Rubondo Island Camp

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In the southwest corner of world-renowned Lake Victoria, Tanzania’s Rubondo Island is permanently inhabited only by park rangers, chimp researchers, and camp staff, allowing the pristine forest to remain virtually untouched.

There are eight rooms available at Rubondo Island Camp. Each chalet has a king-sized bed and an en suite bathroom with plenty of running water, a shower, and a flush toilet. A veranda includes a hammock for a lazy afternoon. The family chalet features a king-sized bed, with doubles or singles available. It is located closest to the main area and pool and includes a private veranda with a hammock and daybed.

The camp is strategically located beneath the forest canopy, just 200 feet from the shore of Lake Victoria. A diversity of wildlife flourishes on Rubondo Island, but a highlight is the wild chimpanzee population, currently being researched by a team of dedicated professionals. Along with the chimpanzees introduced to the area in the 1960s, seven other species were introduced. Some still survive today, including suni antelope, elephant, giraffe, black and white colobus monkey, and African grey parrot. Many species of wildlife call the area home, including the vervet monkey, sitatunga antelope, hippopotamus, genet, bushbuck, and crocodile. In addition, over 200 endemic and migratory bird species inhabit the area, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.

Guests are invited to hike through the habitat of wild chimps, attend chimp talks by researchers, and enjoy reading from the camp’s extensive library, which includes topics specifically devoted to chimps in addition to the birds, insects, butterflies, mammals, and reptiles of Africa. Daily game drives are led by expert guides in 4×4 vehicles. Guided forest walks can stretch from a one-hour stroll to full-day or multi-day hikes depending on guest’s preferences. There are even overnight trips in a fly-camp set up on the beach or on a platform in the forest. Boat trips on the lake are the best way to spot hippos, otters, and lizards. Catch-and-release fishing can be done from the camp, on the beach or rocks on the shore or from a boat with an excellent chance of catching Nile perch.

The main camp includes a relaxing lounge area and mess tent with decks looking towards Lake Victoria. Though most meals are served al fresco with views of hippos emerging from the water to graze. Delicious home-style cooking is the camp’s specialty, and breads, cakes, biscuits, fresh fruit salads, and homemade sorbet are made on-sight daily. A refreshing swimming pool is the perfect spot to cool off. While the lounge hammocks are ideal for a nap.