Rubondo National Park

Rubondo National Park, covering an area of 457square km,became a game reserve in 1965 to provide a sanctuary for animals. Located in on the south – western corner of Lake Victoria, it was gazetted as a National park in 1977.

How to get there:

By road :

• From Mwanza to Muganza/Kasenda via Chato (260km) and then by boat to the park (8km)
• From Mwanza to Nkome via Geita (193km) and then by boat to the park (30km)

By Air: Scheduled and charter flights from Mwanza Arusha, Bukoba and Dar es Salaam

Best time

•  June - August (dry season) is the best time to watch large animals, butterflies and wild flowers.
• November - March (wet season) is the best time for watching migratory as well as breeding resident birds.

Activities:

• Game drives – This activity is conducted from 0630 – 1830 HRS, no additional fee for this activity. Four wheel (4X4) drive vehicles are available in the park for hire.
• Walking safari – Both long and short walking safaris which are conducted in the natural forest along the beach. Walking trails include: Airstrip - Pongo view (3.5km), Maji Matakatifu – Mchangani (1.5km), Airstip - Mamba point (1.8km), Mamba point - Mlaga Kageye road (2.7km) , Bandas - Pongo camp (1.5km)

Birding:

More than 200 bird species, including both resident and migratory, has been recorded. The  common resident birds include fish eagles, herons, storks, ibises, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers   and other birds of prey.        

Camping:

• Public campsites: A number of public campsites exist in the park. Available facilities include bathroom, toilet, kitchen and dining.
• At the moment the park has no special campsite.
• Public campsites: There is 1 Public campsite which has 1 toilet, 1bath & 1 kitchen facilities located at Mlaga area about 8 kms from Kageye park head quarters. The campsite is in good condition. Water is ferried by tractor and direct pump from the lake.

Note: Mlaga public campsite (is long time not in use, visitors prefer staying at Bandas, rest house and Asilia camp)

Filming:

Filming fee: US $250 charged per person/day and covers conservation, camping and filming fees. This is applicable to all nationalities.

Sports Fishing: This is one of the most exciting recreational activities done in designated areas of the park.    

Boat excursion: This enables visitors to view a spectacular sand shore of the Island, waterfowls and the evergreen tropical forest.

• Main Tourist attractions (Main attractions)
• High population density of birds: The Park is famous for hosting a variety of migratory birds from different parts of the world.   Apart from other water birds, the park has a remarkable high density of fish eagles.
• Lake Victoria: The second largest lake and the source of the longest river in the world (River Nile), this lake forms a spectacular sight for visitors with its deepest point (Irumo) in the Park.
• Variety of Large Mammals and Reptiles: Animal species including Sitatunga, Elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, Bushbucks, Pythons, Crocodiles, Chimpanzees (semi habituated), bush pigs and Suni.

Accommodation

• Inside the park: Bandas, Luxury Tented Camps,   and public campsites. Booking for bandas is done through park email:sitatunga@tanzaniaparks.go.tz                                
• Outside the park: Several guest houses at Chato town, Geita and Muganza village.