Lake Victoria Circuit · Island Rainforest
Chimpanzees on an Uninhabited Island
Covered in pristine rainforest, Rubondo Island National Park is a unique eco-destination. The uninhabited island on Lake Victoria is a haven for chimpanzees. The founder chimps were confiscated from zoos and circuses, but once introduced to Rubondo, they reverted to being totally wild.
Whether you want to track chimps or just relax on a jungle-fringed beach, Rubondo is a great addition to any Tanzanian safari. It is also easier to reach than Tanzania’s more established chimpanzee destinations in the far west.
- Off-the-beaten-track chimpanzee trekking
- Pristine rainforest with great birding
- Forest drives, boat trips and fishing available
- Easier to reach than Gombe or Mahale
Good to Know
Rubondo Island at a Glance
Wildlife You May Spot
Location
An island in Lake Victoria, reached by boat or light aircraft from Mwanza.
Best Time
June to September, when it is mostly sunny and dry and the forest paths are firm.
Chimpanzees
Introduced in the 1960s; their wild offspring now form two separate communities.
Good to Know
Chimps are only semi-habituated and trekking can be challenging; the private lodge closes April to May.
- Chimpanzee
- Sitatunga
- Bushbuck
- Elephant
- Giraffe
- Hippo
- Crocodile
- Otter
- Vervet Monkey
- African Fish Eagle
Things to Do
Track Chimps, Then Take to the Water
The main attraction is the island’s population of semi-habituated chimpanzees, reached on foot with a guide. Rubondo also supports breeding populations of introduced giraffes and elephants, which your guide will look for by car or by boat.
You won’t need a special excursion to see bushbuck, abundant all over the island, or the marsh-loving sitatunga — Rubondo is one of the best places in Africa to see this shy antelope.
- Chimpanzee trekking and the habituation experience
- Boat safaris and sport fishing on Lake Victoria
- Forest drives for elephant, giraffe and sitatunga
- Birding for over 400 recorded species
An Island All to Yourself
Rubondo pairs easily with Saanane Island or a northern circuit safari. Tell us how long you have.