Overview

Tucked in a corner of Lake Victoria is the world's second largest fresh water lake in the world, with a smaller Island under her wing; It stretches over 457.8 square kilometers (178.7 sq miles) of which 240 sq.kms is land and remain 217.8 sq.kms is water. Located Northwest Tanzania about 150-sq. km (95 miles) west of mwanza the park consists mostly of dense lowland dry forest, but in the southern part are open grasslands. Towards the coastline the topography varies between sandy beaches and papyrus swamps.

Best time to visit: The Park is best visited in the dry season June - August. Wildflowers and butterflies, Wet season November- March, December - February best for migratory birds.

Birdlife: Some of the birds found in this Island, Kingfisher's and fly catchers. Also is home to fish eagles as well as a rich variety bird species. Over 400 species have been recorded including endemic and a global stopover for hundreds of migratory birds.

Wildlife: On the island you can find elephant, giraffe, hippo, crocodile, bush buck, sitatunga, suni antelope, vervet monkey, colubus guereza monkey, genet cats, otters and a small group of chimpanzees.

Fishlife: Rubondo Island is home to the highest density of African Fish Eagles anywhere in the world. Also, African Grey Parrots, Pin-tailed Whydah, Paradise Flycatchers and Giant Kingfishers are regularly seen. The island also offers rich opportunities for sport fishing as the waters surrounding Rubondo are a part of the national park. At the moment the standing record for a Nile Perch is 108kg!

Access: Rubondo Island lies north of Mwanza, close to the Tanzanian border. Charter flights leave Mwanza, Arusha, Nairobi and the Serengeti or alternatively, private boats run from Nkome and Muganza.

By road from Mwanza and then boat transfer, Contact the Park for there are no scheduled flights to Rubondo Island at the moment. All transportation is either via charter flights or alternatively transport with Land Cruiser from/to Mwanza.

To do: Walking safaris, boat excursions, Sport fishing, Chimpanzee treks, plans for canoe trips.

Boat specifications: The smaller boat is a 16 foot fiberglass bow-rider with an 85hp Yamaha engine, electric start with around 40 running hours on the clock.  Top Speed 45 knots. The larger boat is a 30 foot cabin cruiser with a Chrysler Petrol V8 Aqua Jet engine (no propeller to get caught in nets).  Top speed 40 knots.

Inside cabin seats six comfortably. Equipped with Marine VHF radio and Sony Explode Sound system. Both boats have rod holders for fishing and are equipped with life jackets and paddles and 12 volt cigarette outlets for charging mobile phones, running electric refrigerators, etc.
Cold drinks are available for clients to purchase on the boats.

Location: The Rubondo Island national Park is Located Northwest Tanzania, 150 Km (about 95 miles) west of Mwanza.

Accommodation: The camp has ten luxury tented rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hot running water, electricity and a laundry service, despite the remote location. Each room has a private verandah where you can read or relax in peace and watch the bushbuck roam, delicate and graceful through the camp grounds. The camp also has a swimming pool, perfect for a swim during the midday heat. Park bandas and Campsite.