Approximately 150 kilometres west of Mwanza, in the Geita district, is Rubondo Island National Park, situated on the southwest corner of Lake Victoria. The second-largest lake in the world is Lake Victoria. Situated on the island of Lake Victoria, the national park is one of Tanzania’s two national parks. The park, which was created in 1965, is roughly 456.8 square kilometres in size, with 236.8 square kilometres of dry ground and 220 square kilometres of water, which is made up of 11 little islets of various sizes. The park’s deep forest offers a range of habitats for wildlife, including open woodland, papyrus marshes, Savannah, and dense forest.
In addition to chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, black and white colobus monkeys, suni, and African grey parrots, these habitats are home to a variety of wild animals, including sitatunga, bushbucks, vervet monkeys, genet cats, spotted-necked otters, hippopotamuses, and crocodiles. The chance to go on chimpanzee tracking safaris, where guests may see these amazing animals in their natural environment, is one of the primary draws. However, when is the ideal time to start this life-changing adventure?
In Rubondo Island National Park, the dry season (usually June to October) is the best time to go on a chimpanzee tracking safari. It is simpler to locate and follow the elusive chimpanzees during this time of year because of the more consistent weather and sparser foliage. The chance of seeing fascinating chimpanzee interactions and behaviours is increased because the dry season also falls with the chimpanzees’ mating season.
Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times of day for chimpanzee tracking safaris, along with the dry season. Since the chimpanzees are most active during this time, it is simpler to watch how they behave and interact with one another.
Visitors can travel through the deep forests in pursuit of these sophisticated monkeys more comfortably due to the milder temperatures. Furthermore, they are most active during the dry season and can be seen participating in a range of activities like food foraging, mutual grooming, and gracefully and nimbly swinging through the treetops.
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) must be contacted in advance to get a permit for chimpanzee tracking safaris in Rubondo Island National Park. Because the number of permits issued each day is limited to minimise the impact on the chimpanzee population and their natural habitat, it is best to book your safaris well in advance to ensure a seat.
It is best to reserve your safaris well in advance to guarantee a seat because the number of permits granted each day is restricted to minimise the impact on the chimpanzee population and their natural habitat.
Even though chimpanzee tracking safaris in Rubondo Island National Park can be physically taxing and difficult, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. There are two habituated chimpanzee groups available to hikers on Rubondo Island; the northern colony is well-habituated and has over thirty members.
Amazing things to do in Rubondo Island National Park
Wildlife viewing
The rich biodiversity of Rubondo Island National Park is well-known and includes endangered species such as African grey parrots and a variety of monkeys. Go on escorted safaris to see wildlife in its native environment, such as crocodiles and hippos along the coast. You develop a strong bond with nature as a result of the fulfilling experience.
Bird watching
Bird watching in Rubondo Island National Park is one of the most popular activities carried out in the park. Over experience, the 300 bird species recorded, such as African Openbill, Marabou, Hamerkop, Black-headed Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Purple Heron, Intermediate Egret, African Spoonbill, Hadada Ibis, African Spoonbill, Long-tailed Cormorant, Great Cormorant, African Darter, Long-toed Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, Common Sandpiper, Osprey, and more, as you explore the park’s wetlands, woodlands, grasslands as well as the shorelines, among others.
Fishing expeditions
Anglers can catch a variety of species, including tilapia and Nile perch, while enjoying the peace and quiet of fishing in the lake or nearby waters. You can take part in a sport that encourages patience and care for the aquatic ecosystems while also taking in the tranquil surroundings on guided fishing excursions.
