RUBONDO NATIONAL PARK

Rubondo Island National Park is Tanzania’s only park located entirely on an island, offering a unique mix of forest, lake, and wildlife experiences. 🌿🐘

🌍 Location & Size

• Situated in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.
• Covers about 456 km², with 240 km² of land and the rest water.
• Established as a National Park in 1977.

🏞️ Landscapes & Features

• Dense equatorial forest, papyrus swamps, and savannah patches.
• Surrounded by Lake Victoria, giving it a serene island atmosphere.
• Offers pristine, untouched wilderness with very few visitors compared to mainland parks.

🐘 Wildlife

• Famous for its introduced species: elephants, giraffes, and chimpanzees were relocated here in the 1960s–70s.
• Other animals include hippos, crocodiles, sitatungas (rare swamp antelopes), bushbucks, and vervet monkeys.
• Birdlife is spectacular, with over 400 species, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, and herons.
• The surrounding waters host Nile perch and other fish species, making it popular for sport fishing.

🎒 Activities

• Game viewing by boat or on foot.
• Birdwatching in forests and wetlands.
• Fishing safaris for Nile perch in Lake Victoria.
• Chimpanzee tracking (though sightings are rare compared to Gombe).
• Nature walks and cultural visits to nearby fishing villages.

✨ Why It’s Special

• Island wilderness: The only Tanzanian park entirely on an island.
• Unique conservation story: Introduced species thrive alongside native wildlife.
• Seclusion: Offers a remote, peaceful safari away from crowds.
• Combination of lake and forest ecosystems unlike anywhere else in Tanzania.