Canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park: Rubondo Island National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, and covers an area of 26 square kilometers long and up to 10 kilometers wide, making it Africa’s largest island national park. Rubondo Island was first gazetted as a game reserve in 1965, and in 1977, the reserve was upgraded to national park status. The Zinza tribe used to inhabit the island at its formation, but they were resettled to the mainland and other islands around Lake Victoria. The park is home to pristine beaches and a wide arrange of wildlife such as elephants, chimpanzees, hippos, sitatunga antelopes, giraffes, crocodiles, black and white colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and many others. The park is also a birder’s paradise, supporting several species of birds. Canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park offer visitors a unique and immersive way to explore the diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity of this remote tropical paradise
One of the main attractions of canoeing in Rubondo Island National Park is the opportunity to navigate the park’s extensive network of waterways including lakes, channels, and swamps. These water bodies are teeming with a variety of aquatic wildlife including hippos, crocodiles, and a diverse array of water bird species. Padding silently along the tranquil waters in a canoe allows visitors to get up close to these animals and birds, providing a unique perspective that is not possible from a vehicle or on foot.
Rubondo Island National Park is home to rare swamp-loving antelope, the sitatunga is found amongst the papyrus stands, and elephants are often seen on the shores along with a raft of hippos, crocs, an occasional leopard, and vervet monkeys. In the forest themselves, there is of course a variety of smaller wildlife, including genets, civets, and bushpigs. There are unhurried forest hikes are one of the activities to enjoy. Chimpanzees can be seen here, following a recent intensive habituation program they are now approachable by visitors. So, this beautiful Island paradise is now a place where one can enjoy watching man’s closest living relative, and without the arduous Mountain trekking of other chimps’ habitats.
Rubondo Island National Park is also a place rich with birds. With over 400 species have been recorded including the African grey parrot. The diversity of habitats from open woodland to papyrus swamp and evergreen forest attracts numerous residents and migrant species. The island has an abidance of a stork, hornbills, herons, and birds of prey including the highest density of fish eagles anywhere in the world, with their hunting cry a constant background sound, for enthusiastic birders a morning and afternoon boating ride to the papyrus swamp is a must.
In addition to the wildlife viewing opportunities, canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park offer a sense of serenity and tranquillity that is hard to match. The gentle rhythm of paddling through the calm waters, accompanied only by the sounds of the surrounding nature, creates a peaceful and meditative experience that allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the park
For those looking for more active adventure, canoeing in Rubondo Island National Park can also include fishing excursions. The island is renowned for its excellent sport fishing, with opportunities to catch prized freshwater species such as Nile perch, tilapia, and catfish. Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice, a guided fishing canoe trip can provide thrilling and rewarding experience on the crystal-clear waters of Victoria.
Other safari activities to combine with Canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park
Bird watching: Rubondo Island National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 400 species of bird calling the park home. Guided birdwatching tours can be combined with canoeing excursions to spot a variety of colorful and unique birds such as grey parrots, 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, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, African Spoonbill, Hadada Ibis, and African Spoonbill among others.
Game drives: While canoeing allows for up-close encounters with aquatic wildlife, game drives offer a different perspective to explore the park’s terrestrial animals. Visitors can combine canoeing with guided game drives to search for iconic African species such as roan antelopes, suni antelopes, elephants, giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys, hippos, vervet monkeys, sitatunga, genet, bushbucks, mongoose, bush Bigs, warthogs, crocodiles, otter and hyrax among others.
Nature walks: Exploring the lush forest and rugged terrain in Rubondo Island National Park on foot is a fantastic way to get a closer look at the park’s flora and fauna. Guided nature walks can be combined with canoeing tours to discover hidden gems such as towering mahogany trees, lush orchid gardens, and the diverse plant life that thrives in this tropical paradise.
Fishing excursion: Rubondo Island National Park is renowned for its excellent sport fishing opportunities and fishing excursions can be combined with canoeing touts for a thrilling outdoor adventure. Whether you are an experienced angler or a novice, a guide fishing trip on Lake Victoria can provide a unique and rewarding experience
Relaxation and beach activities: After a day of exploring the park’s waterways and wildlife, visitors can unwind and relax on the secluded beaches of Rubondo Island. Combining canoeing tours with beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing offers a perfect way to end a day of adventure in this idyllic tropical paradise.
The best time of the year to go for canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park
The best time of the year to go for canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park is during the dry season, which typically runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is mild and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as canoeing. The dry season also coincides with the peak tourist season in Tanzania, so visitors can expect fewer crowds and more opportunities to enjoy the park’s serene waterway and wildlife. Additionally, the dry season is a great time for wildlife viewing in the best time of the year to go for canoeing excursions in Rubondo Island National Park. many animals are drawn to the water sources during this time, making it easier to spot them from a canoe. Visitors can expect to see a variety of aquatic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and a wide array of bird species, making for a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information and inquiries about canoeing excursions in 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.
