Rubondo Island might just be the most unique destination in Africa for those seeking exceptional adventure experiences in the wilderness.
This 25 000 hectare paradise in the south-western corner of the expansive Lake Victoria is the largest island national park on the continent and is all but untouched by man. Elephants roam wild, families of chimpanzees cascade through the boughs of pristine indigenous forest, and the waters teem with the iconic Nile Perch.
Lush indigenous forest shades the private cottages – each crafted by hand from local materials, to ensure they blend seamlessly into this unspoiled landscape – while through the trees Lake Victoria winks her welcome. A hammock sways in the gentle breezes coming in off the Lake, while the swimming pool vies for your attention. Lace up your boots for island adventure, wander down to the nearby beach, or simply settle into an armchair with binoculars and a bird guide and let the wildlife come to you. At Rubondo, the wilderness is never far off.
Rubondo Island Camp
If you’re a seasoned adventure traveler or safari goer who has seen it all, just wait until you lay eyes on Rubondo Island Camp with its unrivaled access to this one-of-a-kind destination. This small and exclusive camp offers forest walks, game-watching, birding excursions, canoe trips, trekking through wild chimpanzee territory, catch-and-release fishing and a host of other eco-sensitive activities.
Activities
Activities from camp are focused around discovering and enjoying the remarkable ecosystem of the island. An astonishing array of birds and wildlife waits to be discovered and highly trained guides lead game excursions deep into the forest. Activities aren’t restricted to dry land either: boat trips and fishing excursions making for a memorable way to experience the island.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
Home to a very special group of chimpanzees whose ancestors were brought here in the 1960s as part of an ambitious conservation project, today you can be part of the habituation process. Available for a limited time, this is a unique opportunity to join the habituation team as they accustom the chimps to the presence of humans and witness them up close in the wild.
Forest Drives
Daily forest drives by boat and in open vehicles are conducted by Asilia’s expert wilderness guides. These excursions take in the breathtaking scenery, diverse vegetation and prolific bird and micro life.
Forest walks
Guided walks through the pristine equatorial forest are tailored to each guest – walks can stretch from a one-hour stroll to full-day or multi-day hikes, incorporating a stay in the exclusive tree-house or a fly camp on the beach. With the wildlife at eye-level, there is no better way to experience the wonders of the island.
Boat trips
Discover the hidden corners of the island and soak up the tranquillity of your surroundings, or spot the varied aquatic life from the boat and try to catch a glimpse of the hippos, otters and monitor lizards in the water.
Fishing
Rubondo Island offers some of the best fishing in East Africa and is renowned worldwide among anglers for the standard of the fishing guides and the opportunity to catch one of Africa’s biggest and most sought-after freshwater species – the Nile perch. Catch-and-release fishing can be done from the camp, on the beach or rocks on the shore or from a boat.
Birding
With over 300 endemic and migratory bird species, Rubondo Island is an ornithologist’s dream. December to March is best for spotting migratory birds, but with the varied habitat of the island, there is something new to record all year round.
Camp Experience
Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, the largest island national park in Africa. Tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephant, giraffe, 200 species of birds and wild chimpanzees. The deep waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for record-breaking Nile perch.
This unique corner of Africa is a sanctuary, to be enjoyed by only a handful of fortunate – and intrepid – travellers
Meals are served alfresco at the main lodge area, with the lapping waves of Lake Victoria marking the passing hours of island life. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock with binoculars and a bird guide or cool off in the swimming pool. When the sun dips below the horizon, watch the hippo emerge from the water to graze on the fringes of camp.