Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second largest in the world. The tiny island of Rubondo is only a speck in this vast lake; being twenty-six kilometers long and ten kilometers wide. Rubondo National Park consists of a main island with twelve much smaller islands and the expanse of water around them. The islands are forested, with large grass clearings on the main island. The shoreline has narrow sandy beaches reaching out from the forest-edge with some isolated stretches of papyrus. The eastern shore of Lake Victoria is only a few kilometers from the Serengeti. The best way to get to this island is by charter plane and is a thirty minute flight from Mwanza. This island is a real paradise with the African adventure starting as the light aircraft lands on the grass airstrip, sometimes animals will have to be cleared off the runway. The island is striking in its greenness and the whistles of the African Grey parrot echoing in the forest, truly you have landed in an African paradise. There are only two vehicles on the island and one tented camp. A trip to Bird Island is a must. There are thousands upon thousands of birds here; among the numbers are cormorants and egrets that return to island daily from their feeding grounds. The sky at times almost turning back with the vast numbers seek their roots high above the Nile crocodiles that bask bellow. The camp on this island is mordantly priced and quite simple; it is sited under trees close to the lake shore. Guided walks and hikes in search of elephant, giraffe, hippo, chimpanzees; although if chimpanzee are on your agenda you would be better traveling to Mahale National Park. Boat trips on the lake are also fun and there is also some excellent fishing with the Nile perch with some weighing in at more Than 100 kilograms. This small paradise is ideal for these seeking to get out of the safari vehicle and stretch the legs and explore on foot. The island offers an alternative destination to relax to the beach and discos of Zanzibar. |
