Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
embark at Bunda. Here buses and sometimes dalla-dallas head to Nansio (Tsh4000, five
to six hours) daily at 10am and 1pm using the Kisorya ferry (passenger/car Tsh300/5000,
40 minutes), which crosses four times daily in each direction. In the reverse, vehicles to
Bunda leave Nansio at 8am and 10am. After these buses depart there are no vehicles direct
to Nansio, but you can take a dalla-dalla to Kisorya and catch another on the island. The
last ferry to Ukerewe sails at 6.30pm. The last ferry leaving Ukerewe is at 5pm, but don't
use it unless you have your own vehicle or are willing to try hitching part of the way to
Bunda.
Rubondo Island National Park
Rubondo, alluring for its tranquillity and sublime lakeshore scenery, is one of Tanzania's
best-kept secrets and there may be days when you're the only guests on the 240 sq km
island.
Birdwatching
, particularly for shore birds (there are many migrants in Novem-
ber and December), brings the most visitors, but
walking safaris
(half-day walks US$10
per group),
bush camping
(adult/child US$50/5) and
sport fishing
(per day US$50) can
also be rewarding. Rubondo Island Camp offers
wildlife drives
, but only for its guests.
Elephants, giraffes, black and white colobus, and chimpanzees were long ago introduced
alongside the island's native hippo, bushbuck and sitatunga, an amphibious antelope that
hides among the marshes and reeds along the shoreline: Rubondo is probably the best place
in East Africa to see it. Rubondo's chimps are not habituated, and even with concerted
effort, there's little chance of spotting them. Though the beaches look inviting, there are
enough crocodiles that swimming is prohibited.
RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
»
Why Go
Tranquil setting and lovely lakeshore scenery; fine birding; chance to
see sitatungas
»
When to Go
June through early November
»
Practicalities
Start from Bukoba or Mwanza, travel to the nearest port and con-
tinue by park boat. Alternatively, arrive by charter flight
SLEEPING
Tanapa Campsite/ Bandas/Resthouse
CAMPGROUND, BUNGALOWS $$
