"Lapped by the cool waters of Lake Victoria - Africa’s largest freshwater body - this remote national park protects a little-visited island whose forested interior and swampy shores protect a host of rare wildlife, including semi-habituated chimpanzees.”
- Philip Briggs
Rubondo Island National Park
Originally set aside in 1966 as a ‘floating zoo’ to breed introduced populations of vulnerable Congolese rainforest species, the lushly vegetated Rubondo Island is now home to a variety of introduced and naturally-occurring free-ranging wildlife. Prominent among the former are a few elephants and troops of black-and-white colobus, as well as a community of introduced chimpanzees.
Peaceful Rubondo is perhaps the best place in Africa to see the sitatunga, a handsome spiral-horned antelope whose uniquely splayed hooves are adapted to the swamps wherein it dwells.
A conspicuous birdlife includes Lake Victoria’s densest fish eagle population, and localised Guinea-Congo biome species such as blue-breasted kingfisher and black-and-white casqued hornbill.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
Often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain, this period is the wettest time of the year. Please note that Rubondo Island Camp is closed over these months.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
Often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain, this period is the wettest time of the year. Please note that Rubondo Island Camp is closed over these months.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions become more predictable during this time, and travellers can expect clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions become more predictable during this time, and travellers can expect clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions become more predictable during this time, and travellers can expect clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions become more predictable during this time, and travellers can expect clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions become more predictable during this time, and travellers can expect clear skies.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Weather in this season can be rather unpredictable, with sunshine interspersed with occasional heavy showers and thunderstorms. Though still considered the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains.
Its proximity to the equator means that Rubondo Island National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. The high altitude (1400m/4,594ft) moderates these to a comfortable average daytime temperature of 29°C/84°F.
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’ takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Rubondo Island is most famous for its chimpanzees. It is possible to track chimpanzees throughout the year, and on this basis we regard the park as being suitable for visiting during the vast majority of the year. It is worth bearing in mind that during the wetter months of the year, the park trails can be muddy and slippery, and thus more difficult to negotiate.
Explore Rubondo Island National Park Properties
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp is part of the Asilia property collection, which holds some outstanding Tanzanian properties. With its quaint cottages secluded in unspoilt landscape, Rubondo is no exception. Although rather expensive and ..
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