Rubondo Island Camp

Rubondo Island Camp

Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, Africa’s largest island national park. Tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephants, giraffes, 200 species of birds, and wild chimpanzees. The deep waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for record-breaking Nile perch. Meals are served outside 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.

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Rubondo Island Camp

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Services & Amenities of Rubondo Island Camp

Room types of Rubondo Island Camp

Family Chalet – 4 pax

The family cottage at Rubondo Island Camp features a king-sized bed, with doubles or singles available on request for the second room. The chalet has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and hot, running water and is within easy reach of the main camp area and pool. The verandah offers comfy seating and superb views of the surrounding forest and Lake Victoria.

Guest Chalet – 2 pax

Rubondo Island Camp features eight large waterfront chalets, surrounded by rolling green lawns that open onto the beachy shores of Lake Victoria. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the forest and the view of the world’s largest lake while relaxing on the verandah of their chalets. Each chalet has a king-sized bed, enclosed by mosquito nets, and an en-suite bathroom, including a flush toilet and running hot water. Shampoo, soap, conditioner, shower and body lotion and flip-flops for the sandy shores are provided for all guests.

Location of Rubondo Island Camp

In southwest Lake Victoria, Rubondo Island is 26 km long and 10 km at its widest point, primarily covered in pristine forest. Rubondo Island Camp is on the beach, overlooking the water. A stay on Rubondo is the experience of a lifetime. Besides a handful of park wardens, researchers, and our camp staff, the island is uninhabited by humans. It has been set aside as a refuge for endangered chimpanzees and other animals. Tilapia and Nile perch fill the lake, elusive sitatungas hide in the papyrus swamps and along the forest edge, and bushbucks roam the forest. Between November and March, wild orchids bloom, attracting a dazzling array of butterflies. Birders can spot more than 300 species of endemic and migratory birds. 

What to expect during the year

The weather in Rubondo is pretty consistent, with temperatures ranging from 25ËšC/77ËšF to 32ËšC/90ËšF and a low of 15ËšC/59ËšF to 20ËšC/68ËšF throughout the year. The best time to visit is from June to October, which is the cooler, dry season. As a tropical island, it may rain on Rubondo any day. Rubondo Island Camp is closed throughout the long rains in April and May.

JANUARY – MARCH

January and February may experience some afternoon showers, but generally, these months are less wet than the rainy seasons. This is an excellent time for birding and spotting butterflies and flowers, such as lilies and orchids.

APRIL – JUNE

Rubondo Island Camp is closed throughout April and May during the long rains. June is the start of the cooler dry season.

JULY – SEPTEMBER

RubRubondo’sy season is the best time to see wildlife and walk when there is less rain. Fewer mosquitoes are around, though you should still pack repellent and long pants and shirts.

OCTOBER – DECEMBER

From November, migratory birds arrive on Rubondo. Many flowers bloom in the rain, such as lilies and wild orchids.

Official Website: Rubondo Island Camp.

Rubondo Island Camp

QUICK FACTS ON Rubondo Island Camp

Chimpanzee trekking and habituation

Fishing

Birding

LAUNDRY SERVICE

FREE WIFI IN THE CAMP

ROOM SERVICES

Swimming Pool

Cold/Hot Towel

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