Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo is a tropical island near the western
shores of Lake Victoria and is about as
pristine a place as it is possible to find.
There has been no human habitation on the
island for decades, and it is covered by primary
tropical forest, interspersed with small patches of
savannah and swamp.
The main island and 9 other smaller ones were grouped
into Rubondo National Park in 1977.
Boating along the rocky shore line is one of the key
activities to enjoy. Clean sandy beaches overhung
with huge forest trees fringe the bays, and there is a
large piece of papyrus swamp on one side which is a
magnificent water bird habitat.
Wildlife
Wildlife is everywhere. A rare swamp loving antelope,
the sitatunga is found amongst the papyrus stands, and
elephant are often seen on the shores along with masses
of hippo, crocs, an occasional leopard, vervet monkeys,
etc. In the forests themselves there is of course a variety
of smaller wildlife, including genets, civets, bush pig etc. and unhurried forest hikes are one of the activities
to enjoy.
Chimpanzees were introduced at the end of the 1960’s
and following a recent intensive habituation program
they are now approachable by visitors.
So, this beautiful
island paradise is now a place where one can enjoy
watching man’s closest living relative, and without the
arduous mountain trekking of other chimp habitats.
Rubondo is also a place rich with birds. Nearly 400
species have been recorded including the African grey
parrot. The diversity of habitats from open woodland
to papyrus swamps and evergreen forest attracts
numerous resident and migrant species.
The Island has
an abundance of storks, hornbills, herons, and birds
of prey, including the highest density of fish eagles
anywhere in the world, with their haunting cry a constant
background sound. For bird enthusiasts an afternoon and evening boating
in the papyrus swamps is a must.
Rubondo is a great place to go fishing for Nile Perch
(catch and release), and some fish can regularly exceed
10 – 15 kgs., and occasionally top 50 kgs. and more.
This fishing is done from a small sport-fishing boat in the
deeper waters around the island.
