Rubondo Island National Park
Lake Tanzania Region
Rubondo Island National Park is a unique protected area located on an island in Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Covering 456.8 square kilometers, it comprises Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islets, featuring a mixed evergreen and semi-deciduous forest that covers about 80% of the island. The park is renowned for its successful introduction of wild chimpanzees in the late 1960s, now thriving in their natural habitat alongside other species such as elephants, giraffes, and the rare sitatunga antelope. The island's volcanic soil and varied terrain, including the Masa Hills, support a rich biodiversity with over 300 bird species, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Visitors can enjoy guided forest walks, chimpanzee trekking, game drives, boating safaris, and fishing safaris on the lake. The tranquil environment, sandy beaches, and papyrus swamps create a serene setting for nature lovers seeking an immersive wilderness experience. Rubondo remains largely uninhabited, preserving its pristine ecosystem and offering an exceptional opportunity to encounter African wildlife in a rare island setting.
Plan your trip to Tanzania with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Rubondo Island National Park is from June to March, as the park is closed during the rainy season in April and May. Visitors interested in chimpanzee trekking should plan a minimum two-night stay and consider booking in advance due to limited access. The closest airstrip is Rubondo Airstrip, about a 20-minute drive from the camp. Families with children aged five and older are welcome. Take advantage of guided activities such as walking safaris, bird watching, and boating to fully experience the park's biodiversity. Bringing binoculars and insect repellent is recommended for comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing.
Interesting facts
- •Rubondo Island is one of the few places in Africa where wild chimpanzees can be tracked in their natural habitat.
- •The island's chimpanzee population originated from 17 wild-born individuals introduced between 1966 and 1969 by Professor Bernhard Grzimek.
- •Rubondo Island National Park covers 456.8 square kilometers, including Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islets.
- •The park hosts over 300 bird species, including fish eagles and African grey parrots, making it a top birdwatching destination.
- •The island features volcanic soil and a unique landscape formed by a partially submerged rift with four volcanic hills.
History
Rubondo Island was designated a game reserve in 1965 to protect wildlife and later became a national park in 1977.
Originally inhabited by the Zinza tribe, the island's approximately 400 residents were relocated in the late 1960s to allow for conservation efforts.
Between 1966 and 1969, Professor Bernhard Grzimek of the Frankfurt Zoological Society introduced 17 wild-born chimpanzees to the island, establishing a rare free-ranging population.
Additional species such as elephants, giraffes, and the mantled guereza were also introduced to enrich the island's fauna.
Strict protection measures have been enforced to prevent poaching and unauthorized landings, ensuring the preservation of the island's unique ecosystem.
Place Guide
Chimpanzee Trekking
Guided treks allow visitors to observe the wild chimpanzee population, descendants of the original 17 introduced chimpanzees. The experience offers a rare emotional connection with these primates in their natural forest habitat.
Forest Walks
Guided walks through the mixed evergreen and semi-deciduous forests reveal diverse flora including Croton sylvaticus and Drypetes gerrardii, as well as a rich variety of birdlife and other wildlife.
Boating and Fishing Safaris
Boat excursions on Lake Victoria offer unique perspectives of Rubondo's shoreline, with opportunities for bird watching and catch-and-release fishing in the lake's deeper waters.
Contact
Phone: 0736 500 515
