Western Circuit · National Park · Lake Victoria

Rubondo Island National Park

A forested island sanctuary on Lake Victoria.

June–August and December–February
approx. 460 km²

Rubondo Island National Park

Type: National Park · Lake Victoria
Region: Western Circuit
Area: approx. 460 km²
Established: 1977
Best time: June–August and December–February
Access: Light-aircraft flight, or road and boat from Mwanza

Overview

An island of forest, papyrus and quiet beaches in Lake Victoria — sitatunga, chimpanzees and superb birdlife, far from the crowds.

Rubondo Island lies in the south-west of Lake Victoria and is protected, with smaller surrounding islets, as a national park. Its untouched forest and papyrus swamps are home to the shy sitatunga antelope, hippos, crocodiles, a population of chimpanzees and an outstanding variety of water birds.

Visitors explore on foot, by boat and through sport fishing, making Rubondo a peaceful extension to a Serengeti safari.