge) and public bandas & campsites for budget travelers.
The best time is June to February when wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and fishing conditions are ideal. March to May is the rainy season.
Yes, the park is very safe, with professional guides, park rangers, and no dangerous predators like lions.
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