This tour takes you from Mwanza to spend 4 wonderful days in Rubondo Island on this 5 days trip. Enjoy the beauty of the island while a friendly local guide shares with you entertaining stories of Lake Victoria’s checkered history, its legendary characters as you explore the park on foot and by a fiber boat.
Over a four-year period (1966–1969) Professor Bernhard Grzimek of the Frankfurt Zoological Society released 17 chimpanzees in four cohorts onto Rubondo Island. The chimpanzees were all wild-born and purportedly of West African descent, although there are no records of specific country of origin for the majority of released individuals. The founder chimpanzees had spent varying periods, from 3.5 months to 9 years, in captivity in European zoos or circuses before their release.
The chimpanzees after one year were able to find and eat wild foods and construct nests for sleeping, and have now reverted to an unhabituated state characteristic of wild chimpanzees. From 16 founders the population has now grown to around 40 individuals that can be observed on walking safari.
The best time to visit is during the cooler, dry season from June to October. As a tropical island, it may rain on Rubondo on any given day. Note that Rubondo Island Camp is closed throughout the long rains in April and May.
Upon arrival at Mwanza Airport you will be met by our driver and transferred to your accommodation in Mwanza. You will meet your guide for a briefing to make sure that you are perfectly prepared for your safari. Please find a safari gear list here.
Upon arrival to the hotel you will check into your rooms to enjoy your evening at leisure.
Rubondo Island camp creates an atmosphere of serene tranquility. Set on an island in the middle of the world’s second largest freshwater lake, its manicured velvet lawns stretch to the water’s edge and its exotic trees are a haven for birds— 369 species of them including African Fish Eagle! With renowned hospitality, delightful hosts and indulgent accommo- dations, Rubondo is divine. Romance resides in breathtaking sunsets over the lake, moonlit dinners on the jetty and can- dlelit champagne along the shore of Lake Victoria. Get settled in your waterfront chalet, beds beautifully draped in sheer white netting, offer splendid views from verandas facing the sweep of the lawn to the lake beyond.
Overnight stay at Rubondo Island Camp
A boat trip to Bird Island reveals thousands of roosting water birds, giant monitor lizards, spotted-necked otters on the rocks, you can easily spot Rubondo’s giant crocodiles, monitor lizards, and hippos.. Take a guided walk to the lakeside village of Kasenda, and get to know the friendly people of Kasenda village and their way of life. Back at the camp, keep your eyes watching for sitatunga, otters, bushbuck, vervet monkeys. Rare sightings are black and white colobus monkey, genet, marsh mongoose, and elephants. Our friendly guide is always happy to share stories with you about the behind the scene perspectives of this beautiful island and much much more!
Today is your last day at Rubondo Island National Park. As a last highlight of your stay we will go on a boat safari to see the smaller surrounding islands and to observe the animals from another perspective. Along the shores of Lake Victoria you will see a colorful variety of birdlife but also bigger animals can be spotted.
This is a full day boat trip that will end around 4pm. You will be back at your accommodation around 5pm to relax and to enjoy the sunset.
The day is left free to wind down after your safari and before your flight back home. Depending on flight times you could explore Mwanza town, have a good cup of coffee or buy some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
Meals: Breakfast Included
Safari according to the itinerary
Transportation in a 4×4 safari vehicle
Professional, English-speaking guide
Professional, English-speaking safari cook
Overnight stays in safari tents
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, chairs, tables etc.)
Meals according to the itinerary
Mineral water
All mentioned activities
All national park fees
Sleeping bag
Flights
Optional activities
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Visa fees
Tips
Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
Travel insurance
| Group Size | Price per person per day |
| 1 person | USD 400/person |
| 2- 4 person | USD 300/person |
| 5- 9 people | USD 250/person |
| 10 people & ABOVE | USD 230/person |
Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.
Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.
Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.
*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:
