Boat Excursion in Akagera National Park
A boat excursion in Akagera National Park is undeniably the best activity that you can undertake on Lake Ihema. Whether you are in Akagera National Park for one day or a three-day adventure, don’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a boat and cruise the phenomenal Lake Ihema, maybe at sunrise, afternoon, or sunset with chances of sighting different wildlife and bird species. Book Now
The guide (during the boat ride) will be thrilled to tell you about the most interesting facts about the attractions (such as wildlife like crocodiles, Hippos, African bush elephants, buffaloes, the different bird species such as African fish eagles, Kingfishers, herons, storks, Grey-crowned cranes, Pelicans, and others that you are going to spot.
Situated in the southern part of Akagera National Park, Lake Ihema occupies an area of 90 square kilometers making it the second-largest Lake in Rwanda (after Lake Kivu) and the largest in the Park. The Lake is about 5-7 meters deep and sits at an altitude of 1292 meters above sea level. Boat excursions on Lake Ihema aren’t simply about fun and excitement but also a moment to take in views of animals, birds, and vegetation which wouldn’t otherwise be seen during other activities such as game drives and nature walks.
Boat excursion schedules for Lake Ihema.
Boat excursions on Lake Ihema are undertaken four times a day- at 7:30 am and 9:00 am for the morning session as well as at 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm for the afternoon session. These apply to the scheduled boat trips but there are also options for private boat tours which depart at any time of the day (not beyond 4:30 pm).
When months to undertake Boat Excursions on Lake Ihema.
The dry season (from June to September, and December to February) is a great time to undertake Boat Excursions on Lake Ihema, as you can relish incredible wildlife viewing opportunities as lots of animals especially elephants, Buffaloes, and antelopes visit the shores to quench their thirst and eat some of the freshest pastures. Interestingly, these months also coincide with the most unforgettable game-viewing opportunities as animals converge around watering points, and also, vegetation is shorter thus providing wonderful viewing chances.
What to wear/carry for Boat excursions on Lake Ihema.
For your boat excursion in Akagera National Park on Lake Ihema, it is recommended to carry a good camera for capturing all the unforgettable moments including sunrise/sunset (depending on the time of the boat ride), a pair of binoculars for spotting far species especially birds which are of interest during the boat excursion, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, a backpack for storing items needed during the boat ride (especially the camera, binoculars, water, snacks, and others), enough drinking water, snacks, an insect repellant, and a rain jacket. Also, make sure to wear comfortable sandals, and a pair of shorts, to mention but a few.
About Akagera National Park.
Extending 1122 square kilometers, Akagera National Park is the largest Protected Area in Rwanda and is located in the Eastern part of the country bordering Tanzania. This is the only savannah-dominated Park in the country and home to the country’s Big Five animals (lions, leopards, Rhinos, Cape buffaloes, and Elephants). It is also a haven for Masai giraffes, Defassa waterbucks, bushbucks, Oribis, Klipspringers, Roan antelopes, Cape elands, Duikers, impalas, Kobs, warthogs, Topis, Blue monkeys, Zebras, Olive baboons, spotted hyenas, jackals, and over 500 species of birds.
Besides the thrilling boat excursion in Akagera, there are many other activities to do in Akagera National Park and they include game drives, guided bush/nature walks, bird watching, fishing trips, behind-the-scene tours, hot air balloon tours, night game drives, and cultural tours.
Rwanda is one of Africa’s most thrilling safari destinations. Nicknamed ‘the land of a thousand hills’, it offers a tapestry landscape that winds its way from the eastern plains of Tanzania through to the central forests of the Congo Basin. Not a typical safari destination when compared to the likes of Kenya and Tanzania, a Rwanda safari offers something entirely different, whether it be tracking the mountain gorillas of the Virunga Volcanoes, or searching high and low for the cheeky Chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
