Rubondo Island Camp
National ark exclusive
Lapped by Lake Victoria
Tropical birdcalls, monkey chatter and the lull of Lake Victoria’s waves score life on Rubondo Island — a passion-project ark turned national park in Tanzania, where Asilia Africa’s Rubondo Island Camp is the only safari stay in town. Guided forays to spot chimpanzees, elephants and giraffes are on the horizon. And downtime consists of poolside snoozes, massages in your shorefront cottage and sunset tipples on the beach. Before long, the island’s andante rhythm will be second nature.
Once you’ve booked your safari stays, the Asilia team will be in touch within 48 hours, on business days, to help arrange chiimpanzee permits, travel between camps, which may include charter or private small-plane flights and/or overland transfers.
Facilities
Zimmer
Eight cottages, including one family cottage.
Checkout
10am. Check-in is at 2pm. Both are flexible, on request and subject to availability. Please note that late check-out may incur additional park fees, food, drink and transport charges.
Weitere Details
Rates include all meals and drinks (except premium wines and spirits), limited laundry service, game drives, boat safaris, lake cruises, fishing trips and return shared transfers to Rubondo airstrip. Chimpanzee permits (US$159.30 each) are not included.
Also
Unfortunately, this remote camp is not suitable if you have limited mobility.
Hotel Closed
Rubondo Island Camp closes annually for the rainy season in April and May.
Wäscheservice
Pool
Zimmerservice
At the Hotel
Private beach, viewing deck, gift shop and free WiFi throughout. In rooms: radio, torch, USB charging ports, free bottled water, mosquito net, laundry detergent, bathrobes and Cinnabar Green bath products.
Our Favourite Rooms
There's no short straw among the eight Beach Cottages — they’re all set steps from the shore with stellar lake views. If you have intrepid kids in tow, opt for the two-bedroom Family Beach Cottage.
Poolside
You’ll catch glimpses of Lake Victoria through the tropical greenery as you make your laps of the adults-only outdoor pool — or sip a glass of South African red on your sunlounger.
Spa
There’s no spa, but a range of in-room massages using natural ingredients including coconut, lemongrass and Tanzanian clove are available daily from 8am to 8pm. You’ll need to book at least an hour in advance, and children under 12 must be accompanied by one of their adults.
Packing Tips
Chimpanzees are not sloth-like and the humidity beneath the canopy is real, so a good level of fitness will give you the best chances of sighting our elusive primate cousins during forest treks, which cover hilly terrain on foot for around two hours.
Also
Once you’ve booked your safari stays, the Asilia team will be in touch within 48 hours, on business days, to help arrange travel between camps, which may include charter or private small-plane flights and/or overland transfers.
Kinder
Rubondo Island Camp welcomes children aged five or older. For some activities, such as the chimpanzee habituation experience, the minimum age is 12 years old; younger Smiths will need to stay at camp, supervised by one of their adults.
Galerie
Food & Drink
Top Table
Communal dining is the standard here, but if you’d rather have a little alone time, individual tables can be set up at scenic spots across the main camp on request.
Kleiderordnung
Come as you are in this remote, outdoorsy stay.
Hotel Restaurant
Expect farm-to-fork dining that showcases seasonality and is proudly low on food miles. A commitment to sustainability and a celebration of local, indigenous ingredients underpin Asilia Africa’s approach to cuisine across all camps.
At Rubondo Island Camp, breakfast may include fresh fruits, yoghurt, muesli, freshly squeezed juices, baked pastries, breakfast sandwiches and wraps, as well as a choice of hot dishes cooked to order.
Across all Asilia Africa camps, the menu changes by the day; at each meal, there’ll be a choice of starters, mains, sides and desserts, with vegetarians as well served as meat eaters. Lunch on Wednesdays and dinner on Sundays are a distinctly Swahili affair, spotlighting local culinary traditions. If you have food preferences or dietary requirements, the camp’s kitchen team will be happy to adapt dishes to suit.
Hotel Bar
Drinks can be served throughout the main camp. If you’re hoping for a lake-gazing spot for a sundowner, you’re spoiled for choice — settle on the deck beneath the forest canopy, on a sofa in the lounge area or sink your toes in the sand on the beach.
Last Orders
Rather than working to scheduled hours, meals fit around your plans and staff are happy to flex to meet your wishes.
Room Service
Available 24 hours: you can order drinks and snacks to your cottage; meals, too, can be arranged chez vous.
Planes
From Kigali and the Serengeti, direct small-plane flights touch town on Rubondo Island; from Arusha airport, connecting flights go via the Serengeti. On the island, you’ll be met by Asilia staff for the 15-minute shared transfer to the camp, included with your stay.
Automobiles
All the driving at Rubondo Island Camp is taken care of by trained staff using Asilia vehicles.
Worth Getting Out of Bed For
Asilia’s expert guides lead a range of safari experiences at Rubondo, all with conservation as their north star. On a chimpanzee trek (best from June to October), you’ll navigate dense and hilly forest terrain, following intel from the island’s researchers on the chimps’ whereabouts. An early morning or sunset game drive will see you cruising the island’s plains and hilltops in an open-sided 4x4. On a boat safari or lake cruise, you’ll be brought into the realm of the hippos, elephants, crocodiles, otters and water birds. Onshore birdwatching is hard to beat, too, bolstered by visiting populations from December to March. Back on the water, try your hand at catch-and-release fishing for vast Nile perch and tilapia. For an insight into local culture, ask in advance about boat trips to other islands.
To reach Rubondo Island Camp, you can connect via Serengeti, so starting your safari with three nights at either Namiri Plains or Sayari Camp is the simplest of segues. Alternatively, heed the call of the apes: get your fill of chimpanzees in Rubondo Island before journeying to Erebero Hills in Uganda, where your reward for all that travelling is the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest’s mountain gorillas.
Earn or Redeem Points with World of Hyatt
This Mr & Mrs Smith hotel participates in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. As a member, you can earn and redeem points and enjoy exclusive benefits for qualifying nights. .
