Island forest
Walking trails through forest with sitatunga and birds.
Rubondo Island National Park
Quiet island wilderness on Africa's largest lake
- Best time
- June – August and December – February
- Recommended stay
- 2 – 3 days
- Nearest airport
- Rubondo Airstrip
- Main attraction
- Island wildlife on Lake Victoria
About Rubondo Island
Rubondo Island lies in the south-west of Lake Victoria. Its forests, papyrus swamps and sandy bays shelter shy sitatunga antelope, chimpanzees, hippos and many water birds.
With very few visitors, it is a peaceful extension to a Serengeti safari, explored on foot and by boat.
- Size
- ≈ 457 km² (island and water)
- Lake
- Victoria
What makes it special
Lake shore & bays
Boat trips to see hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles.
What you can see and do
- Sitatunga
- Chimpanzee
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- African fish eagle
- Grey parrot
Boat activities
Hiking
Sport fishing
For Nile perch, where officially available.
When to go
June – August and December – February
- January: Best
- February: Best
- March: Good
- April: Rainy / low season
- May: Rainy / low season
- June: Best
- July: Best
- August: Best
- September: Good
- October: Good
- November: Rainy / low season
- December: Best
- Best
- Good
- Rainy / low season
Recommended stay: 2 – 3 days
Getting there
Charter flight from the Serengeti or Mwanza, or by road to Muganza and a boat transfer.
Nearest airports & airstrips
- Rubondo Airstrip
- Mwanza AirportMWZ
Entry and conservation fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee — adult non-resident | On request | Rate on request (+18% VAT) |
| Vehicle entry fee | On request | Rate on request |
Park fees are included in SASU Tours packages. Current official rates are confirmed in your quotation.
Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.
Rubondo Island in pictures
Tours & safaris
Packages that visit Rubondo Island
Wildlife Safaris
Rubondo Island Escape
Serengeti / Mwanza · Rubondo Island
- Boat trips
- Forest walks
- Fishing
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