Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island – in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria – is for those seeking the thrill of adventure in a truly wild area, all but untouched by man. The camp – the only lodging on this verdant island – immerses you in this lush and unspoiled ecosystem.
From its lakefront location to the eco-friendly design of the eight fabulous cottages, the camp offers unrivaled access to this one-of-a-kind destination, where elephant roam wild, colorful birds and butterflies flit through the pristine indigenous rainforest and the waters teem with hippo, crocodile and the iconic Nile perch. Tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephant, giraffe, 200 species of birds, and wild chimpanzees. The deep waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for record-breaking Nile perch. Meals are served alfresco at the main lodge area, with the lapping waves of Lake Victoria marking the passing hours of island life. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a hammock with binoculars and a bird guide or cool off in the swimming pool. When the sun dips below the horizon, watch the hippo emerge from the water to graze on the fringes of camp.
This small and exclusive camp consists of just eight waterfront cottages – all built by hand using traditional skills and local materials – that blend seamlessly into the verdant landscape. The cottages are shaded by lush indigenous forest and all have en-suite bathrooms with hot running water and flushing toilets.
Guest Chalet - 2 people
Rubondo Island Camp features eight large waterfront chalets, surrounded by rolling green lawns that open onto the beachy shores of Lake Victoria. Guests can enjoy the sounds of the forest and the view of the world’s second largest lake while relaxing on the verandah of their chalets. Each chalet has a king-sized bed, enclosed by mosquito nets, and an en-suite bathroom including a flush toilet and running hot water. Shampoo, soap, conditioner, shower and body lotion and flip-flops for the sandy shores are provided for all guests.
Family Chalet - 4 people
The family cottage at Rubondo Island Camp features a king-sized bed, with doubles or singles available on request for the 2nd room. The chalet has an en-suite bathroom including a flush toilet and hot, running water, and is within easy reach of the main camp area, and pool. The verandah offers comfy seating and superb views of the surrounding forest and Lake Victoria.
Game drives
Asilia's expert wilderness guides take guests out on daily game drives by boat or in open vehicles. These excursions take in the exceptional scenery, diverse vegetation, and prolific bird and insect life.
Forest walking
Guided walks through the lush equatorial forest can stretch from a one-hour stroll to full-day or even multi-day hikes, incorporating a stay in the exclusive tree house or a fly camp on the beach.
Forest hiking
More challenging and lengthier hikes are available for the keen adventurers.
Boating safari
Discover the hidden corners of the island and spot the varied aquatic life from the boat and try to catch a glimpse of the hippos, otters and monitor lizards in the water.
Family Safari
Rubondo Island is a 25 000 hectare exclusive utopia in the south-western corner of Lake Victoria. Half Jurassic Park, half rainforest, Rubondo Island is the most unexpected adventure destination in Africa. Families of 4 with children of 5 years and over can stay in a charming hand-built cottage tucked away amongst leafy trees. Forest walks, game and bird watching, trekking through wild chimp territory and fishing for huge Nile Perch is the order of every day in this unique wonderland.
Chimpanzee trekking and habituation
Head out through the foliage with your trekkers and guide to seek out the island's resident wild chimpanzees and learn more about how they came to be on the island and the ongoing habituation process that is currently taking place. Although the chimps are slowly becoming adjusted to the presence of humans, sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Fishing
Rubondo Island offers some of the best fishing in East Africa and is renowned worldwide among anglers for the standard of the fishing guides and the opportunity to catch one of Africa’s biggest and most sought-after freshwater species – the Nile perch. Catch-and-release fishing can be done from the camp, by boat, on the beach, or from the rocky shore.
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