Rubondo Island National Park : Tanzania is a wonderful nation with all the magical attractions that would make any safari-goer excited. Tanzania is home to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and over 120 tribes for which it is famed. If you want to discover something unique in Tanzania apart from the famous destinations, relax; we have you covered. Rubondo Island is an attractive island in Lake Victoria, the world’s second-biggest freshwater lake.
Situated on the southwest corner of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park is the largest island park in Africa, with a total area of about 240 square kilometers. This park is made of the main island and 11 islets that make up an attractive island.
Location and accessibility
It is located 150 kilometers west of Mwanza at the entrance to the Emini Pasha Gulf. If you want to reach this wonderful island, you can book a boat trip. There are two ways of reaching this island by boat: one is from Geita District, where you will have to book a boat trip from Nkome to Rubondo Island. The other route is from Kasenda village (near Muganza) in Chato District to this island. Rubondo Island also has an airstrip, Rubondo Airstrip, which receives flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, and Serengeti.
When to visit Rubondo Island
The best time to visit Rubondo Island National Park is from June to September. During this time, the island has a dry climate, which is favorable for exploring the various beauties of the park. For birders, the best time to visit is between February and May, when the migratory birds are in the breeding season.
History of Rubondo Island National Park
Before being established as an island park, Rubondo Island was inhabited by the Zinza tribe (Wazinza in Swahili). It was then established as a game reserve in 1965 and later upgraded into a national park in 1977.
Most of the wild animals found on Rubondo Island were introduced to make the island a national park. They include elephants, giraffes, Sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees, and birds like African grey parrots. The largest part of Rubondo Island has an old forest similar to the Congolese forests. It is a perfect gateway to crowded destinations like Serengeti National Park.
Attractions on Rubondo Island
Wildlife
Rubondo Island National Park is home to wild animals such as elephants, giraffes, Sitatunga antelope, and chimpanzees. These beautiful creatures make Rubondo Island a perfect spot for wildlife viewing.
Lake Victoria
Your stay at Rubondo Island National Park will reward you with a sweet experience at the world’s largest tropical lake. It is the largest lake in the African Great Lakes region and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world in the world after Lake Superior, found in North America. Lake Victoria is a reservoir of great rivers like the Nile, Kagera, and Katonga. These rivers nourish some large ecosystems in the north and west of the lake. It is home to about 200 fish species. You can get yourself a fish diet from the commonly known tilapia fish, which are abundant.
Cultural sites
Since this island was previously a human colony, this park preserves many sites for cultural visits. This location holds remnants of society’s things and other belongings. These sites depict the culture of the Zinza tribe and other indigenous people who originally resided on Rubondo Island. “Maji Matakatifu,” Solo,” and “Ntungamirwe” are examples of such locations.
Birds
Over 300 bird species are residents of Rubondo Island. They include some migratory species, such as the Eurasian migratory birds, which pass by this island at least two times a year. You can also see the African grey parrot, which was introduced in the 1960s. This is an amazing bird not only because of its attractive color but also because of its ability to mimic. Another bird found on Rubondo Island is the African fish eagle.
Other attractions of Rubondo Island National Park include dawn and sunset views, bird islands, Crocodile Island, the gulfs of Irumo and Kamea, and many more.
What to do on Rubondo Island
Nature walks
Under an armed ranger’s guidance, you can walk in the wilderness while observing Rubondo Island’s beauty. Walking safaris allow you to see reptiles such as pythons and flora species. In the evening, your tour guide will lead you to the beautiful beaches, particularly Mchangani, Fly Catcher, and Michicoco. Here, you will enjoy the evening breezes of this astounding lake. Other places that you can view on a nature walk include Crocodile Island and cultural sites like Maji Matakatifu.
Trekking chimpanzees
Rubondo Island National Park is also home to chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are primates that reside in the Congolese forests, especially in the northwest of Tanzania. You can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience of trekking these primates, though a few are habituated.
Canoeing and Boat Safaris
Canoeing allows you to explore the endless scenes of freshwater that stretch to the infinite. Sport fishing is extraordinary, as you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing. That is, you capture a fish and release it while the boat is moving slowly. This is so funny and will leave you with ever-lasting memories in your mind.
Bird-watching.
Rubondo Island may be a paradise for birders. It is also a perfect spot for those interested in observing migratory species, especially during the breeding season.
Where to stay on Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island Camp is an ideal site to stay during your safari in Rubondo Island National Park. Here, you will stay in luxurious rooms with modern amenities such as flushing toilets, hot water showers, and a modern kitchen.
If you want to visit Rubondo Island, Focus East Africa Safaris can plan an exciting safari. We offer authentic African safaris to a variety of places around Tanzania and East Africa. Welcome!a
