Discover the untouched beauty of Rubondo Island National Park with Licaon Safaris, where every moment is a step into the extraordinary. Located on the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania, Rubondo Island is a hidden gem known for its pristine landscapes, diverse wildlife, and tranquil surroundings.
Rubondo Island National Park offers a truly unique safari experience, with its remote location and stunning scenery. This secluded island is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, as well as a diverse array of bird species. Choose Rubondo Island if you seek an authentic African safari adventure off the beaten path.
Your journey into Rubondo Island begins with a scenic boat ride across Lake Victoria, where you’ll be greeted by the sight of lush forests and sandy beaches. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including chimpanzees, which were introduced to the island in the 1960s. Other animals you may encounter include sitatungas, a unique antelope species adapted to the island’s wetlands, and the rare African grey parrot. As you explore further, you’ll come across the diverse habitats that make up the island, including dense forests, open savannahs, and wetlands. Boat safaris around the island offer a unique perspective of its wildlife, with the opportunity to see animals from a different vantage point.
Charter flights, often from the Serengeti or Mwanza, land on the island's airstrip.
From the mainland shore of Lake Victoria, a boat transfer of around an hour takes you to the island.
Explore popular animals that easy found on this world-class destinations
Pan troglodytes
Tragelaphus spekii
Hippopotamus amphibius
Crocodylus niloticus
Rubondo's chimpanzees descend from animals released on the island decades ago. Guided tracking walks offer the chance to see them in the island forest; sightings are not guaranteed.
Cruise around the island to see hippos, crocodiles, the elusive sitatunga antelope and fish eagles, with sunset over Lake Victoria.
Lake Victoria around Rubondo is known for Nile perch and tilapia, with catch-and-release fishing offered by the island camp.
Guided walks through the island's forest reveal butterflies, orchids, birds and animals such as bushbuck and vervet monkeys.
The island's forests and shores are rich in birdlife, including African fish eagles, kingfishers and many waterbirds.
The best times to visit, with pleasant weather for boat trips, forest walks and fishing.
Rain can make forest trails slippery and boat trips less comfortable, but the island is lush and green.
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Rubondo Island lies in the south-west of Lake Victoria, in north-western Tanzania. It is the largest island national park on the lake, covered in forest and fringed by sandy beaches and papyrus swamps. Its remoteness and lack of roads make it a peaceful, unspoilt destination.
Yes, chimpanzees live on the island. They descend from animals released on Rubondo decades ago, and guided tracking walks offer the chance to see them in the forest. They are not as habituated as the chimpanzees of Gombe or Mahale, so sightings are not guaranteed, but the walks through the island's forest are rewarding in themselves.
Most visitors arrive by charter flight, often from the Serengeti or Mwanza, landing on the island's own airstrip. Boat transfers from the mainland shore of Lake Victoria are also possible. Rubondo is an easy add-on to a safari in the western Serengeti.
Besides chimpanzee tracking, you can take boat safaris around the island to see hippos, crocodiles and the elusive sitatunga antelope, go catch-and-release fishing for Nile perch and tilapia, walk through the forest with a guide, and enjoy excellent birdwatching, with fish eagles, kingfishers and many waterbirds along the shore.
Yes. Rubondo is a relaxing add-on to a northern safari, especially from the western Serengeti, which is a short flight away. After days of game drives, a few nights on a quiet island in Lake Victoria make a perfect contrast.
