Located on the south-west shores of Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island National Park is one of two Tanzania parks located on island. The park attracts a small number of visitors each year, mainly game fishermen and bird enthusiasts. Rubondo is known for diverse variety of butterflies and bird life, easily observed from the lake shore. The rare amphibious antelope Sitatunga, species that is extremely endangered, can be viewed sometimes hiding from predators by hiding and camouflaging in the lake shore marshes.
A visit to Rubondo Island provides to the visitors totally different experience from classic game viewing in the most of other national parks in the country. Discovering the islands is a perfect activity for full day excursion, while fishing expeditions into Lake Victoria can be easily arranged through the major local lodges. Rubondo Island National Park offers relaxation from the often very busy and crowded safari tours, filling your soul with tranquility as you immerse yourself in Lake Victoria activities.
Rubondo can be accessed by plane from mainland Tanzania, providing spectacular views over Lake Victoria. Scheduled flights operate from many locations in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha, but also smaller stripslike Serengeti. It is also possible to fly here directly from Kigali in Rwanda, if you plan to combine Rubondo Island with a the gorilla trekking.
The best time to visit Rubondo is during the dry season, between June and October. From December to February you can see a large number of migrant bird species visiting the island, which makes it perfect season for bird lovers.
