Accommodation facility at Rubondo Island National Park: Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, the largest island national park in Africa. Rubondo Island Camp is certainly a unique addition to the typical northern Tanzania circuit. The beach where the camp is located is small but very picturesque, with wildlife aplenty. Towering fig trees are filled with black kites, water monitor lizards scrounge in the bushes, white egrets and open-billed storks wade cautiously at the lake’s edge, and otters can often be seen playing in the reeds. The frequent sound of fish eagles screeching above gives the whole place a primeval feel.
Rubondo Island Camp is located within the breathtaking Rubondo Island National Park, situated in the southwestern shores of Lake Victoria. The island a hidden gem, is approximately 300 square kilometers of lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Accessible only by boat or light aircraft, the camp is secluded retreat that offers visitors an unparalleled escape into nature’s embrace. With its proximity to the rich waters of Lake Victoria, guests can experience remarkable wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, including over 300 species of birds and unique fauna like the African grey parrot and various primates. The serene isolation and natural beauty make Rubondo Island camp an idea location for those seeking tranquillity adventure and a truly immersive wilderness experience.
Accommodation
Rubondo Island Camp features charming, eco-friendly accommodations designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The camp offers a selection of luxurious tented suites, providing a total of 8 well-appointed tented cabins, including a family room with two bedrooms sharing a bathroom, and a honeymoon suite with a double outdoor shower. The rooms sit fairly close together, all facing towards the lake and with lovely views, both from the small veranda and from inside through an entirely mesh front wall. Reed-covered roofs and stone walls finished externally in a sandy color help them to blend into their surroundings. Each is thoughtfully positioned to provide stunning views of the lake and lush landscapes. Each suite is furnished with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, well-furnished rooms, bedside lamps, in-room safes, sitting area, charging stations, and private verandas, enabling guests to fully appreciate the island’s beauty while enjoying the tranquillity of nature. The design reflects a commitment to sustainability, with materials sourced locally to minimize environmental impact. The camp’s intimate atmosphere accommodates a limited number of guests, ensuring personalized serves and a memorable experience
Room Facility
Each tented suite at Rubondo Island Camp is a sanctuary of comfort and luxury. Seamlessly integrated into the natural surrounding. The species’ interiors feature high-quality furnishings, ensuring a restful atmosphere for guests. Beds are adorned with premium linens, promising a good night’s sleep after a day of exploration. En-suite bathrooms are equipped with eco-friendly amenities, hot showers, and spectacular views, allowing guests to soak in the serene environment. Additionally, each suite includes a private veranda where guest can unwind and witness the picturesque sunset over Lake Victoria. The blend of modern amenities with rustic charm creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
Property Facility
Rubondo Island Camp offers a range of on-site facilities designed to enhance guest’s experience. The main lodges serve as the social hub, boasting a cozy lounge and dining area where guest can enjoy freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients. An infinity pool provides a refreshing escape and stunning views of the lake, offering a relaxing spot after a day of exploration. The camp also features a well-stocked bar, perfect for enjoying a sundowner while sharing adventures with fellow travelers. Additionally, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in the common area ensuring that every visitor has a memorable and enriching experience in this pristine wilderness.
Activities offered at Rubondo Island Camp
Fishing
Rubondo Island Camp is situated in Lake Victoria, which is known for its abundance of fish. Visitors to Rubondo Island Camp can enjoy fishing excursions on the lake, either from a boat or from the shore. The camp provides all the necessary equipment sans expert guidance to help visitors catch a variety of fish, including Nile Perch, tilapia, and catfish.
Birdwatching
Rubondo Island is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 300 species of birds that call the island home. Visitors can take guide bird-watching walks or boat trips to some of the island’s unique bird inhabitants such as the shoebill stork, African fish eagle, Black-headed Gonolek, Grey Parrot, Speckled Pigeon, White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Ring-necked Dove, Freckled Nightjar, African Palm Swift, Yellowbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, Allen’s Gallinule, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, African Openbill, Marabou, Hamerkop, Black-headed Heron and malachite kingfisher among others.
Chimpanzee tracking
Rubondo Island is home to a small population of chimpanzees, which were reintroduced to the island in the 1960s. Visitors can join guided chimpanzee tracking excursions to observe these fascinating primates in their natural habitat. The camp’s expert guides will lead visitors through the dense tropical forest in search of chimpanzees, providing insights into their behavior and biology along the way.
Nature walks
Rubondo Island is a haven for nature lovers, with its lush forest, sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore the island on guided nature walks, where you will have the chance to learn about the island’s flora and fauna, search for animals’ tracks, and appreciate the tranquillity of this remote paradise. The walks can be tailored to suit different fitness levels and interred, making them a popular activity for visitors of all ages.
Getting to Rubondo Island Camp
The easiest way of getting to Rubondo Island Camp is traveling to Rubondo island national park, which can be accessed either by road, water or even air transport means.
By road; the park can also be reached by driving from Mwanza to Mugnaza which is about 270 kilometers
By boat; Rubondo Island can be reached by park boat from two different locations. One option is the boat from Kasenda, a small village near Muganza in Chato District. The other option is the boat from Nkome in Geita District. And finally, by air, there a lot of domestic fights operating from Arusha Airport, Serengeti Airport, and Dar es Salaam To Rubondo Airstrip on Rubondo Island and there you can take a short drive of about 20 minutes to the Rubondo Island Camp
