Rubondo Island National Park Map
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Rubondo Island National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Rubondo Island National Park lies in the southwest of Lake Victoria, off the mainland in northwest Tanzania. The island is mostly covered in forest, with papyrus swamps and sandy beaches along the shore. Visitors usually arrive at the island airstrip or by boat, and most activities start from the lodge and park headquarters area on the eastern shore.
Rubondo Island Areas at a Glance
The main areas visitors explore. Numbers on the map match the list.
Access Points
How travellers usually arrive and enter.
| Access point | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rubondo airstrip | Airstrip | Light-aircraft charters, often from the Serengeti or Mwanza |
| Boat from the mainland | Boat | Transfers from the nearest mainland landing point |
| Mwanza | Nearest city | Regional hub on Lake Victoria |
| Western Serengeti | Air link | Commonly combined on the same itinerary |
Rubondo Safari Tours
Every traveler experiences Rubondo differently. Choose the safari style that suits you, and Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris will tailor a private itinerary around your dates, budget and interests.
Family Safari
Families with children, grandparents and multi-generational groups
Private vehicle, family rooms and a flexible, unhurried pace
Rubondo works well for families who plan ahead: our guides turn every sighting of introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles into a learning adventure, and we tailor activities to the ages and energy of your group.
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Honeymoon Safari
Honeymooners, anniversaries and couples celebrating something special
Sundowners, private dinners and secluded, romantic stays
Pair introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles with private sundowners, candle-lit dinners and a secluded room with a view. Many couples finish with the Serengeti or a Zanzibar beach stay for the perfect escape.
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Photography Safari
Wildlife photographers and keen amateurs who want the best light
Flexible timings, patient guiding and golden-hour outings
Flexible timings and patient guiding put you in the right place at dawn and dusk. In Rubondo, expect introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles, plus chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and boat trips on Lake Victoria for varied angles and stories.
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Seniors Safari
Mature travelers who value comfort, safety and a gentle pace
Short transfers, comfortable stays and an attentive private guide
A direct charter flight to the island airstrip keeps travel short, while boat trips and gentle walks suit most mobility levels. We plan a gently paced itinerary with rest time each day and an experienced guide who handles every detail.
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Flying Safari
Travelers short on time who prefer flights to long road transfers
Scenic flights and more time for wildlife
Charter flights land on the island's airstrip from the Serengeti, Arusha or Mwanza, or travelers drive via Mwanza and Geita and cross by boat. Flying in maximises your time with introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles and links neatly with the Serengeti or a Zanzibar beach stay.
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Luxury Safari
Travelers seeking the finest stays, service and exclusivity
Private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences
Stay at the finest available camps and lodges with private guiding, fine dining and exclusive experiences such as chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and boat trips on Lake Victoria, all while enjoying introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles in comfort.
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Mid-Range Safari
Travelers who want comfort and quality without luxury prices
Comfortable en-suite rooms, full-board meals and private guiding
Comfortable, well-located accommodation with en-suite bathrooms, full-board meals and private guiding: the best-value way to experience introduced chimpanzees, shy sitatunga and lakeshore hippos and crocodiles.
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Solo Safari
Solo travelers who want safety, privacy and flexibility
Private vehicle, dedicated guide and sociable camp evenings
Travel on an individual private, tailor-made safari with your own vehicle and dedicated guide. Rubondo is welcoming for solo guests, with chimpanzee tracking, forest walks and boat trips on Lake Victoria and sociable evenings at camp.
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Rubondo Island National Park Map: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rubondo Island National Park?
Rubondo Island is in the southwest of Lake Victoria in northwest Tanzania, west of Mwanza. It is one of the few island national parks in Africa and is usually reached by light aircraft or boat.
How big is Rubondo Island?
Rubondo is a sizeable forested island with smaller islets nearby, all protected within the national park. Most visits focus on the forest, shoreline and swamps around the lodge and park headquarters area.
How do I get to Rubondo from the Serengeti?
The easiest way is a light-aircraft charter from a Serengeti airstrip to Rubondo’s airstrip. We arrange the flight and connections as part of a private itinerary that combines Rubondo with the Serengeti.
What is there to do on Rubondo?
Visitors enjoy guided forest walks, boat trips to look for sitatunga, hippos and birds, sport fishing on Lake Victoria and simply relaxing in a peaceful island setting with very few other visitors.
Plan Further: Rubondo Island National Park Guides & Resources
Explore Rubondo Island National Park
Plan Your Rubondo Safari
Tell us your dates, style, and preferred parks, and we will build the perfect itinerary around you.
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Real 5-star reviews from guests who traveled with us