Relaxing Rubondo Island

As an alternative to the beaches of Zanzibar and bustle of the coast, we headed out to the jungle island reserve of Rubondo Island on the southern shores of Lake Victoria. The team at the Island Lodge doing a wonderful job of keeping us entertained – although seeing a family of vervet monkeys running off with some of the breakfast fruit did add to the amusement. The hippos grazing on the lawn outside our hut between us and the canteen did cause some pause , but they seemed pretty mellow when we were not in their way and waddled back to the water with a few grunts of notification. ( Rubondo Island gallery )

Fascinating jungle walks, although sadly not getting to see the local chimpanzee troupe who are still being habituated onto the island … maybe a return visit in a year or so. Also a great place to canoe around the island , scaring a few hippos and crocodiles in the process and then taking the time to try and catch some of the fascinating Nile perch ( a catch and release policy ). A particularly fortunate evening boat trip saw us a short distance from a small family of elephant bathing in the lake … before swaggering back into the jungle, knocking over a few palm trees on the way ( melody of Colonel Hathi from Jungle Book in my head )

 (Christopher Reeves)

Rubondu Island beach

 (Christopher Reeves)

Colonel Hathi and family bathing

 (Christopher Reeves)

Dear deer

 (Christopher Reeves)

Jungle bathing ( antelope watching on )

 (Christopher Reeves)

Expectant egrets

 (Christopher Reeves)

Up close and personal with the local crocs

 (Christopher Reeves)

Sundowners on Lake Victoria

 (Christopher Reeves)

Rubondo Island airport

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