Location: Rubondo Island National Park, Rubondo Island, Tanzania
Overview
Located in the southwest of Lake Victoria lies Rubondo Island, an extraordinary example of wildlife conservation. Its Africa’s largest island national park at 26km long and up to 10 km wide, with more than 75 percent of the island covered in pristine equatorial rainforest. Since the 1960s, the island has been a haven for wild chimpanzees, Sitatunga antelope, Elephants, and giraffes.
Rubondo Island Camp is the only accommodation in the national park, making it one of the most special places to visit in Tanzania. The eight waterfront, thatched-roofed cottages (including one larger family cottage) were hand-built using traditional methods and local materials. Children above the age of 5 are welcome at Rubondo Island Camp.
The cottages have high ceilings and are decked out in natural colours that mirror the lake and forest. En suite bathrooms all have hot running water and flushing toilets. In front of each cottage, a terrace overlooking the lake is the perfect spot from which to watch the island life pass by.
With its own airstrip, Rubondo can be accessed via Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, and the Serengeti. Alternatively, you can also fly directly from Kigali to easily combine this wild island escape with an epic gorilla encounter in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The Camp is open from June to March and closed from April to May with the closest airstrip: Rubondo, a 20-minute drive from the camp.
You have the island to yourself, aside from a handful of park wardens and researchers – walk through the dense forest looking for chimps in the canopy above, or cruise around the peaceful lake at sunset with a drink in hand, head out with a pair of binoculars to spot some of the 300 bird species that visit the island.
The temperatures on Rubondo are pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September, for walking, as the trails are easier to navigate when they are dry.
For birders, the best time to visit is between December and March, when the migrant flocks arrive.
Uniqueness of this Camp
- Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, the largest island national park in Africa.
- The eight waterfront, thatched-roofed cottages (including one larger family cottage) were hand-built using traditional methods and local materials.
- The Park is a haven for chimpanzees – Chimpanzee trekking and habituation.
Accommodation
8 waterfront thatched-roof cottages (including 1 four-sleeper family room and a honeymoon suite): Guest Chalet – 2 pax: Rubondo Island Camp features eight large waterfront chalets, surrounded by rolling green lawns that open onto the beachy shores of Lake Victoria. Each chalet has a king-sized bed, enclosed by mosquito nets, and an en-suite bathroom including a flush toilet and running hot water. Shampoo, soap, conditioner, shower and body lotion, and flip-flops for the sandy shores are provided for all guests.
Family Chalet – 4 pax: The family cottage features a king-sized bed, with doubles or singles available on request for the 2nd room. The chalet has an en-suite bathroom including a flush toilet and hot, running water, and is within easy reach of the main camp area, and pool. The verandah offers comfy seating and superb views of the surrounding forest and Lake Victoria.
Amenities
Camp Amenities: Generator power, Battery-charging facilities, Wi-Fi in main areas, 24-hour Security, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Spa, Credit Card, Room Service, hammock, binoculars and bird guide in hand, cooling off in the pool and All meals are served on the Main deck overlooking the beach.
Activities
The Park is a haven for chimpanzees – Chimpanzee trekking and habituation, Forest drives, Forest walks, Boat trips, December to March is the best time for birding, Family safaris, Game drives, Forest hiking, Fishing, and Birding.