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Rubondo Island Camp
Trek for Chimpanzees at Rubondo Island Camp, a unique experience set on the shoes of Lake Victoria in Tanzania
Robondo Island Camp is set on the unspoiled shores of Lake Victoria, and offers a rare and soulful safari experience in Africa’s only island national park. Remote, wild, and deeply immersive, this boutique camp invites guests to disconnect from the ordinary and reconnect with nature in one of Tanzania’s most unique and untouched destinations.
The sub-tropical rainforest that blankets Rubondo Island teems with life - chimpanzees, Colobus monkeys, forest elephant, and over 300 bird species, including African grey parrots and fish eagles. Guests can explore this biodiverse paradise on walking safaris, chimpanzee treks, birdwatching excursions, or catch-and-release fishing for Nile perch in the deep lake waters. Boating safaris along the shoreline and tranquil beach sundowners round out each day, often in the company of hippo emerging from the shallows at dusk.
Rubondo Island Camp features eight secluded cottages, including a family unit, all crafted from local materials to blend into the forest edge. Each cottage offers serene lake views, en suite bathrooms with hot running water, and private verandas perfect for early morning coffee or afternoon relaxation with a book.
The camp’s setting - on a quiet, palm-fringed beach with no nearby settlements - enhances the feeling of total exclusivity. Aside from a handful of park rangers and researchers, guests share the island only with the wildlife. Forest elephant roam freely, sitatunga hide in the papyrus swamps, and hippo and crocodile dot the lake’s edge.
More than a destination, Rubondo Island is an experience: off the beaten path, rich in biodiversity, and filled with unforgettable moments. It’s the perfect retreat for adventurous travellers, nature lovers, and those seeking something truly different from a traditional safari.
Rubondo Island Camp
about:
8 Rooms including 1 Family Room
Communal mess & dining
2 night minimum stay
Children aged 8+ welcome
WiFi in main area
In-Room Massage option (payable)
Chimp-trekking on foot (one of the best things you'll ever do!)
Boat trips on Lake Victoria
Game Drives
Fishing (catch & release)
Conservation
Cultural Visits
Birdwatching
Full board with local soft and alcoholic drinks (communal dining)
Return local airstrip transfers
Low Season: Nov-Dec, Jan-Mar & June
High Season: Jul-Oct & Christmas/NY
Closed: April & May
Rubondo Island Camp
full gallery
Rubondo Island Camp
rates | inclusions & exclusions:
Rubondo Island Camp
Accommodation with all meals & local beverages (alcoholic & non-alcoholic, complimentary laundry, game viewing activities, emergency evacuation cover, meet & greet from local airstrip.
Why this Camp..?
(According to Google Reviews)
Rubondo Island Camp is highly praised in reviews for its magical, immersive, and luxurious experience within a pristine, remote location on Lake Victoria, Tanzania. Guests highlight the exceptional wildlife viewing, including chimpanzees, hippos, and numerous bird species, and the attentive, warm hospitality of the staff. While some find the modern, minimalist rooms slightly lacking in character and the lack of privacy between rooms a minor drawback, others appreciate the stunning natural setting, including sleeping to the sound of waves and hippos.
What Guests Love
Exceptional Wildlife:Positive reviews frequently mention the opportunity to track chimpanzees and see a variety of wildlife, such as hippos, sitatunga, otters, and various birds, right from the camp.
Remote & Pristine Location:The camp's remote setting on a forested island in Lake Victoria is considered a breathtaking and magical aspect of the stay, offering a peaceful and wild escape.
Luxurious & Comfortable Accommodation:The accommodations are described as luxurious, with some noting the beautiful designs that blend with nature. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the waves and wildlife from their rooms.
Warm & Attentive Staff:The camp's staff receives rave reviews for their welcoming attitude, attentiveness, and passion for the island's ecosystem, making guests feel like family.
Immersive Experience:Many guests emphasize feeling deeply immersed in the natural ecology, a sentiment enhanced by the camp's design and activities like boat safaris, kayaking, and forest walks.
Areas for Potential Improvement
Room Privacy:Some guests noted that the arrangement of rooms, with walkways along the beach, can affect the sense of privacy between units.
Room Character:While described as natural and stylish, some found the rooms to be a bit simple or formulaic, though this is a subjective observation.
In Summary
Rubondo Island Camp is a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious, immersive wildlife experience in a stunning, remote natural setting. While the accommodation design is a point of discussion for some, the overwhelmingly positive feedback focuses on the magical atmosphere, exceptional wildlife encounters, and outstanding service that make it a memorable destination.
