Rubondo is the largest national park on an island, which is found on Lake Victoria which is the second largest lake in Africa. Even though the park is near Uganda and Rwanda, it is owned by Tanzania and has not been habited for years.
A number of indigenous mammal species like hippo, velvet monkey, genet and mongoose – share their protected habitat with introduced species such as chimpanzee, black-and-white colobus, elephant and giraffe, all of which benefit from Rubondo’s inaccessibility. It is dense with vegetation and this creates a great habitat for over 200 species of birds.
Wild jasmine, 40 different orchids and a smorgasbord of sweet, indefinable smells emanate from the forest. Ninety percent of the park is humid forest; the remainder ranges from open grassland to lakeside papyrus beds.
There are scheduled flights from Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Mwanza in peak season, charter flights only in low season. By road from Mwanza and then boat transfer, the tourist has to contact the park for the transfer.
Accommodation in the park includes one Luxury tented camp – owned by a private company called Safari legancy. There are also Self contained and self catering visitor bandas, a campsite and hostel which are owned by the park.