FACTS ABOUT RUBONDO ISLAND: Rubondo Island national park is the largest island national park on the African continent. It lies in the South West corner of Africa’s largest freshwater lake, Lake Victoria in North West Tanzania.
Facts about Rubondo Island national park
Rubondo Island was first gazetted as a game reserve in the year 1965. First a sanctuary for endangered animals. The following 4 years from 1966, endangered chimpanzees were transferred to the island from European zoos and circuses.
Other animal species that were brough to the island park include….. The elephants, giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys, suni antelopes, grey parrots, the black rhinos and roan antelopes. The latter 2 are now extinct from the park.
Native animals of Rubondo island include… Hippos, the sitatunga antelope, vervet monkeys, crocodiles, bushbucks, genet cats. Different bird species (over 300) including the African fish eagles.
The park covers an area of 456.8 square kilometers. Measuring 28km in length from North to South and 3 to 10km in width. Giving it the status of the largest island national park in Tanzania and in the whole of Africa.
The Zinza tribe originally inhabited the island.
The Island has one airstrip. Fly from Mwanza, Serengeti, Arusha, Dar es Salaam and neighboring major cities. Like Kigali, Rwanda using the services of Coastal Aviation and or Auric Air.
Rubondo Island camp is the only safari lodge on the islands established in 2013. Other accommodation options include the park bandas, campsite and student hostels.
Tourist activities on the island park include game drives, forest walks, fishing (catch and release), savannah nature walks, boating and canoeing, chimpanzee trekking / habituation, bird watching and community visits.
Tourist attraction in Rubondo include animals, birds, dense forests, butterflies, wildflowers and Lake Victoria.
Best time to visit Rubondo Island national park is during the dry months. July to September and January to March.
Visit Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania with these recommended Tanzania tour operators or inquire with us directly below.
