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.
An island in Lake Victoria, reached by boat or light aircraft from Mwanza.
June to September, when it is mostly sunny and dry and the forest paths are firm.
Introduced in the 1960s; their wild offspring now form two separate communities.
Chimps are only semi-habituated and trekking can be challenging; the private lodge closes April to May.
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.
Rubondo pairs easily with Saanane Island or a northern circuit safari. Tell us how long you have.
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