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Rubondo Island Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Rubondo Island Safari

Little-visited Rubondo Island protects the largest extant tract of Tanzanian forest in the Lake Victoria Basin and an accompanying wealth of unusual aquatic wildlife.

Among the strangest protected areas in East Africa, Rubondo Island was set aside as a game reserve in the 1960s, with the intention of using it as a breeding centre for introduced populations of vulnerable Congolese rainforest species. This plan never quite came together, but the 240-square-kilometre island is still home to several survivors of the short-lived experiment, among them chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, black-and-white colobus monkeys and a flock of African grey parrots.

Introduced species aside, Rubondo is undoubtedly the best place in Africa to see the localised sitatunga, a large swamp-loving antelope distinguished by its uniquely splayed hooves, while spotted-necked otters and large-spotted genets frequent its only camp.

How it Works

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Why Rubondo Island National Park?

  • A peaceful and unspoilt post-safari retreat for wildlife enthusiasts
  • Good sightings of seldom-seen mammals such as sitatunga and otter
  • There’s only one permanent camp on the island, so it’s a peaceful destination
  • Guided game walks and boat trips
  • Good forest and swamp birding

Why Book with us?

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Our team of safari experts (with over 60 years of collective experience) are with you every step of the way, from planning your trip to landing back home after the experience of a lifetime.


What Our Guests Have to Say?

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"Chizaan was excellent in accommodating our needs, and she chose excellent places for us to stay. The Dulini River Lodge was absolutely exceptional, as well as all the employees there. The other places that we stayed were also perfect with very attentive sta..."

Sanford Wagenberg, Spain•03 Oct 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"Absolutely fantastic trip. Excellent accommodation. The Discover Africa team did a great job. Follow up and support while we were on safari. Vehicles was good. Drivers Excellent. Trip of a lifetime."

Anerie Du Toit, Portugal•14 Sep 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"I researched many Africa tours but could not find an itinerary that did exactly what I wanted to do. I contacted Discover Africa to see if they might be able to help. Bianca was terrific. She listened to what I wanted to do and put together a perfect itiner..."

Bryan Dunnivant, United States•13 Jul 2026•

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Safari Bookings review

"After discovering a high number of camps in and around the Okavango, and at a price higher than we typically go for on a safari, we were very unsure on the route to go down for our honeymoon (especially whilst trying to planning our wedding!). So we reached..."

Rhys and Grace Fitzgerald, Bahrain•10 Apr 2026•

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Trustpilot review

"As a party of seven guests we found the travel arrangements seamless and the accommodation well suited to both older and younger members. In addition, we were of mixed bush experience with some seasoned safari members and some first timers. The Lodges and e..."

Jenny Ashley - Smith, Canada•18 Mar 2026•

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"Vihann was responsive and friendly, worked patiently with me as I tweaked my itinerary three times. I researched the camps myself and Vihann supported with his local knowledge so the result was very memorable and extraordinary holiday. I was very happy with..."

Aarti Sharma, Australia•10 Dec 2025•

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