Visit Rubondo
a haven of biodiversity, nestled between forests and wetlands.
The park consists of 10 islands on Lake Victoria. Herons, waders, and spoonbills thrive along the lake's marshy shores, joined by Eurasian migrants during the Northern Hemisphere’s winter.
Wild jasmine, forty species of orchids, and a blend of sweet, indescribable scents fill the air from the forest. Ninety percent of the park is covered in tropical rainforest, with the remainder made up of grasslands and papyrus.
A journey to the heart of Tanzania's most beautiful landscapes.
Habitat
& Animals
Rubondo Island, located in Lake Victoria, is a sanctuary of biodiversity with its 10 islands. Covering 90% of tropical rainforest, with the remainder consisting of grasslands and papyrus, it serves as a refuge for a variety of animals, including chimpanzees. The marshy shores are ideal for herons, waders, and spoonbills, while the forests shelter orchids and wild jasmine.
Look out for:
· Chimpanzees
· Sitatunga Antelopes
· Elephants
· Birds
· Crocodiles
A journey to the heart of Tanzania's most beautiful landscapes.
LAKE VICTORIA
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake, a vast inland sea shared by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya, covering an area of 68,100 km². The lake was named in honor of Queen Victoria by British explorer Speke in 1858. It is the source of the White Nile, the longest tributary of the Nile River. This tropical lake, straddling the equator, is rich in both fauna and flora but faces significant threats.
In 2004, the controversial documentary *Darwin's Nightmare* highlighted the decline of the lake's biodiversity following the introduction of the Nile perch.
The lake is home to over 450 species of fish, many of which are endemic. In the 1950s, the Nile perch was introduced, a large predator that can grow up to 2 meters long and weigh 200 kg. As a result, more than 200 endemic fish species have disappeared from the lake.
Birdwatching
Explore the island's rich habitats and observe a wide variety of birds, from majestic pelicans to colorful kingfishers.
Fishing for Nile Perch
Enjoy an unforgettable fishing experience on Lake Victoria, with the chance to catch the famous Nile perch, an iconic species of the local waters.
Forest Walk
Traverse the island’s forest trails to discover diverse wildlife, from primates to vibrant butterflies, while exploring its dense, untouched vegetation.
Canoeing
Glide peacefully on the waters of Lake Victoria in a canoe, taking in the lush shores and watching wild animals come to drink.
Your highlights
Feel far away from it all
Search for chimpanzees
Where to sleep
to make the most of Rubondo
These accommodations
have been selected with care
by our team.
Asilia Rubondo Lodge
Asilia Rubondo Lodge
Expert's tip
“Truly a sense of being at the end of the world – and rightfully so!
Rubondo offers the calm and magic of these wild, little-visited places, although the island is now more accessible by air taxi.
It remains, however, a privilege, and the greatest gift is the encounter with the chimpanzees, reintroduced here about fifty years ago, living in peace. Meeting them in the heart of this lush forest will be an unforgettable experience.
One of my favorite spots in Tanzania!“
Laurène, Specialised consultant
Neema House Road, Arusha Tanzania
