Closest Airstrip Rubondo: 20 minutes

Rooms

From 5 years

Canoe

Cards accepted

Pool

Internet

Rubondo Island National Park is the largest Island National Park in the world and is an untouched sub tropical forest, protected by the lake that surrounds it. Surrounded by beaches and rocky coves this primarily forest covered island offers some of the most untouched wilderness in Africa. The pristine forest is the habitat of wild chimpanzee, introduced here in the 60′s to benefit from it’s remote, protected habitat. The island also features elephant and giraffe, dwarfed by ancient trees in the shadow of which lurk bushbuck and genet. Vervet monkey cavort amid the leaves and toward the lakeshore, the elusive sitatunga antelope hides in papyrus swamp; crocodile lie in wait along the shore and hippo crash through the shallows. The birdlife alone, comprising over 200 species, is enough to get the most discerning birder twitching. The waters around the island are rich with fish including Tilapia and the sizeable Nile Perch. This is virgin paradise; uninhabited for decades.

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 exclusive lake front property is ensconced under a shady forest canopy with superb views across Lake Victoria. The former camp has been completely renovated and refurbished with more comfortable and upmarket facilities. An elevated outcrop of rocks amidst scattered trees provides the perfect setting for the new dining and lounge area, offering a splendid view of the lake and bay. A swimming pool surrounded by decks is located close to the beach and common area. The 8 luxury chalets are nestled under the huge trees just 60meters for the sandy lake shore. Room 8 is a honeymoon chalet, situated slightly apart from the other chalets and features a double outdoor shower. Room 3 is a Family Room which is larger and features an additional sleeping area with 2 single beds, perfect for a couple with younger children who want to share a room. An inter- leading door allows for privacy, whilst still sharing the same roof."

Rubondo Island offers superb reward for the adventurous and active where days can be spent exploring the pristine forest and water around the island. On land we offer a unique chimpanzee habituation experience, an opportunity to be part of the habituation and conservation of the island’s very special group of chimpanzees. There is the option to include a night fly camping in the forest as part of the habituation experience for a real adventure in the wild. We also offer guided forest walks, excellent bird viewing and forest drives to see the island’s elephant and giraffe. Out on the water there are world class fishing opportunities and superb boat based game viewing and birding possibilities. There are two fishing boats available for half day hire - "Sato", a 6 person Tom Cat for $250, and "Sangara", a smaller 4 person boat for $200. - Chimpanzee Habituation Experience - Game drives - Nature walks - Educational walks through chimpanzee habitat - Birding - Boating safaris - Forest walks plus one-day & multiday hikes - Catch-and-release fishing - Cultural visits

Rubondo is an excellent choice for families with children aged five and older. Personal attention, guiding, accommodation and service are all focused on creating a superb safari experience for both children and adults. Families of six or more are guaranteed private safari vehicles, and special activities and programmes for children include (but are not limited to): ✓ the identification of animal tracks; ✓ learning about local cultures; ✓ guided nature walks; and ✓ learning bush skills.

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.

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.

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.

he very best time for rewarding game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are at their most active. Depending on the season, your day may start slightly earlier or later, but the general pace of life on Rubondo is focused on giving you the very best possible experience. We usually delay the start of our day until the sun penetrates the tall trees of the rainforest that surrounds us. If you have booked a private game-viewing vehicle do discuss personal schedule preferences with your guide. 06:00–06.30 Wake-up call with hot tea & coffee 06:30–07:30 Following breakfast, depart for a morning forest walk or a canoe safari, or leave slightly earlier, taking a picnic breakfast with you 09:30–1130 Arrive back in camp after game viewing, take some time to relax and freshen up before sitting down to enjoy lunch. 12:30 Lunch 13:30–16:00 A spot of fishing or siesta time: read a book or just relax in camp while the hippo grunt in the lake in front of you 16:00 Afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes 16:30 Depart for a guided forest walk 18:30 Arrive back at the lodge 19:30 Drinks on the beach followed by dinner under the stars

Delicious home-style cooking is our speciality, and breads, cakes, biscuits, fresh fruit salads and homemade sorbet are made daily. Eat your breakfast in the dining area or outside on the breakfast deck with a fabulous view of the lake. Buffet-style lunches on Rubondo are often served outdoors to make the most of our spectacular location. If a tropical rainstorm curbs outdoor activities, you can join our head chef for a lesson in local cuisine – and savour the fruits of your labours afterwards for lunch. Evening drinks around the campfire on the beach are followed by relaxed family-style dinners under the stars next to Lake Victoria.

Full board accommodation, all house drinks (except champagne), game drives, boating safaris, swamp excursions, nature walks, chimpanzee experience (permit must be added), fishing & fishing permits, transfers to/from Rubondo airstrip and limited laundry service

Park fees, concession fees and other fees specified in the above table, TANAPA Chimp Permit ($90pp per 24 hours), exclusive fishing boat hire (details under Activities), flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) $25pp

This small and exclusive camp consists of just eight waterfront cottages – all built by hand using traditional skills and local materials – that blend seamlessly into the verdant landscape. The cottages are shaded by lush indigenous forest and all have en-suite bathrooms with hot running water and flushing toilets. Room 8 is a honeymoon chalet, situated slightly apart from the other chalets and features a double outdoor shower. Room 3 is a Family Room which is larger and features an additional sleeping area with 2 single beds, perfect for a couple with younger children who want to share a room. An inter- leading door allows for privacy, whilst still sharing the same roof