Rubondo Island

Rubondo Island National Park was found in 1977. It is an important breeding ground for both migratory birds and fish species (especially Tilapia and Nile perch) as for a long time it stood to be the only area in the waters of Lake Victoria which was well protected and preserved.

Wildlife

About 80% of the park is covered by a dense forest thus providing a variety of habitats to wildlife ranging from savannah, open woodland, papyrus swamps to dense forest. These habitats form a home for various wild creatures such as sitatunga, bushbucks, velvet monkeys, genet cats, spotted necked otters, hippopotamus and crocodiles which share the ecological niches with introduced species such as chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, black and white Colobus monkeys, suni and African grey parrots. The park is famous by holding a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world.

Attractions

  • A variety of water birds , Eurasian migrants and introduced African grey parrots
  • Chimpanzee Habituation
  • High density of African fish eagles distinctly seen
  • Animal species including Sitatunga, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Bushbucks Pythons, Crocodiles, Chimpanzees (not fully habituated), Bush pigs and Suni
  • The Lake Victoria forming a spectacular sight for visitors with the deepest point in the lake (Irumo) forming part  of the park
  • Magnificent view of one of the last remaining representatives of evergreen dense primary lowland Congolese forest with a unique habitat mosaic in the midst of high biodiversity value
  • Beautiful and attracting beaches such as Fly catcher, Mchangani and Michicoco
  • Important gulfs of Irumo and Kamea
  • Clear sighting of both sun rise and sun set

location

The park is located on the south-western corner of Lake Victoria in Geita region about 150 km (95 miles) west of Mwanza city. The Lake (Victoria) is the second largest lake in the world. The Lake is also the source of the longest river in the world, River Nile.