Rubondo Island

Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Home to wild chimpanzees

Rubondo Island lies in the southwest corner of the famous Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. The park comprises Rubondo and eleven smaller islands covering 457 sq km.  Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on the island.

If you’re a seasoned adventure traveller or safari goer who has seen it all, just wait until you lay eyes on Rubondo Island Camp with its unrivalled access to this one-of-a-kind destination. Lush indigenous forest shades the private cottages, each crafted by hand from local materials, to ensure they blend seamlessly into this unspoiled landscape, while through the trees Lake Victoria winks her welcome.  A hammock sways in the gentle breezes coming in off the Lake, while the swimming pool vies for your attention.

Rubondo Island Camp offers forest walks, game-watching, birding excursions, canoe trips, trekking through wild chimpanzee territory, catch-and-release fishing and a host of other eco-sensitive activities.  Bar a handful of park wardens, wildlife researchers and camp staff, the island is uninhabited by humans. This unique corner of Africa is more importantly set-aside as a refuge for wildlife, a sanctuary to be enjoyed by just a handful of fortunate and intrepid travellers.

This is one of the most undisturbed ecosystems in Africa, a paradise left to its own devices for decades, and today, one of the most remarkable wilderness destinations on the planet.

You will love

  • 25,000 acres of pristine wilderness
  • Wild and untamed
  • One-of-a-kind destination
  • Hike to see wild chimpanzees
  • Be one of a privileged few guests
Rocky shoreline leading to a secluded beach surrounded by lush indigenous forest on Rubondo Island, with a glimpse of Lake Victoria in the background, illustrating the natural beauty and serene environment of the exclusive accommodation.
Rubondo Island Camp bedroom featuring a cozy, handcrafted design with a yellow accent wall, a double bed with striped linens, natural light from windows, and rustic decor elements, set in a serene landscape near Lake Victoria.
Colobus monkey perched on a tree branch amidst lush greenery, highlighting wildlife encounters on Rubondo Island.
Private cottage at Rubondo Island Camp featuring a cozy bed with mosquito netting, surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden deck, ideal for relaxation in nature.
Open-air lounge area at Rubondo Island Camp featuring colorful seating, natural decor, and views of lush forest and Lake Victoria, inviting relaxation in a unique safari setting.
Group of elephants near the shore of Lake Victoria, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, highlighting wildlife experiences at Rubondo Island Camp.
Cozy lounge area at Rubondo Island Camp featuring vibrant green seating, natural wood accents, and views of lush surroundings, ideal for relaxation after safari adventures.
Rubondo Island Camp bedroom with elegant mosquito netting, handcrafted wooden furnishings, and lush greenery, highlighting a serene safari accommodation experience on Lake Victoria.
Rubondo Island tree frog perched on a hand, showcasing vibrant green and black coloration, symbolizing the unique wildlife experiences at Rubondo Island Camp near Lake Victoria.
Dining area at Rubondo Island Camp surrounded by lush forest and Lake Victoria, featuring wooden tables, lanterns, and natural stone elements.
Lounge area of Rubondo Island Camp at dusk, featuring cozy seating, ambient lighting, and views of Lake Victoria through lush foliage, showcasing the camp's unique blend with nature.
Fish eagle perched on a branch against a clear blue sky, symbolizing the wildlife experience at Rubondo Island Camp on Lake Victoria.
Fisherman proudly holding a large catch of fish against the backdrop of Lake Victoria, highlighting the fishing experiences available at Rubondo Island Camp.
Interior of Rubondo Island Camp lounge featuring vibrant decor, cozy seating areas, and large hanging lights, surrounded by lush greenery and views of Lake Victoria.
Colobus monkey perched on a tree branch amidst lush greenery, highlighting wildlife encounters on Rubondo Island.
Private cottage at Rubondo Island Camp surrounded by lush forest, featuring two guests relaxing on the porch, showcasing the serene wilderness and natural beauty of Lake Victoria's unique accommodation.
Private cottage at Rubondo Island Camp, surrounded by lush indigenous forest and fallen leaves, showcasing a blend of local materials and natural beauty, with hints of Lake Victoria visible through the trees.
Woman relaxing by the swimming pool at Rubondo Island Camp, overlooking Lake Victoria, surrounded by lush greenery and sun loungers.
Four kingfishers perched on reeds amidst lush greenery near Lake Victoria, representing the vibrant wildlife of Rubondo Island.
Crocodile walking through tall grass near Lake Victoria with white egrets in the background, highlighting wildlife encounters at Rubondo Island Camp.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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