The plane soars over Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest lake, its shore stretching across Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya. Beneath you, crocodiles swarm over a pebbled island, hundreds of birds squabble and squawk, jostling for food and space on Bird Island. On the horizon, Rubondo comes into view, a vast uninhabited green jewel, home to an incredible ecosystem and astounding diverse wildlife.

Welcome to Rubondo Island, Tanzania’s undiscovered treasure. Home to nature, beauty and wonder.

Nestled by the shore of Lake Victoria, complete with the lapping of waves against the sand, Rubondo Island Camp is a short drive from the island’s landing strip, the only camp on the island. Unwind and sink into the tranquility that Rubondo provides.

Rubondo Island lies north of Mwanza, close to the Tanzanian border. Charter flights leave Mwanza, Arusha, Nairobi and the Serengeti or alternatively, private boats run from Nkome and Muganza.

Rubondo Island Camp has ten luxury tented rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hot running water, electricity and a laundry service, despite the remote location. Each room has a private verandah where you can read or relax in peace and watch the bushbuck roam, delicate and graceful through the camp grounds.

The camp also has a swimming pool, perfect for a swim during the midday heat. A selection of books are also available for guests to borrow as well as copies of the studies on the island’s chimpanzees.

The Rubondo Island Camp provides good simple food, including fresh fish. Supplies are shipped from Mwanza as food cannot be grown on the island due to its national park status. Eat breakfast in the restaurant and you’re treated to the sight of vervet monkeys scrambling up trees in search of fruit for their own breakfast. Special dietary needs can be easily accommodated, although advance notice is appreciated.

The bar is well stocked with a selection of wine, spirits, soft drinks and sodas. Sit out on the wooden deck by the shore and enjoy a sundowner, watch the sunset over the lake, turning the sky into burnished golds and orange, reflected in the waters of Lake Victoria. White egret sit and chatter on the rocks, Egyptian geese paddle serenely and tiny jeweled kingfishers, all glowing blue and orange, flit from rock to rock. Occasionally, hippos swim in the bay, coming up to the shore for a leafy midnight snack, leaving pad prints across the golden sandy beach.

The island offers a host of attractions. Between November to March, the forest blooms with beautiful wild flowers. December to November see it play host to migratory birds. The climate is most pleasant from June to August. November sees the start of the short rainy season, stopping in December in time for a Christmas break. From March to April, the long rains begin, renewing life on the island.

Whatever time of year you visit Rubondo, it's best to pack some insect repellent to keep away the mosquitos and other insects that make their home on the island.

Walking Safaris: Take a nature walk in the forest with one of our experienced guides. Creepers and vines twist up the trees and the air is fragrant with the smell of wild jasmine. The forest is alive with antelope, birds, snakes and insects. Learn to identify species of bird, elephant and chimpanzee tracks. Be amazed at Rubondo’s unspoilt idyllic wilderness. The island’s wild flowers are at their best between November and March.

Boating Safaris: Boating trips are an ideal way to see the best of the island and its water based attractions. Hippo, crocodiles, otters, fish and birds all thrive along the coastline and you can even see elephants walking across the beaches. A packed lunch can be arranged for those who want to spend the day on the boat.

Game Drives: Explore the island by landrover, trekking through the forest, to the open hill land. The panoramic scenery is breathtaking and provides the chance to catch a glimpse of the park’s elephant and giraffe.

Fishing: Rubondo is a fishing paradise. Sit on the rocks next to camp’s shoreside deck, and watch the fish jump onto your line, whether you’re a novice or experienced angler. Boat fishing and fly fishing are also available, to catch fish as large as a man and there’s always the chance of a record breaking catch on full or half day fishing excursions.

Birding: Birding is one of the main attractions to the island for many. Trips to Bird Island can easily be arranged, a once in a lifetime experience for those with a passion for birds. Alternatively, sit at the lookout point and watch the sea eagles glide over thermals in search of food. December to February is the best time of year to see the migratory birds.

Rates available on enquiry.