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.
