The Chimpanzee Habituation Experience
The Rubondo Island chimpanzees are unique due to the fact that their ancestors were brought here in the 1960s as part of an ambitious conservation project, today you can be part of the habituation process. Available for a limited time, this is a unique opportunity to join the habituation team as they accustom the chimps to the presence of humans and witness them up close in the wild.
The group of 16 Rubondo Island chimpanzees who were originally rescued and introduced onto the island were raised in European zoos. Many of the safari guests wonder how the chimps arrived on the island in the first place. Here’s the story on the Asilia website of how they were introduced in the passion project of Professor Bernhard Grzimek of the Frankfurt Zoological Society. Over a four year period (1966-1969) he released 16 chimpanzees rescued from European zoos in four cohorts onto the island.
We can now say, with delight, that the habituation process is proving to be successful. Guests that go on a Rubondo Island Safari are more frequently having the opportunity to spend time with these incredibly interesting and intelligent creatures while staying at the island retreat known as Rubondo Island Camp. This is what makes the Rubondo Island chimpanzees Habituation Experience so special and something that should be on any nature-lover’s bucket list!
Rubondo Island Camp is the only lodge on Rubondo Island, the largest island National Park in Africa. Blending the adventure of a remote safari camp with the comfort of a beach retreat, this intimate, 8-suite lodge is the only accommodation on Rubondo. Local guides lead game drives, chimpanzee treks, birding trips, nature walks & boating safaris to deliver a comprehensive & unforgettable wildlife experience (View Rubondo Island Map). Spend three nights on the remote and wild Rubondo Island. Two nights spent in the lodge, one night spent out fly camping close to the chimpanzees
Pristine tropical forests provide a protected habitat for wildlife that includes sitatunga, elephant, giraffe, 200 species of bird and wild Rubondo Island chimpanzees. The deep waters of Lake Victoria also offer spectacular fishing for Nile Perch of record-breaking size. Please note that chimp habituation is in progress and sightings are not guaranteed.
The Chimpanzee Habituation Process
What Does Habituation Mean?
Habituation can be defined as the process by which an organism decreases, or entirely removes, its responses to a stimulus after repeated or prolonged exposure. In terms of the chimpanzees of Rubondo Island, we are spending a lot of time out in the forest, trekking deep into the overgrowth to find the chimps and then being present with them.
By teaching these chimps that we, as humans, do not pose a threat to them, they are slowly but surely learning to trust and accept us. Something we are incredibly proud to have happen! Please note that chimp habituation is in progress and sightings are not guaranteed.
Positive Impact on the Island
Introducing the Rubondo Island chimpanzees was not only beneficial for them and their well-being – it actually had a considerably positive impact on the island itself, improving its biodiversity, enhancing its eco-systems, and ultimately cementing its entire existence.
By adding the chimps as well as other species such as elephant and the shy sitatunga antelope, the island’s habitats were strengthened and all species began to thrive. All this with thanks to the efforts that were taken to ensure that this unique corner of Africa became a protected and treasured sanctuary, to be enjoyed by only a handful of fortunate – and intrepid – travellers.
Location of Rubondo
Rubondo Island is for those seeking the thrill of adventure in a truly wild area, all but untouched by man. Lying in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria, the island itself is 26 kilometres long and ranges from 3 to 10 kilometres in width. Over three-quarters of its 25 000 hectares are blanketed in pristine and untouched equatorial forest.
It’s a rare privilege to set foot on Rubondo. Bar a handful of park wardens, wildlife researchers and camp staff, the island is uninhabited by humans and has been set aside as a refuge for threatened chimpanzees, families of elephant and the shy sitatunga antelope. This unique corner of Africa is a sanctuary, to be enjoyed by only a handful of fortunate – and intrepid – travellers. (View Rubondo Island Map)
WHY CHOOSE RUBONDO ISLAND CAMP?
A unique island experience in pristine sub-tropical forest
A birder’s paradise with many endemic birds
Fish for the iconic Nile Perch on a catch and release basis
Explore chimp habitat on guided nature walks
Three nights on remote and wild Rubondo Island
One night spent out fly camping close to the chimpanzees
Rubondo Island offers some of the best fishing in East Africa
The Island has over 300 endemic and migratory bird species
Island to be enjoyed by only a handful of fortunate
Papyrus swamps host the secretive sitatunga antelope
A Typical Day at Rubondo
06:00–06.30 Wake-up call with hot tea & coffee
06:30–07:30 Following breakfast, depart for a morning forest walk or a canoe safari, or leave slightly earlier, taking a picnic breakfast with you
09:30–1130 Return to the lodge, followed by breakfast (if you wish)
12:30 Lunch
13:30–16:00 A spot of fishing or siesta time: read a book or just relax in camp while the hippo grunt in the lake in front of you
16:00 Afternoon tea and freshly baked cakes
16:30 Depart for a guided forest walk
18:30 Arrive back at the lodge
19:30 Drinks on the beach followed by dinner under the stars
Recommended for adventurers and wildlife-lovers
Recommended for adventurers and wildlife-lovers, a Rubondo Island safari is your chance to combine the great herds and predators of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater with the primates, butterflies and orchids of Rubondo’s rainforests.
View our recommended itineraries or simply contact Safari Online and we’ll tailor-make a tour for you based on your requirements and budget. The best time to go to Rubondo Island is during its dry season – early June to late October – great to combine with the Serengeti Migration River Crossing.
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