Any visitor to Lake Victoria and Rubondo marvel and claim it to be highlight of their safari in Tanzania. The lake’s dark, bluish waters give it a mysterious feeling and the pure uniqueness of Rubondo presents an experience not found elsewhere.
Rubondo Island National Park is one of two Tanzanian National Parks located on an island in Lake Victoria (the other being Saanane Island National Park). The island attracts a small number of visitors each year, mainly game fishermen and bird enthusiasts. ‘Unique, Magic, Paradise, So-different’ are used by visitors to describe Rubondo as a very peaceful interlude to bust safari schedules.
Located in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria, about 150 km (93 miles) west of Mwanza, the National Park consists of 10 islands covering 456.8 km2 (176.4 sq mi). The main island, Rubondo, is 237 km2 in size. Lake Victoria itself is 1,134 metres above sea level. Rainfall peaks in December and April–May during the October–May rainy season. The annual temperature is 19–26 0C
The park is home to numerous wildlife species, including being known as one of the best locations to see the Sitatunga water antelope. Wild chimpanzees, saved from captivity across Europe were introduced to Rubondo in the 1960s and have thrived ever since.
Elephants, giraffes, crocodiles, otters can all be found. The over 300 species of birds makes Rubondo a bucket list destination for keen ornithologists.
The waters of Lake Victoria around the islands teem with the anglers’ fighting favourite, the Nile Perch.