ASILIA RUBONDO ISLAND CAMP – ROBUNDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK – LAKE VICTORIA

Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island – the largest island national park in Africa. Tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephant, giraffe, 200 species of birds, and wild chimpanzees. The deep waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for record-breaking Nile perch.

LOCATION

Rubondo Island Camp is set on Rubondo Island within the Rubondo National Park in Lake Victoria, Tanzania.  The nearest airstrip is Rubondo which is around 20 minutes from camp.

CAMP

Rubondo Island Camp features eight large waterfront chalets surrounded by rolling green lawns that open onto the beachy shores of Lake Victoria. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the forest and the view of the world’s second largest lake while relaxing on the veranda of their chalets. Each chalet has a king-sized bed, enclosed by mosquito nets, and an ensuite bathroom including a flush toilet and running hot water. Shampoo, soap, conditioner, shower and body lotion and flip-flops for the sandy shores are provided for you.

The family cottage at Rubondo Island Camp features a king-sized bed, with doubles or singles available on request for the 2nd room. The chalet has an ensuite bathroom including a flush toilet and hot running water and is within easy reach of the main camp area, and the pool. The veranda offers comfy seating and superb views of the surrounding forest and Lake Victoria.

Rubondo is a great choice for families with children over the age of 5 and the camp has special activities for kids including identifying animal tracks, learning about local cultures, taking guided nature or butterfly walks and learning bush skills.

All the camp’s food is homemade including breads, cakes, biscuits and sorbets. Breakfast is served on the deck overlooking the lake and lunch is a light buffet. Sip sundowners around the campfire on the beach after which you will be served a communal dinner under the stars.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

Located in the southwest of the massive Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island is 26 km long and 10 km at its widest point, mostly covered in pristine forest. Rubondo Island Camp is on the beach overlooking the water.

A stay on Rubondo is the experience of a lifetime. Besides a handful of park wardens, researchers and our camp staff, the island is uninhabited by humans and has been set aside as a refuge for endangered chimpanzees and other animals.

Tilapia and Nile perch fill the lake, elusive sitatungas hide in the papyrus swamps and along the forest edge, and bushbucks roam the forest. Between November and March, wild orchids bloom, attracting a dazzling array of butterflies. Birders can spot more than 300 species of endemic and migratory birds.

Chimpanzee habituation experience – a once in a lifetime experience helping habituate the island’s chimpanzee population.

Forest drives – head out on in an open vehicle to explore the forests of Rubondo and learn about the flowers, shrubs and trees, and spot birds and animals that dwell in these forests.

Forest walks – there is much to see in this unspoilt forest and guided nature walks can last anywhere from one hour to a full day. You can opt to spend several days amid nature with an overnight stop at the treehouse or fly camp.

Boat trips – explore Lake Victoria and the shores of Rubondo on a boat trip and look for hippos, elephants, crocodiles, otters and monitor lizards.

Fishing – the waters around Rubondo are full of tilapia and huge Nile perch – one of the most sought after freshwater fish. Take a boat excursion or cast a line from shore to catch and release them.

Birding – December to March is the best time for birding when the migrants stop on Rubondo on their way from Europe. At the peak of the season, there are more than 300 bird species.

RUBONDO ISLAND CAMP IS CLOSED APRIL TO MAY EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN OVER THE AGE OF 5 AND IS FAMILY FRIENDLY