RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK INFORMATION

Rubondo Island is tucked into the corner of Lake Victoria, the world’s largest second largest lake, an inland sea sprawling between three countries. With 9 smaller islands under her wing, Rubondo protects precious Nile perch, some weighing more than 100kgs; tempt recreational fishers with challenging sport fishing and world record catches. But Rubondo is more than a water wonderland. Deserted sandy beaches nestle against a cloak of virgin forest. Papyrus swamps host the secretive sitatunga, a shaggy aquatic antelope, and the dappled bushbuck.          

Rubondo is a birders paradise, with the malachite kingfishers azure brilliance competing with the paradise flycatcher’s glamorous flowing tail. Rubondo is home to fish eagles and a global stopover for hundreds of migratory birds, as well as a sanctuary for sweet smelling wild jasmine and 40 different species of orchid.

90% of the island is covered with humid forest, the remainder ranges from coastal grassland to lakeside papyrus beds. A number of indigenous mammal species- hippo, bushbuck, genet, and mangoose- share their protected habitat with introduced species such as chimpanzee, elephant, and giraffe.
Rubondos wild flowers are at their best from November to March. For migratory birds, visit December to February. The islands climate is at its most pleasant from June to August