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Rubondo Island National Park

Rubondo Island National Park

National Parks, Islands 240 km² Western Circuit, Geita

Rubondo Island National Park

National Parks, Islands 240 km² Western Circuit, Geita

Rubondo Island national park has a size of 240 km². It is only one of two Tanzanian national parks located on an island in Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest lake. It is located in the southwest corner of the lake. Rubondo became a game reserve in 1965, to provide a sanctuary for animals. Tanzania gazetted Rubondo in 1977 as a national park. It is uninhabited and consequently 90% of the island remains forest today. With nine smaller islands under its wing, Rubondo also protects precious fish breeding grounds.

The habitat of Rubondo Island is mixed evergreen and semi-deciduous forest, which covers about 80% of the island’s surface area, hosting a variety of common species. The eastern lakeshore is characterized by rocky areas and sandy beaches whilst the western shore supports extensive papyrus swamps, lined with date palms.

Rubondo is home to a surprising number of large animals. Elephant, giraffe, bushbuck, Bush buck, Chimpanzee, hippo and crocodile. Except the wildlife viewing, guests can also embark on a variety of other activities that promote eco-sensitivity.

The park hosts a diverse number of birds. With 300 endemic and migratory bird species, Rubondo Island is an ornithologist’s dream. The most common species are African darters, egrets, pied kingfisher, the high-pitched screeches and African grey parrot. Rubondo also holds a very high concentration of fish eagles.

Chimpanzee trek

Walking in Rubondo gives visitors an opportunity to discover the island’s chimpanzees, which were introduced as the first ever attempt to rehabilitate captive chimpanzees back into a wild environment, one of the island’s most attractive draws.

Fishing

Rubondo Island NP is equipped with a variety of fishing techniques including trolling, spinning live and dead bait as well as fly-fishing. Anglers from around the world travel to this Island for the opportunity to reel in a Nile perch, one of Africa’s biggest and most sought-after freshwater fish.

FAQs
Rubondo Island National Park

Best time to Visit Rubondo Island National Park

The best time to visit Rubondo is during the dry season, between June and October. December through to February experiences a large number of migrant bird species visit the island so for keen birders this can also be a great time to visit.

Getting to Rubondo Island National Park

By Boat: By using own boat from Mwanza to Kageye Park Headquarters.
By Road: From Mwanza to Muganza 270 km.
By Air: Schedule and chattered flights from Arusha, Bukoba, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and other Major Cities
 

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