Safari Beyond the Shoreline.

Boat cruise on Lake Ihema is a captivating activity conducted in Akagera National Park in Rwanda, where the lake stands as the largest among the park’s 10 lakes. Located in north-eastern Rwanda and covering over 1,122 square kilometres, the park was originally much larger when established in 1934, spanning 2,500 square kilometres.

The Rwanda genocide of 1994 dramatically transformed the park, turning it into a battleground where wildlife suffered immensely. Many animals were hunted by poachers, while others were displaced to make way for refugee resettlement. Currently, the park has recovered, now harboring over 8,000 wildlife species alongside 500 bird species.

Akagera National Park.

Akagera National Park boasts numerous stunning natural features, including expansive savannah grasslands and seasonal lakes that emerge during the wet season and recede in the dry season. The permanent lakes are the park’s true treasures, sustaining all flora and fauna throughout the year. Notable among these are Lake Ihema, the largest lake that attracts abundant wildlife, along with Lake Hago and Lake Shakani. During a cruise on Lake Ihema, visitors have extraordinary opportunities to observe lions, savannah elephants, hippos, crocodiles, antelopes, and numerous other remarkable species.

Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema.

Positioned in the eastern province of Rwanda’s southern Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema is the park’s most significant lake and the second-largest in Rwanda after Lake Kivu. The lake spans 90 square kilometres, reaches a depth of 5-7 meters, and sits at an elevation of 1,292 meters above sea level – an ideal height for conducting boat cruises in the national park.

Boat cruises on Lake Ihema are strategically scheduled four times daily: two morning sessions at 7:30 am and 9:00 am, and two afternoon trips at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm. The 4:30 pm cruise offers a particularly enchanting experience, presenting visitors with a magnificent sunset view over Rwanda’s iconic thousand hills and its breathtaking flora. For visitors with limited safari time, park officials remain flexible and can organize cruises at alternative convenient times.

During the boat safari, visitors should prepare to encounter an impressive array of wildlife, including crocodiles, savannah elephants, hippopotamuses, antelope herds, lions, and significant buffalo populations. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by rare species such as the shoe bill stork, hawks, Malachite kingfisher, herons, sandpipers, and numerous other avian inhabitants.

A private guide will transport visitors to the jetty, where a park cruise guide will provide instructions and accompany them on the boat. Prioritizing safety as the paramount concern, Akagera National Park ensures tourists’ protection. Visitors will be accompanied by well-trained experts and provided with life jackets to mitigate potential risks from water disturbances like hyacinth growth or unexpected weather changes.

What is the Best Season for a Boat Cruise on Lake Ihema?

Boat safaris on Lake Ihema remain accessible throughout the year, with each season offering unique and remarkable experiences. The dry season, extending from June to September, presents conditions with reduced water levels, providing exceptional opportunities to observe numerous animals feeding along the lake’s shorelines and capture extraordinary photographic memories.

The wet seasons, spanning the months of October through May, offer longer and equally captivating experiences. This period proves particularly exceptional for bird watching, sport fishing, and observing water-dependent wild animals. Each season presents its own phenomenal boat cruise experience, ensuring visitors can enjoy the lake’s magnificent ecosystem regardless of their travel timing.

Interested in joining the adventure? Contact us to discuss a personalized tour itinerary. Reach out via phone at +256 393 247 137 / +256 742 678 918 or email info@ibuthsafaris.com. Our Tour Consultant will craft a customized experience tailored to your preferences.