This exquisite gem of a camp is located on an unspoilt paradise, Rubondo Island, on Lake Victoria. The island’s extraordinary natural bounty has attracted national park status and earned it the nickname, 'Noah’s Ark'.  Its sweep of sunny shoreline is home to sunbathing hippos and cruising crocodiles; chimpanzees and monkeys populate the lush forest canopy; and the woodlands teem with elephants and giraffes. The island’s emerald heart is a papyrus swamp that helps support over 200 bird species, including the African grey parrot. Almost 70 species of butterfly and 40 species of orchid thrive here – truly, a paradise found!

The island offers a host of attractions to explore on guided nature walks, safari-style game drives and dhow cruises. Take a scenic stroll along the pristine beach looking out for rarities, like the spotted neck otter, or catch a glimpse of the elusive white-striped situnga antelope in the papyrus. Game drives offer excellent opportunities to observe the island’s larger game. Dhow cruises provide crocodile watchers with plentiful sightings of these prehistoric beasts, known for their cinematic proportions in this, world’s second-largest lake. Safari activities are balanced with an invitation to utter relaxation, to days spent reclining beside the large swimming pool or on the pristine beach, soaking up the views of Lake Victoria. For a private retreat, escape to your veranda with a chilled bottle of wine to watch the forest canopy’s comical vervet monkey soap opera.

For a very limited time, guests at Rubondo can sign up to be part of the research team's project to habituate chimpanzees to humans as part of their ongoing conservation project. This involves three nights on the island, including one night of fly-camping near the chimps as they bed down for the evening. This activity is seldom available to non-scientists and researchers and promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights

• Magnificent island setting on Lake Victoria
• The rich diversity of game and birdlife
• See chimpanzees in their natural habitat
• Game fishing for legendary Nile perch
• Limited time to be part of the Chimp habituation project

Activities

• 4X4 DRIVES
• BIRD WATCHING
• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• BUSH DINING
• CHIMP TRACKING
• FISHING
• FLY FISHING
• FULL-DAY SAFARIS
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS
• GUIDED WALKS
• HIKING
• LOCAL VILLAGE VISITS
• NATURE DRIVES
• PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
• PICNICS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• SPECIALIST GUIDES
• SUNDOWNERS
• SUNSET CRUISES

This gem of an island is the perfect safari add-on with sandy white beaches, forest creeping right to the water’s edge, and secret forest trails to explore to your heart's content. My favourite moments… cruising in our kayak at sunset, sitting under the stars with my toes in the sand in front of a flaming bonfire, and hearing the forest alive around me as we explored ancient animal paths. A bit of a magic forest!

Rooms

Luxury Chalet

Retreat to one of eight en suite Afro-chic chalets surrounded by the forest and only 60m from the shores of Lake Victoria.

Open your sliding screen door and step out onto your outdoor patio to admire a gorgeous pink sky as the African sun goes to bed.

Facilities

Select from a range of local and imported beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks from the charming bar and relax in the serene lounge surrounded by a canopy of trees.

Take a cool dip in the large swimming pool and soak up the African sun on the surrounding wooden deck. Keep warm with a good read beside a crackling log fire on chillier days.

Dining

Hearty meals are prepared by a dedicated chef with fresh ingredients flown in from Mwanza. Freshly prepared buffet breakfast is served while lunch and dinner is a 3-course affair inspired by African, Asian and European flavours.

Unwind in the lounge or dining area with a cup of coffee, tea or a refreshing drink from the bar, available throughout the day.