Rubondo Island is tucked into the corner of Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest lake. With nine smaller islands under her wing, Rubondo protects precious fish breeding grounds. Tilapia and the rapacious Nile perch grow here.

A Water Wonderland

Deserted sandy beaches nestle against a cloak of virgin forest. Ninety percent of the island is covered with humid forest. Papyrus swamps host the secretive sitatunga, a shaggy aquatic antelope and the dappled bushbuck. A number of indigenous mammal species – hippo, genet and mongoose – share their protected habitat with introduced species such as chimpanzees, elephants and giraffes.

Birder’s Paradise

Rubondo is a birder’s paradise with the malachite kingfisher’s azure brilliance competing with the paradise flycatcher’s glamorous flowing tail. 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.