Rubondo island, Tanzania

Rubondo island

Name: Rubondo island
Address: Rubondo island

Subtropical island haven

Beachside evening dining setup with lit candles on tables, palm trees, and calm sea background.

Secluded retreat amidst Lake Victoria’s rainforest and wildlife

Rubondo Island lies in the tranquil southwest corner of Lake Victoria in Tanzania and is enveloped in lush subtropical rainforest. The island is a protected sanctuary, teeming with endangered chimpanzees and a wealth of other wildlife.

The camp features eight secluded cottages that sit at the edge of the forest, each crafted from traditional materials to harmonise with the island’s natural beauty. A spacious family unit provides an ideal retreat for larger groups, while every cottage offers a private veranda overlooking the lake.

Wake up to the gentle sounds of the forest: the rustle of leaves, the distant call of a fish eagle and the occasional splash of water as hippos stir in the lake’s shallows. Here sitatunga antelope move silently through the papyrus swamps, bushbuck graze at the forest edges and forest elephants forge trails through dense greenery.

Your mornings might begin with the aroma of fresh coffee, enjoyed as the lake shimmers under the soft morning light. From here you can embark on a variety of adventures. Days on Rubondo Island invite a range of immersive adventures. Trek through the forest in search of chimpanzees, traverse the lake on a boating safari or set off on a guided game drive.

Highlights

Take in panoramic views of Lake Victoria from the beach

Engage in activities like birdwatching or fishing along the lake's edge

Dine on fresh, locally-inspired dishes in the camp’s open-air setting

Set off on game drives led by experienced guides to uncover the island’s wonders

Spot a variety of wildlife roaming freely

A boat with people fishing on calm water during twilight.

Safari vehicle with passengers driving on a dirt road surrounded by lush greenery.

Beachfront room with open doors, a person relaxing, and a sunset view.

Open-air living room with comfortable seating overlooking a tranquil lakeside view.

People walking on a forest path surrounded by green foliage and sunlight filtering through trees.

Outdoor dining setup by an infinity pool with lit candles and a forested backdrop at dusk.

Beachside dinner table setup near thatched-roof cabin at twilight.

Boat with people on river near lush greenery.

Aerial view of a dense forest meeting a calm blue lake.

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Places to combine Rubondo island with

Serengeti National Park

Wilderness Usawa Camp

Deep in the Serengeti National Park is where you'll find Wilderness Usawa Camp, a mobile camp that follows the wildebeest migration.

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The Highlands Ngorongoro

Set high on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, with views all the way to the Serengeti, this camp is far from any other camp in the area, yet guests can get to the Ngorongoro crater floor for dawn.

Eight domed perspex-and-canvas suites offer king-sized beds with floor-to-canvas-ceiling bay windows opening out to the spectacular views, en-suite bathrooms and wood-burning stoves for the cold winter evenings. One is designed to accommodate two adults and two children and the honeymoon suite is a little bit more private with a large elevated deck and an outdoor hot tub.

This warm and stylish high altitude camp is redefining the Ngorongoro experience. Deliberately positioned deep in this highland wilderness for maximum privacy, it offers a richness of adventure and range of activities not possible elsewhere in crater area.

The camp is perfectly located for great hikes and nature walks, or you can visit the local Maasai communities to get a glimpse into the way of life that has shaped this area of East Africa while sightings of zebra, buffalo, porcupine and even elephants have been reported from the camp.

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Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti Lodge has a pride of place up on a kopje overlooking the vast open Serengeti plains towards the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

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Singita Sasakwa

Nominated as the Best Luxury Lodge in the world many times over, Singita Sasakwa is just that.

Singita Sasakwa has 10 opulent cottages where you can totally relax and and be feel completely pampered. Each cottage has a private heated plunge pool with views spanning across the stunning reserve and a private lounge with a fireplace to keep you warm on those chilly nights. Varying between one and four rooms, you will be able to enjoy your own little bit of class on this stunning reserve regardless of your numbers.

Swarovski telescopes give you the chance to do some serious game spotting from the comfort of your own room, and with game roaming so freely around the grounds of the lodge, you’ll have a zoom big enough to count eyelashes.

The main house is built in a remarkable likeness to an Edwardian manor house with grand furniture, silverware and high ceilings. As you walk in you will feel quite regal and as the staff do their magic, you don’t have to worry about anything whatsoever. You can simply relax and make the most of your time either out with the game or reading a book by the open fire.