Rubondo Island National Park is the largest Island National Park in the world and is an untouched sub tropical forest,
protected by the lake that surrounds it. Surrounded by beaches and rocky coves this primarily forest covered island offers
some of the most untouched wilderness in Africa. The pristine forest is the habitat of wild chimpanzee, introduced here in
the 60′s to benefit from it’s remote, protected habitat. The island also features elephant and giraffe, dwarfed by ancient
trees in the shadow of which lurk bushbuck and genet. Vervet monkey cavort amid the leaves and toward the lakeshore, the
elusive sitatunga antelope hides in papyrus swamp; crocodile lie in wait along the shore and hippo crash through the shallows.
The birdlife alone, comprising over 200 species, is enough to get the most discerning birder twitching. The waters around the
island are rich with fish including Tilapia and the sizeable Nile Perch. This is virgin paradise; uninhabited for decades.
Seasons
Year Round Season
1st January - 31st March, 1st June - 31st December
Season closure:
Rubondo Island Camp is closed from 1st April - 31st May
Day 1: Arusha / Serengeti - Rubondo Island Camp
Arrive on the island in the afternoon in time for a sun downer overlooking Lake Victoria. The lake is the largest in Africa and
home to playful otters who you may see from the main area. Twitchers will be delighted by the diversity of birds that can easily
be seen from the lodge, the majestic fish eagle is an especially beautiful sighting. During dinner look out for the hippos coming
out of the lake to mow the lawn outside of the rooms.
Day 2: Venture into the forest after an early breakfast to join the tracking team.
Depending on where you are starting from this may be by car or boat. You will then track the chimps with the habituation team in the
hopes of seeing them. Even while you are on your way to the chimps Rubondo’s forest is full of life – sitatunga, bushbuck and even
elephant call the island home. That night sleep out in a ‘’fly camp’’ (simple dome tents with a bush bathroom and dinner cooked over
the fire) for an adventure in the wild and interaction with the local trackers and guides. Listen to the sounds of the jungle as you
drift off to sleep after a day in the forest.
Day 3: Locate the chimps:
If the team were unable to locate the chimps the previous day then it is an early start to go and join the habituation team again. If
you saw the chimps the previous day then you can make your way back to camp by foot, boat or car. In the afternoon there is a wide range
of activities on offer – take a boat out and try your hand at catch and release fishing, enjoy a sunset cruise past Bird Island and spot
some of Rubondo’s giant crocs or simply relax by the pool.
Day 4: Arusha / Dare salaam
After breakfast board the plane for your onward safari adventure or to Arusha / Dare salaam for your flight back home.
Included:
All park entrance fees
All transfers and Pick up
Guaranteed departure.
All Meals from start to completion
The services of a local knowledgeable English speaking safari guide
Open sided Fiber boat to enable easy viewing and photography while sailing in Lake Victoria
Complimentary bottled water while on game viewing.
Vegetarian meals can be served upon request.
Teas and coffee
Excluded:
Travel Insurance
International Flights
Items of a personal nature
Tour Guide TIP (min. $ 25 a day)
Visa