Rubondo Island national park is one of the biggest wildlife conservatory Islands in Africa. Also, it is within Lake Victoria and is located in Tanzania in the Geita region neighbouring Mwanza. Rubondo National Park has dramatic picturesque sceneries that are complemented by the beauty of the blue waters of Lake Victoria.

The Brief History of Rubondo Island National Park         

The Rubondo Island was turned into a wildlife conservatory center (reserve) in 1965. So, by 1977, Rubondo wildlife Conservatory Centre became a national park in Tanzania.  Originally, Rubondo National Park was inhabited by the indigenous people of the Zinza tribe whose main occupation is fishing.

Lake Victoria partly influences the climate of the Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania. Nevertheless, the dry season in Rubondo Island is between months June, July, August and September. Also, the two wet seasons are from April to May and also in the months of November and December.

The temperatures in Rubondo Island all around the year range from 25 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius during daytime. Also, in the nighttime the temperatures in Rubondo National Park range from 15 degrees Celsius to 21 degrees Celsius.

By air: For someone coming from another country to visit Rubondo Island, they could fly to Tanzania.  Upon reaching either Julius Nyerere or Kilimanjaro International Airport, our Tanzania National Parks guide will have booked a domestic flight to Rubondo Island.

On the other side, for one that is already in Tanzania, they can book a flight from the nearest airport that is in Mwanza. The flights from either of the airports will take at most 2 hours for one to reach Rubondo Island National Park.

Getting to Tanzania for a safari in Rubondo Island by water: One can get to Rubondo by using water transport by either boat or ferry from the neighboring regions of Mwanza, muganza and Nkome. If one is coming from Mwanza using a public ferry, it will take them at least 5 hours. Additionally, using a private boat/speed boat, it will take them at least 2 hours to get to Rubondo national park.

By road: You cannot directly access this Rubondo island because it is located within the Lake Victoria. So, drive to the nearest towns such as Muganza, Mwanza and Nkome and board a boat to easily access this Rubondo Island Park.

Rubondo Island National Park Map

Below are the best unique things to do in Rubondo Island in Tanzania. Note that these safari activities in Rubondo National Park come with extra costs in your safari.

1. Boat and canoe safaris on Lake Victoria.
2. Fishing and exploring the waters and the breath-taking natural surroundings of Lake Victoria.
3. Tanzania safari Game drives in Rubondo Island; Here you will get to see the different wild animals in Rubondo Island such as elephants and buffaloes roaming through the park.
4. Nature hiking through the riverine forests of Rubondo.
5. Chimpanzee trekking safaris in forests of Rubondo national park in Tanzania.
6. Tanzania birdwatching safaris in Rubondo national park and during this expedition you will get to see different bird species such as the pied crow, the purple-banded sunbird, yellow-breasted Apalis and the grey parrot.
7. Lakeshore dinners (enjoy romantic getaways meals with an exclusive experience of the sundowners at the Rubondo Island national park)
8. Tanzania Cultural tours immersion and exploration in either the local communities or the cultural sites in Rubondo Island Park.

Note, that Rubondo National Park is visited at all times throughout the year depending on what safari activities to do. So, get to know the worst and best time to visit Tanzania for a safari in Rubondo Island National Park.

Best time to visit Rubondo Island in Tanzania

Months from July to September is the best time to visit the Rubondo Island national park in Tanzania. So, this is because the weather is mostly dry during this period. So, Rubondo safari activities/experiences such as forest hiking can be easily carried out because of dry hiking trails. January and February is also an ideal period to explore this Rubondo island. So, its because the dry weather contributes to the proper visibility of the magnificent landscapes in Rubondo National Park

The worst time to visit Rubondo National Park

The two rainy seasons from March to May and from early November to December are risky for one to travel to Rubondo national park. So, the worst time to go for a safari in Rubondo National Park in Tanzania. Additionally, it’s because the wet season normally comes with heavy winds that are unsuitable for people traveling to Rubondo by water transport.

The riverine forests in Rubondo Tanzanoa get thicker and hence it becomes hard for one to easily spot wildlife. Most especially during safari activities such as chimpanzee trekking in Rubondo National Park, Tanzania.

Are you a luxury, midrange or budget traveller wanting to know the Rubondo island price for the accommodations? We got you covered. Below is the necessary information about Asilia Rubondo Island or Rubondo island lodge in Tanzania.

Rubondo Island Camp.

Rubondo Island Lodge and Camp is the major accommodation safari site in the park. Also, Rubondo Island Lodge has high end or luxury ensuite camps each with a private balcony. Hence, overseeing the greenery that is surrounded by the sparkling Victoria waters at the comfort of your stay in Rubondo National Pak.

Adult citizens from 16 years and above from East African pay 5000 Tanzanian shillings to enter Rubondo National Park. Adult People from other countries pay 30$ to accees Rubondo Island Tanzania.

However, Tanzania residents, pay 15 $ and children between (5-15) years from any of the East African countries, pay 2000 Tanzania shillings. So, non-East African citizens pay 10$ while the residents pay 5$. Children from 4 years and below enter Rubondo Island national park free of charge.