Rubondo Island National Park is among the smallest national parks which is located on one of the biggest islands in Tanzania. It is solitary one of the Tanzanian national parks sited on an island in Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. This national park is located in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria. In the year 1965 Rubondo was named a national game reserve, to stretch a nature preserve for Tanzania Wildlife. Later in the year 1977 Tanzania announced Rubondo Game Reserve as a national park. With nine minor isles under its annex, Rubondo correspondingly protects valuable fish breeding territories. It is unpeopled and subsequently over 80% of the island remains forest these days.
Wildlife at Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo Island is a habitat for sporadic species such as chimpanzees. Given that it is a small island, Rubondo is a heaven to an astounding number of large mammals too. These mammals include elephants and giraffes that have breeding populations, though despite their size these animals are rarely seen. Sightseeing hippos, crocodiles and otters are relatively common in this national park. Rubondo Island National Park is also one of the African safari destinations leading in exploring the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope. This unique species is normally seen from the swamps which are located on the western side of the island. Other mammals surviving in Rubondo Island National Park include a number of antelope species that are found in the dense forest, as well as the nocturnal civet and genet. On the shorelines of the island, and smaller bodies of water inland, there are astoundingly high numbers of hinged terrapins, a species that is native to the East African tropics. The terrapins lay their eggs between October and January with the hatchlings emerging between March and April.
A Bird Watcher’s Heaven
Birds are pervasive on the island and make Rubondo Island National Park. With over 400 species of birds, the island provides a chance for travelers to sightsee the birds closely during a bird-watching safari. These birds include the Flocks of African gray parrots, Herons, storks and spoonbills that breed in large numbers in the swampy bank areas. When you opt for a bird-watching safari with a tour guide from Focus East Africa Tours, you will get a chance to see many birds and beautiful butterflies as well. The number of different species of butterflies in Rubondo Island National Park is comparatively very large mainly because of the availability of over 40 species of orchids that grow in the island which tends to support the growth of these butterflies.
When is the best time to Visit Rubondo Island National Park?
Rubondo National Park experiences short tropical rains but the temperature is fairly consistent, making it a great year-round destination. June to September is the best time to observe wildlife and track chimpanzees in Rubondo because this season is the dry season. The trajectories through the impenetrable land are dry, which makes it easy to do walking safaris. Many trees are producing ripe fruit, which results in the chimps spending longer in a single location and quality viewing experiences. Additionally, warm daytime temperatures create perfect opportunities for enjoying tranquil boating adventures on the water in the afternoons.
What are the activities to do while in Rubondo Island National Park?
Game Drives
Booking with Focus East Africa Tours will ease your wildlife safari in this island national park. You will be provided with an expert and friendly travel guide, who is rich in knowledge and experience about wildlife and general tourism in Tanzania. Tourists will be enveloped by the exotic calls of the fascinating inhabitants of the forests while exploring the hilltops and the open southern plains of Rubondo Island.
Walking Safaris:
This activity is more intimate and gives you an up-close experience. Guided walking safaris are an excellent option. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides from Focus East Africa Tours, you can explore the park on foot, observing the smaller creatures and diverse plant life, and beaches and tracking animal footprints while learning about the Rubondo’s ecosystem. Guided by experienced travel rangers, you’ll learn about the park’s flora and fauna and even gain insights into tracking techniques. Exploring the forest on foot with a knowledgeable guide allows you to discover the fascinating mini ecosystems often overlooked while in your safari vehicle.
Bird Watching:
With a lot of bird species, Bird watching is also another prominent experience in the Rubondo’s terrestrials. Due to the magnificent and unique ecosystem in the national park, it adds an advantage to the bird’s habitation in the park.
Boating Safari:
In this tour, travelers will have a chance to explore Lake Victoria and Rubondo’s shores while spotting creatures like the hippo, elephant, crocodile, otter, and monitor lizard, as well as a variety of water birds from fish eagle to kingfisher. It also provides an aura to see the beauty of Lake Victoria as the second world’s largest lake.
Chimpanzee Habituation Experience:
With aid from Focus East Africa Tours, travelers will experience the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to familiarize themselves with the chimpanzee population on the island. Follow an expert guide through the forest while learning about research and tracking the chimps. Depending on the mood of the chimps, you may have to work hard to keep up with them if they are not feeding.
