About
Nestled on the shores of Lake Victoria lies the boutique Rubondo Island Camp, which provides a rare opportunity to explore Africa’s most noteworthy island national park.
Unique adventures and exclusive experiences in a pristine environment await on the magnificently forested Rubondo Island. Enjoy walks through this sub-tropical ecosystem where dappled light dances through the canopy, highlighting every shade of green imaginable, accompanied by the never-ending chorus of insects and birds.
The lush tropical forest is teeming with life, including chimpanzee, Colobus monkey, elephant, and over 300 bird species including fish eagle and African grey parrot. In the afternoons, unwind in a hammock and dip in the swimming pool, or head out onto the water to enjoy bird watching safari along the shoreline or catch-and-release fishing safari in the deeper waters. In the evenings, savour drinks on the tranquil beach before hippo emerge from the water after sunset to munch on the grass surrounding the camp. Immerse yourself in genuine experiential travel. Various exciting activities such as walking, boating, fishing, game drives, birding and chimpanzee trekking cater to a myriad interests. Rubondo Island is a profound and soulful encounter, not a destination, but rather something that must be experienced to be understood.
CLOSED: APRIL TO MAY 
CLOSEST AIRSTRIP: RUBONDO AIRSTRIP, A 20-MIN DRIVE FROM CAMP 
FAMILIES: CHILDREN AGED 5 AND OLDER
OPEN: JUNE TO MARCH 
MINIMUM 2 NIGHT STAY FOR CHIMP TREKKING 
ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES
Our camp offers eight tranquil cottages on the edge of the forest, overlooking the beach and the lake beyond, constructed using traditional methods and local materials. One of these cottages is a spacious family unit. Every cottage has an en suite bathroom with hot running water. You can unwind on your private veranda, sipping coffee in the mornings or reading a book in the afternoons while taking in the stunning views of the lake.
8 ROOMS (INCLUDING 1 FOUR-SLEEPER FAMILY ROOM)
COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY SERVICE
EN SUITE BATHROOMS
HOT WATER SHOWERS
PRIVATE VERANDA
SWIMMING POOL
WI-FI IN MAIN AREAS
IN-ROOM SPA TREATMENTS Rubondo Island is located in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Most of the island is covered in pristine sub-tropical rainforest, and our camp is situated on a beautiful beach with unique and romantic water views.
The island is home to only a few park wardens, researchers, and camp staff, as it has been designated as a protected haven for endangered chimpanzees and other animals. Sitatunga hide in the papyrus swamps, bushbuck roam the forest edges, and forest elephant can be seen pushing through the dense undergrowth. The lake is brimming with tilapia and Nile perch, hippo can often be spotted yawning in the shallows, while crocodile bask in the warm sunshine.
Best time to visit Rubondo Island Camp
Visit Rubondo Island Camp June to March
June - September
June is a good month on Rubondo since the rains have mostly stopped, humidity is low, and our high season rates have yet to take effect. Now marks the beginning of the dry season, lasting through October. July and August are the best months for chimpanzee trekking as wild fruits are at their ripest, meaning chimpanzee will tend to stay in one place longer to feed. The dry weather creates excellent walking conditions with firm terrain underfoot, and the warm afternoons offer perfect boating opportunities on the lake.
October - January
The short rains typically commence in late October and last through December; a shower or two on most days can be expected. Chimpanzee movements become more unpredictable as they search for food. While the rain may make walking trails a bit more challenging, the forest is an exhilarating experience. Wildflowers, lilies, and orchids flourish and bloom during the rains, and migratory birds start to arrive. If you don't mind some occasional afternoon showers, January is also excellent for birdwatching and spotting beautifully coloured butterflies.
February - May
Periodic afternoon rainfall may occur during January and February. The long rains typically start in March and increase humidity, particularly within the forest. February is an excellent month for boating, birdwatching, seeing beautifully coloured butterflies, and finding wild lilies and orchids. The camp closes in April and May for the long rainy season.
Rates & Seasonality*
* Special offers may apply
* Contact us for the best available rates
* Rates are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change
Currency
Includes: Full board accommodation, all house drinks (except champagne), game drives, boating safaris, swamp excursions, chimpanzee habituation trek (depending on weather, permit is excluded and must be added, min. age 12 yrs), fishing & fishing permits, transfers to/from Rubondo airstrip and limited laundry service, Tourism Development Levy.
Excludes: Park fees, concession fees, Asilia conservation charge and other fees specified in the park fees tab, TANAPA chimp permit, exclusive fishing boat hire, spa treatments, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) US$25pp.
Please note that for chimp trekking a minimum stay of 2 nights is required.
Book any combination of Asilia properties for 7+ consecutive nights and all in country transfers are on us!
All Asilia
Discover the finest safari destinations with All Asilia. An incredible offer to suit endless possibilities.
Minimum 2 adults | Minimum 2 nights per camp | 7+ nights must be consecutive.
Your Questions Answered
The airstrip on Rubondo Island is only a 20-minute drive from the camp.
Absolutely. Families with children over five years are welcome to stay at Rubondo Island Camp. We offer a specially designed family cottage for additional comfort and enjoyment. Please note that chimpanzee trekking requires a minimum age of 12 years.
The temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year. However, the ideal season to visit is the cooler and drier period from June to October. July and August are recommended months for spotting chimpanzee, while the best time for bird watching is from December to March when migratory birds reach Rubondo.
Rubondo is home to diverse wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, crocodile, African Grey parrot, hippo, spotted-necked otter, Colobus monkey, sitatunga and, of course, chimpanzee.
Join an expert Asilia guide on a thrilling adventure through the forest, to viewpoints on hilltops, and to the grassy southern plains of Rubondo Island in an open safari vehicle.
We offer homemade food options, including delicious bread, cakes, biscuits, and sorbets. Enjoy breakfasts on the deck with picturesque lake views, light buffet lunches, and communal dinners under the stars.
Before your arrival, kindly inform us of any special dietary needs. We will be more than happy to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate them.
We suggest wearing neutral-coloured clothing suitable for your season of travel. Light synthetic hiking shoes are also recommended, as they can serve as multipurpose safari footwear. Additionally, it is essential to know that small planes have a baggage weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs).
Yes. Rubondo Island Camp operates on generator power. Our cottages have power outlets and en suite bathrooms with showers, hot running water, and flushing toilets.
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
My husband and I honeymooned in Tanzania and are so glad that Rubondo Island was a part of our itinerary. Can’t recommend this place enough and thanks to all of the staff for caring so well for your guests and the island!
Aubrey F
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who’s looking for the unusual / spectacular African experience. Oh and on top of this the fishing each day was the ‘cream’ of the trip.
Roger S
DON'T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT
Chimp trekking was pure joy, walking through the forest, guided by experienced rangers, listening to Trumpeter hornbills, we immersed ourselves in their world for a few hours.
Vicky H
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