
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 offers quiet, rewarding photography: misty forest, shy sitatunga in the papyrus, fish eagles over the water and golden sunsets across Lake Victoria. Few visitors means you can take your time, and boat trips give excellent low angles on birds and wildlife.
Tap any photo to view it larger.
Simple ways to come home with better pictures.
Mornings are best for birds and sitatunga sightings.
Low angles over the water suit birds and lake scenes.
Sitatunga are shy; a 300 mm or longer lens helps.
Keep cameras dry on boats and in humid forest.
Move slowly and softly on forest walks.
Lake Victoria sunsets are spectacular.
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.

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.
Jun – Sep & school holidays
2–3 nights

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.
Jun – Sep
3–4 nights

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.
Jun – Sep & Nov – Feb
3–4 nights

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.
Jun – Sep
2–3 nights

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.
Year-round
2–3 nights

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.
Jun – Sep
2–4 nights

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.
Jun – Sep (lower rates Nov – Feb)
2–3 nights

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.
Jun – Sep
2–3 nights
Highlights include island forest, sitatunga, birdlife and Lake Victoria sunsets. Our guides know where and when the light is best, and on a private safari you can take as long as you need at each sighting or viewpoint without worrying about other travellers in the vehicle.
The drier months from June to August usually offer easier walking and clearer skies. Early mornings are best for birds and sitatunga, and evenings bring beautiful light over Lake Victoria.
A camera with a zoom lens of around 100–400 mm covers most situations, with a wider lens for landscapes. Bring spare batteries, plenty of memory cards and a dust-proof bag. A beanbag helps steady long lenses in the vehicle. Charging is usually available at lodges and camps, but check with us for remote locations.
Always ask first, and accept politely if someone prefers not to be photographed. Your guide can help with introductions and explain what is welcome. Avoid photographing children without a parent’s clear consent, and never photograph airports, government buildings or officials.
Tell us your dates, style, and preferred parks, and we will build the perfect itinerary around you.
Book Now Online →Real 5-star reviews from guests who traveled with us
Our Private African luxury Safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris was nothing short of exceptional. From the very beginning, owner Gabriel was incredibly responsive, making the entire booking process smooth and stress-free. Gabriel went above and
We had an incredible private safari experience with Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris. Their office staff was very helpful and informative, and they communicated very well. Our pick-ups to and from the airport were on time and hassle-free, an unforgettable Safari
Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris is truly one of the best local tour companies in Tanzania. From start to finish, their service was professional, reliable, and personalized. The team went above and beyond to make sure every detail of our trip was perfect. Our saf
Our family chose Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris for a custom 11-day safari itinerary, and we couldn’t be happier with our choice! Everything from our initial inquiry to building our custom itinerary to pre-departure and on-trip support was top quality. Communic