Amazing safari activities to do at Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island National Park is a Tanzania national park gazetted in 1977. the park covers an area of approximately 457 square kilometers and is part of the Mwanza Region, with the nearest District being Ukerewe and Mwanza. The national park is renowned for its lush landscapes, encompassing diverse habitats including tropical rainforest, swamps and sandy beaches, supporting a rich array of wildlife.
Rubondo Island is home to variety of species including endemic sitatunga, otters, hippos, giraffes, elephant, suni antelopes, mongoose, chimpanzees, primates like black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, which prefer the swampy wares and a remarkable population of over 300 bird species sch as African fish eagle, shoebill, cormorant, osprey, kingfishers among others. Rubondo Island National Park is also one of two national parks in Tanzania situated on an island in Lake Victoria (the other being Saanane Island National Park) and the national park is in the island management is under the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The island attracts a small number of visitors each year, mainly game fishermen and bird enthusiasts.
However, there area many activities visitors can enjoy or participate while in a safari in Rubondo Island National Park and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;
Game drives
Game drives in Rubondo Island National Park are a highlight for many visitors on a Tanzania safari. This park offers an exceptional game viewing experience while inside the dense forest dotted with open woodlands. Game drives in this park are done on a safari vehicle where you will navigate through the parks stunning landscape and different animals track to spot different wildlife species. During your game drive safari, you’ll have the chance to spot a number of indigenous species such as elephants, lions, leopards, bushbuck, sitatunga, civet, genet, spot-necked otter, hippopotamus, Nile crocodile, black rhino, roan and suni antelopes, warthogs, and many more. You might also see giraffes and several types of primates, like chimpanzees, black rhino, black-and-white colobus monkey, and different monkey species. These experiences ensure that your trip is truly unforgettable.
Forest nature walks
Visitors to Rubondo Island National Park often enjoy exploring the forest on nature walks. There are various trails to choose from, such as the route from Mamba Point to Mlaga Kageye Road, Maji Mtakatifu to Mchangani, and paths that lead to Pongo Camp and the airstrip. These walks allow tourists to see a variety of wildlife, including zebras and elephants, as well as many different plants.
Forest walks can consist of anything from an hour-long stroll to a multi-day excursion, and the latter can include staying in a well-equipped tree house or in a lakeside fly camp.
Chimpanzee habituation
Chimpanzee habituation at Rubondo Island National Park provides a special chance to get close to these amazing animals, who are some of our nearest relatives in the wild. the chimp trekking in the dense forest is a magical experience where you can walk and experience nature with all your senses. Sharing of more than 98% of our genes of our gene’s chimpanzees are as individually unique as humans. This park is home to a unique group of chimpanzees that were brought here in the 1960s. The chimpanzee habituation programme involves chimp treks, which are available for travelers aged 15 years.
during a chimpanzee habituation safari, you’ll hike through different areas of the island’s forest and might spot other wildlife, including velvet monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys, as well as intriguing animals like large spotted genets, bush pigs, hyraxes, giraffes, bushbucks, mongooses, and a variety of colorful birds. once you have encountered with these smart primates, you’ll get to watch them go about their daily lives—grooming, playing, caring for their young, and interacting with each other.
Sport fishing
A fishing safari at Rubondo Island National Park lets you explore the vibrant underwater world of Lake Victoria. Rubondo Island is equipped with a variety of fishing techniques including trolling, spinning live, dead bait and fly fishing. Anglers from around the world travel to this stunning island for the opportunity to catch the Nile perch, one of Africa’s biggest and most sought-after water fish.
Boat cruise and canoeing safari
A canoe safari in Rubondo Island National Park is a peaceful and engaging way to take in the stunning scenery of Lake Victoria. This guided canoe trip offers a different perspective of the island and across the quite unlet as well as covers places that can’t be reached on foot. As you paddle gently on the calm waters, you’ll have the chance to see a variety of wildlife along the shore. This relaxing adventure allows you to get close to different kinds of birds, including herons, kingfishers, and the impressive African fish eagle, which you might see hunting in the lake. You might also spot hippos soaking up the sun and monitor lizards warming themselves on the rocks.
Birding tours
Birding tours at Rubondo Island National Park offer a memorable adventure for both beginners and experienced bird watchers. With more than 300 different bird species, this park stands out as one of the top spots for birdwatching in Tanzania. The park features a mix of habitats—like wetlands, forests, grasslands, and the shores of Lake Victoria, which provides a perfect environment for various types of birds. While exploring on your birding tours, you may encounter a wide range of bird species, including Green-backed Woodpecker, Brown-breasted Barbet, White-throated Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Giant Kingfisher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Malachite Kingfisher , Brown-necked Parrot, 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 and Black-headed Heron among others. you will also be amazed by the high density of fish eagles that not found anywhere else. please plan trip to come and visit this precious park.
Camping
Rubondo national park have many camping sites where many visitors can enjoy fore example camping in the bushes with different facilities such as kitchen, dinning space, bathrooms, toilets and among others
Best accommodation facilities in Rubondo Island National Park
The park has variety of accommodation facilities including lodges, cottages, public and special campsites. Some of these accommodation options includes as Rubondo Island Camp and Rubondo Island lodge.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about amazing safari activities to do at Rubondo Island National Park and then Book with tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.
