Rubondo Island Camp: Our full report

Set to open in December 2012, Rubondo Island Camp is the only camp on Rubundo Island. Located under a forest canopy with sweeping views over Lake Victoria – the eight rooms here will be luxurious and spacious. It aims to offer a relaxing, post-safari beach alternative, however the numerous activities mean that the more active travellers will have more than enough to keep them occupied.

We haven’t yet visited this camp or the island, however we know the operators very well, and they’ve given us a lot of information about this exciting new project. We hope to get out there to see it ourselves as soon as possible, but in the meantime, here’s what we know about it:

The camp is about to start a “soft opening" as it finalizes the logistics, and finishes building the remaining rooms – and aims to be complete by June 2013. By then it will have eight luxury suites set just 60m from the shores of Lake Victoria.

This camp will be a safari-come-beach experience. Days are not structured in the same way they are on safari, so it’s a great place to sit back and relax – however for those who want to remain active there will be activities aplenty.

Nature walks in the mornings and evenings through the forest are said to be accompanied by a park ranger and guide. Guests will be able to seach for animal, bird, insect and plant life, and learn about the forest and it’s flowers and fauna. Longer walks will take you into the areas of the forest chimps frequent, and you may be lucky enough to see their nests, and perhaps even the animals themselves. The plan is to habituate these chimps, so that proper chimp walks will be possible.

Boat excursions on Lake Victoria will predominantly focus on bird and game viewing. Fishing can also be done both from a boat and from the shore. They tell us that Nile Perch in excess of 100kg patrol the waters!

Exploring the swamps by vehicle and boat might give you the chance to spot the elusive sitatunga, while more traditional game drives through the forest will allow you to see some of the larger game such as elephant and giraffe.

Logistically, Rubondo Island Camp can be reached by taking a 3 to 4 hour flight from Arusha or the Serengeti, to Mwanza, and then connecting onto another flight onto Rubondo Island. It is also possible to come from Kigali in Rwanda and connect on here – although the timings don’t work quite as well.

Our View

Rubondo Island Camp looks to be a really exciting and different opportunity, opening up some previously unexplored beautiful areas of Tanzania. It is likely to appeal to those who want to relax a little after safari, but don’t want to lie on a beach all day. The possibility of chimp viewing is an extra bonus. Please ask us about the latest developments at this camp.

Geographics

Location: Rubondo Island National Park, Tanzania

Key personnel

Owner: Asilia

Children

Attitude towards children: Welcome children aged 6 upwards

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Extras

Laundry facilities: 0