Covering approximately 457 square kilometers, Rubondo Island is a pristine wilderness where 80% of the land remains covered in thick, semi-deciduous forest. The park consists of the main Rubondo Island and 11 smaller islets, all situated in the southwestern corner of Lake Victoria. Historically a game reserve since 1965, it was gazetted as a national park in 1977 and is currently uninhabited by humans, save for park rangers and researchers.

The island is a fascinating experiment in conservation; in the 1960s, several species—including chimpanzees, elephants, and giraffes—were introduced to provide them with a safe haven. Today, these populations have thrived, creating an "ark" of biodiversity. It is one of the few places in the world where you can experience a chimpanzee habituation trek in a primary forest setting alongside the largest freshwater lake in Africa.