About Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island National Park lies in the south-west corner of Lake Victoria, about 150 kilometres west of Mwanza. It takes in the main island, some 237 square kilometres of forest, grassland and papyrus, plus around ten smaller islets, for a total area of about 457 square kilometres. It became a game reserve in 1965 and a national park in 1977. Few people make it here, and that seclusion is the appeal. It suits travellers who have seen the big parks and want walking, boating and forest life in a quiet setting.
What you will see
The island's chimpanzees descend from 17 animals released by the conservationist Bernhard Grzimek between 1966 and 1969. They have been habituated for visitors since 2016, and although sightings are not guaranteed, tracking them through the forest is the main reason many guests come. Rubondo is also home to native sitatunga, a shy swamp antelope that lives along the papyrus edges. Elephants and giraffe were introduced to the island, and the forest and lake shore are rich in birds. With no vehicles on the island, the loudest sounds are often birdsong and water against the rocks.
Chimpanzee tracking
Treks set off with a ranger into the forest, following trails and signs until the chimps are found. Walks can be long and humid, and the vegetation is dense in places. Wear long sleeves and trousers, use insect repellent, and bring water.
- Forest walks for birds and smaller wildlife
- Boat trips around the shoreline and islets
- Catch-and-release fishing for Nile perch
- Birding on the water and in the trees
Please do not swim or wade in the lake: bilharzia is present in Lake Victoria.
When to go
June to September or October is the driest, most comfortable time. Wildflowers, including gloriosa and the fireball lily, appear from mid-November, and migrant birds arrive from December to February. Our Tanzania weather guide has more detail.
Getting there
Coastal Aviation flies between Kigali, Rubondo and the Serengeti, and Auric Air connects via Mwanza. By road, the drive from Mwanza to Nkome takes three to five hours, followed by a park boat of one to one and a half hours, which must be booked in advance.
How it fits your trip
Rubondo is a natural fly-in add-on from the Serengeti, giving a forest and lake ending to a northern safari. Many travellers come after a Kilimanjaro climb and a few days on the plains, then fly to the island to slow down. Two or three nights allow more than one chance to find the chimps.
Where to stay
Accommodation on the island is limited, which keeps it peaceful. With so few beds, it pays to plan early, especially if you want to match the scheduled flight days. Send us your dates and we will check flight days and availability.
