Rubondo Island Camp

Lying in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, the whole of Rubondo Island is given over to conservation. It is Africa’s largest island national park (26 kilometres long and varying from 3 to 10 kilometres wide). Over three-quarters of its 25 000 hectares are blanketed in untouched equatorial forest – an unusual protected habitat for Africa’s wildlife.

It’s a rare privilege to set foot on Rubondo. Bar a handful of park wardens, wildlife researchers and camp staff, the island is uninhabited by humans and has been set aside as a refuge for threatened chimpanzees, families of elephant and the shy sitatunga antelope. The surrounding waters of Lake Victoria are a crucial breeding ground for tilapia and the enormous Nile perch. This unique corner of Africa is a sanctuary to be enjoyed by only a handful of fortunate – and intrepid – travellers.

The arrival to Rubondo Island Camp is special; it’s only accessible by plane and the birds-eye view as you soar over Lake Victoria and descend onto Rubondo Island is the perfect way to truly appreciate the geography, landscape and remoteness of the camp. The camp is certainly a unique addition to the typical northern Tanzania circuit. The beach where the camp is located is small but very picturesque, with wildlife aplenty. Towering fig trees are filled with dozens of black kites, water monitor lizards scrounge in the bushes, white egrets and open-billed storks wade cautiously at the lakes edge, while a few otters can be seen playing in the reeds. The frequent sound of fish-eagles screeching above gives the whole place a primeval feel.

About 60m back from the shore, the camp’s 8 rooms sit fairly close together all facing out towards the lake. The walls and floor are made of solid stone, with a tin roof on top. Inside, each room is designed in a natural and minimalistic style. The large double bed is the centerpiece of the room with the bedframe and bedside tables crafted from the same stone as the floor, so they appear as one continuous feature. A small writing desk and two simple chairs are the only other pieces of furniture in the room. The walls and floors are brushed beige, with brown bedspreads and pale lampshades, so while there’s obviously been a lot of thought put into the design and styling, they do feel a little Spartan. They have one family room with two bedrooms sharing one bathroom, and one honeymoon suite with a double outdoor shower.

The en-suite bathrooms located behind the bedrooms at this island camp are styled with the same continuous stone walls and feature a large walk-in hot-and-cold shower, twin sinks, flush toilet and plenty of space to hang up and put away your clothes. The small verandah outside is a peaceful place to sit with a book, or perhaps a pair of binoculars.

It’s the main areas of Rubondo Island which really stand out. Very spacious, with sweeping views of the lake on three sides, the lounge, bar and dining areas are an incredibly peaceful place to sit and really take in the environment that surrounds the visitor. The whole structure is completely open, with mosquito-net gauze that can be zipped down in the evenings to moderate the breeze and keep out the insects. Comfortable and colourful green sofas and armchairs sit in small groups on wicker mats, with some interesting books laid out on the coffee tables. Quirky lampshades made from old wine bottles, bright colours and funky patterns give the whole area a retro feel. There’s a small alcove housing a bookswap and games shelf, which guests are free to make use of.

The dining area is set just off to the side. Guests usually eat communally while staying at Rubondo Island Camp, but for those who want a little more privacy, they can also accommodate separate tables.

Between the main areas and the rooms there’s a small swimming pool around which some deck chairs are set out each day.

The day-to-day activities schedule at Rubondo Island Camp are far less structured then you will find at most normal safari camps. Although there are a number of activities on offer, travelers shouldn’t come here expecting to be out all day, every day. The whole atmosphere of the camp is about relaxing and enjoying the camp, and although there are a number of activities which guests can do – simply spending an afternoon in camp, with a pair of binoculars, is a brilliant and recommended activity.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!