GUIDE ON RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK IN TANZANIA

Visit the only national park on Lake Victoria and the largest “island park in Africa” during your nature travels in northern Tanzania! Established in 1977, Rubondo Island National Park is located in the southwestern region of Lake Victoria - the largest in Africa, second largest lake in the world and the source of the Nile River. The park covers around 456 square kilometers (176 square miles) of land and water area, including 11 small islets, making it Tanzania's only island park.

The land mass of the park is primarily covered with dense forest, as well as savannah, open woodland, papyrus swamp and beautiful sandy beaches, and, of course, the beauty of Lake Victoria is ever-present while visiting the park. Rubondo sees fewer visitors than the larger, more well-known parks in Tanzania, giving AfricanMecca adventurers a private island destination for walking safaris, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching or just watching the distinct lake fauna from the shaded comfort of your hammock.

The protected status of the park makes it a prime breeding ground for migratory birds and native fish like the Tilapia and Nile perch. 300 speckled species of birds are found on the island, such as African Grey parrots, heron, stork, spoonbill, malachite kingfisher, paradise flycatcher and many other avi-fauna.



Terrestrial fauna include semi-aquatic sitatunga and dappled bushbuck that are found in the swamps, as well as vervet monkey, genet cat, hippo and the largest prehistoric carnivore on the island -- crocodile. Some animals that are found on the island were introduced for conservation reasons since 1966, such as a group of rescued chimpanzees.

Other non-native animals include giraffe, elephant, black and white colobus, suni antelope and many others. Discovering the pristine wilderness of Rubondo Island Park is unlike any other experience during your AfricanMecca exploration safari in northern Tanzania. Life on the island is much more relaxed, a perfect way to unwind after the incredible heart-pounding excitement of game drives and mountain climbing in some of Tanzania's other national parks.

Observations of the lesser wildlife are the focus, making these moments much more spectacular. The peaceful setting at Rubondo Island, though, causes you to slow down and relish the smaller ecosystems, such as wild insects gathering nectar from wildflowers, spotted neck otter hunting for food and an African fish eagle soaring high overhead hunting for its next meal.