Rubondo Island National Park is a unique and secluded aquatic wilderness, a mosaic of dense forest, sandy beaches, and swampy inlets located on the southwestern shores of Lake Victoria. The park encompasses Rubondo Island itself, the largest island national park in Africa, along with several smaller neighboring islets. The name “Rubondo” is believed to be derived from a local fisherman who once lived on the island, giving his name to this pristine sanctuary.

The park covers 456 square kilometers, most of which is water. It was established as a Game Reserve in 1965 and upgraded to a National Park in 1977. Its primary initial purpose was a protected haven for the reintroduction of chimpanzees and other endangered species, creating a unique “Noah’s Ark” in the middle of the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Climate
The park experiences a tropical lakeshore climate, moderated by the vast waters of Lake Victoria. The long rainy season is from March to May, while the short rains occur in November and December. The dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, are the best times to visit, with less rainfall and easier access to the forest trails for chimpanzee tracking. The climate is generally warm and humid throughout the year.

Getting There
The park’s island location makes it accessible only by boat or air. The most common route is a 1.5-hour flight from Arusha or Serengeti to the park’s airstrip on Rubondo Island. Alternatively, visitors can take a 4-hour boat ride from the town of Mwanza to the park headquarters. There are no road connections to the mainland.

Attractions
Rubondo Island National Park offers a uniquely tranquil and intimate wildlife experience. The park’s primary attraction is the opportunity to track a population of chimpanzees that have been reintroduced to the wild, thriving in the island’s dense forest. Beyond chimpanzees, the park is a sanctuary for other reintroduced species like the roan and sitatunga antelope, as well as elephant and giraffe. The surrounding waters of Lake Victoria are a major attraction, offering fantastic fishing for the colossal Nile perch and tigerfish, as well as boat safaris to spot crocodiles, hippos, and a spectacular array of waterbirds, including the iconic fish eagle. The sense of isolation, the symphony of the forest, and the chance to explore a true island wilderness by foot and by boat create a serene and unforgettable adventure.