Rubondo Island, located in the southwestern part of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, has a unique conservation story. Originally inhabited by small fishing communities, the island was turned into a game reserve in 1965 by German conservationist Prof. Bernhard Grzimek and later designated as a national park in 1977.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Rubondo became the site of one of Africa’s first major rewilding experiments. Over a period of years, Grzimek and his team introduced non-native species, including chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, suni antelope, and African grey parrots, to the island. The introduced chimpanzee population, which started with just 16 individuals rescued from European zoos and circuses, has since grown and become semi-wild.
Today, Rubondo remains uninhabited by humans and serves as a model for ecological restoration and wildlife protection, offering rare opportunities for visitors to observe wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
How to get to Rubondo Island National Park
By Air
There are scheduled flights from cities like Mwanza, Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Bukoba, or the Serengeti to Rubondo Airstrip. These flights are usually operated by local airlines such as Auric Air and Coastal Aviation. Charter flights are also available.
By Road and Boat
If you prefer the scenic route or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, consider travelling by road and boat. From Mwanza, you can drive to Nkome, a journey of about 3 to 4 hours. From there, a boat ride of about 1 to 1.5 hours takes you to the island. Another option is to drive from Mwanza to Muganza or Kasenda, which takes around 5 hours, followed by a short 25-minute boat ride to Rubondo.
The Uniqueness of Rubondo Island National Park.
Rubondo Island is special because it’s one of the few places in Africa where forest, freshwater, and wildlife come together in complete isolation. Unlike the more popular parks in Tanzania, Rubondo offers a rare sense of seclusion. It’s the only national park on an island in Lake Victoria, and it remains largely untouched by human development. What makes it truly unique is its conservation story—chimpanzees and other species were introduced here in the 1960s as part of an ambitious rewilding project, and they now live freely in the dense forest.
The park is rich in biodiversity, featuring a diverse array of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, rare antelope, and hundreds of bird species. It also offers experiences that you won’t find elsewhere in Tanzania, such as chimpanzee habituation treks, boat safaris, and catch-and-release fishing for massive Nile perch. The landscape shifts from forest to savanna to wetland, all surrounded by the vast waters of Lake Victoria, which makes the scenery incredibly diverse and photogenic.
Because it’s so remote, very few tourists make it here, which means your experience is intimate, unhurried, and personal. It feels like stepping into a forgotten Eden, where wildlife moves freely and nature dictates the pace of your day. If you’re looking for adventure, solitude, and a deep connection with the wild, Rubondo is one of Africa’s best-kept secrets.
The best time to visit Rubondo
June to October (Dry Season)
This is the ideal time for game drives, walking safaris, and chimpanzee habituation treks. Trails are drier and easier to navigate, and animals are more concentrated around water sources, making them easier to spot.
November to March (Wet Season)
This is the best time of year for birders. Migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, and the island’s forests and wetlands are alive with colour and sound. Over 300 bird species can be seen.
Main Attraction in Rubondo Island National Park.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Observe and accompany a small, semi-habituated chimpanzee group introduced in the 1960s. These treks, limited to just 4–8 participants, offer extended viewing time and a rare, intimate encounter
Boat & Canoe Safaris on Lake Victoria
Navigate forested shorelines, explore papyrus swamps, and watch for hippos, crocodiles, otters, monitor lizards, and a vast array of waterbirds, including the iconic African fish eagle.
Catch‑and‑Release Sport Fishing
Target Nile perch, which can exceed 100 kg, or plenty of tilapia, in a unique freshwater lake setting within a national park
Forest Walks & Game Drives
Explore dense primary rainforest, grassland, and swamp habitats in open vehicles or on foot, seeking native species like sitatunga, bushbuck, genet cats, elephants, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and more
Birdwatching Paradise
Spot over 300 bird species (up to 400 recorded), including the highest density of fish eagles in East Africa, plus turacos, hornbills, kingfishers, storks, herons, and breeding colonies of waterbirds
Scenic & Cultural Highlights
Delight in varied landscapes, volcanic hills, sandy beaches, papyrus-fringed shores, and visit cultural heritage sites like Ntungamirwe, Maji Matakatifu, and Solo. Plus, experience spectacular lake sunrises and sunsets
The most Activities performed in Rubondo Island National Park.
- Chimpanzee habituation & trekking
Participate in a conservation initiative to habituate rescued chimpanzees (descended from 1960s translocations) as they trek through the forest with rangers and guides. You can stay with the chimps as long as you can follow them, making it unique among African habituation experiences. - Guided forest walks & jungle safaris
Explore evergreen and mixed forests on foot, from short one-hour strolls to full-day hikes, even multi-day treks with fly‑camping or a tree‑house stay - Game drives (daytime only)
Ride in open 4×4 vehicles along forest tracks to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, sitatunga antelopes, bushbucks, genets, vervet & colobus monkeys, plus over 300 bird species . - Boating & canoe trips
Cruise Lake Victoria’s shores and papyrus swamps in a boat or traditional canoe, watching hippos, otters, crocodiles, and enjoying birdlife (especially fish eagles) - Sport fishing (catch‑and‑release)
Fish for giant Nile perch (up to 200 kg!) and tilapia. Techniques include trolling, spinning, and fly fishing from a boat, shore, or rocks. - Bird watching
With 300–400 bird species, fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, storks, parrots, migratory Eurasian birds, Rubondo is a birding paradise. - Cultural & historical tours
Visit island-based cultural sites (Altare, Maji Matakatifu, Ntungamirwe) and see the legacy of the former Zinza tribal settlements. - Fly‑camping & treehouse stays
For adventurous explorers: overnight in the wilderness via fly‑camping, or stay in a private treehouse during multi‑day jungle treks
Where to stay in Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island National Park has inside camps/bandas, which offer the advantage of early game drives and a deep wilderness feel. Also, outside camps/hotels are typically more budget-friendly or family-oriented. Offers easy access to the park, as well as cultural or community experiences.
How to start planning your Rubondo island national park safari
How to start planning your Rubondo Island National Park safari
Starting your Rubondo Island national park safari adventure begins with a clear idea of what you want to experience. Whether it is spotting Big Five or simply immersing yourself in the raw beauty of Africa, the Rubondo Island National Park offers something for every traveller. The next step is to choose the best time to visit, decide on your preferred accommodation and map out the perfect itinerary based on your interests.
At Kanuth Adventure Safari, we are here to guide you through every step of the planning process. Our team will help you select the best safari style, recommend ideal travel dates, and match you with accommodation that fits your budget and preferences. Ready to begin your Rubondo Island National Park adventure? Contact us at or visit our website at www.kanuthadventures.com
