Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo National Park features as the only national park that is located on Lake Victoria and it is undeniably the largest Island Park in Africa. This island park is situated in the southwestern region of Lake Victoria and it was founded in 1977.

It covers an area of about 456 square kilometres and it includes the small islets and this makes it the only island park in Tanzania. It is mainly covered by a thick forest, savanna, open woodland, papyrus swamp, beautiful sandy beaches and the spectacular Lake Victoria.

It serves best as a breeding site for most migratory birds and native fish species especially Nile Perch and Tilapia. Over 300 spectacular bird species most of which include African Grey parrots, stork, spoonbill, malachite kingfisher, African fish eagles, paradise flycatcher and many more.

Terrestrial faunal species at this park include most of the semi-aquatic sitatunga and dappled bushbuck which thrive in the swamps and vervet monkeys, genet cat, hippos and crocodile. The non-native wildlife species include elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, giraffes, Suni antelope and many more.

Rubondo Island National Park offers visitors opportunity to engage sport fishing-mainly conducted within set spots, chimpanzee tracking but it is rare for you to spot out most of the chimpanzees but other wildlife species can easily be sighted especially giraffes, hippos, bushbucks, pythons, butterflies; canoeing, boat rides which reward visitors with spectacular views of the Lakeshores and tropical forest canopies which are entangled on the stunning hills offering true wilderness experiences.

Walking/guided nature walks safaris-the main walking trails include the Bandas to Pongo camp and while on nature walks you will spot out most of the butterflies, birds, explore more about incredible plant species and many more, birding to sight birds like the African fish eagle, kingfishers, egrets, ibis, herons, storks; camping safaris in the park’s wilderness area and many more.

When to visit Rubondo Island National Park?

Visitor experiences at Rubondo Island National Park depend on when you will visit. Most migratory birds confine in this park mostly from December to February. This park is one of the least visited parks compared to the rest of protected areas in Tanzania even when it is a peak season (July to February).

The low season starts from March to June.  The average low and high temperature at this park ranges from 19 to 27 degrees Celsius. June to September feature as the most comfortable months for you to pay a visit to this park and short rains are experienced from November to December and January and February. Long rains start from March to early June.

Accommodation in Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island Camp features as the only suitable safari lodge in Rubando Island National Park. Ruhondo Island Camp is a comfortable deluxe camp. If you plan to spend your Tanzania safari at this park, you are advised to book for your accommodation as early as possible.

Getting to Rubondo Island National Park

Rwanda gorilla tours

Rubondo Island National Park can be reached by plane from mainland Tanzania and offers incredible views of Lake Victoria. There are scheduled flights that operate in most areas in Tanzania most of which include Zanzibar, Arusha, Dar-es-Salaam as well as Serengeti. You can also take a flight from Kigali meaning, you can incorporate Rwanda gorilla tours with wildlife tours in Tanzania.

In conclusion, Rubondo Island National Park is a unique attraction of its own. There is a lot more that awaits for you to explore at this park while on your safari in Tanzania whether you are interested in birding, wildlife or nature exploration.