Best boat safaris in Rwanda
Best boat safaris in Rwanda, Rwanda is known for its amazing wildlife, hills and lush surroundings. Many tourists are unaware that some of the most amazing safari experiences in Rwanda are on the water, where they may glide across serene lakes while surrounded by different aquatic and on-land animals. Unlike typical land-based game drives, boat safaris provide an unparalleled perspective of the environment, fauna, and bird life.
Despite Rwanda’s reputation for mountains, water bodies including lakes, rivers and swamps, cover over 10% of the country’s total surface area. the largest water body in Rwanda is lake Kivu that is also shared by the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other notable water bodies in Rwanda include the Nyabarongo river, the Kagera River, the twin lakes in Musanze (Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo), Lake in Akagera national park including Lake Ihema, Lake Shakani, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakazinga, and Lake Hago among others. Boat safaris are available on most of these beautiful lakes.
Boat trips on these water bodies are always scheduled for morning, afternoon and sunset hours to provide tranquility and fun to nature lovers. Trips always last for 1-2 hours and conducted with the leadership of skilled professionals for secure and memorable experience.
Best places to enjoy boat trips in Rwanda.
1.Akagera National Park
Akagera National Park located in the eastern region of the country, is Rwanda’s smallest and only savanna park where most visitors seek to the big five. This park is not only occupied by savanna grasslands and acacia trees but also has more than 10 lakes, rivers and water streams that provide adventurous boat experiences. Boat trips in this park are mainly conducted on the following lakes.
Lake Ihema boat safaris:
LakeIhema is situated in the southern part of Akagera National Park and is o the biggest of the 10 lakes in this park. This lake covers over 90 sq km and approximately 7 meters deep, lying at the border with Rwanda and Tanzania.
Boat trips on this lake provide visitors a chance to explore the rich biodiversity in and around the lake. While on your boat trip on lake Ihema, expect to see hippos, crocodiles, and a dazzling variety of water birds — including kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, and the rare shoebill stork.
As you sail on your boat, expect closer encounters of Elephants, buffalos, antelopes, and other land creatures can be seen drinking along the coastline, so closer than you could ever get from a game drive.
Sunset and sunrise cruises on the lake offer beautiful vibes on the water and the best photography.
Lake Shakani boat safaris:
After spotting different wildlife, a refreshing cruise on lake Shakani makes your Akagera Park safari memorable. Lake shakani in the northeastern part of the park is a rewarding spot for birders as its home to over 400 bird species. As you sail on the lake, expect to sport birds like the African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Common Squacco Heron, Crowned Lap wing, Eastern Grey Plantain-eater, Great Egret among others.
Lake Shakani also provides an opportune moment for visitors who wish to engage in the fishing activity. With your knowledgeable fishing instructor, get on boat with your fishing gear and enjoy a full or half day fishing experience, and you are allowed to go with your catch. Fish species that can be caught include tilapia, Nile perch, and catfish among others. A boat cruise on lake Shakani is so rewarding and makes your Akagera trip unforgettable.
Other lakes that offer boat trip experiences in Akagera national Park are Lake Rwanyakazinga, Lake Kivimba, lake Gishanju, Lake Mihindi, Lake Hago and many more.
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Lake Kivu: Rwanda’s largest and most popular lake
Boat rips on lake Kivu
Most travellers to lake Kivu always wish to participate in the tranquil and soothing boat ride experience. This stunning lake is situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo; it’s one of the African Great Lakes and part of the Albertine Rift.
At 1,463 meters above sea level, Lake Kivu spans more than 2,370 square kilometres with a depth of almost 485 meters,50 km wide and 90 km long. the lake is drained by the Rusizi River, which flows more than 100 kilometres south into Lake Tanganyika.
Boat safaris on this gorgeous lake offer beautiful exploration s to different islands like Napoleon Island, Amahoro (peace) Island, Idjwi island, Iwawa Island, Amizero Island, Nkombo Island, among others. Visiting the islands exposes you to tea plantations, coffee stations, hot springs, fishing landing sites, hiking opportunities on some islands, birding, witnessing the swimming cows and interaction with the local fishermen.
The Lake Kivu sunset cruise provides a magic flaming of the skies, reflected on the still waters making a trip worth.
Visitors have panoramic views of the rolling hills around the lake and at the distant Virunga volcanoes.
Since there are no crocodiles or hippos in the lake, boat trips are safe and un scary. Such a condition provides chances of carrying out other leisure activities on the lake such as swimming, canoeing or kayaking. Many kinds of birds can be spotted on the lake and at the shores. They include, among others, pied kingfishers, white-breasted cormorants, ducks, and osprey among others.
A boat trip on lake Kivu is a special chance to soak into Rwanda’s landscape, culture and tranquillity- perfect for couples, vacationists, families and photographers.
3.Boat trips on the Twin lakes (Ruhondo and Bulera)
The stunning twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo are situated amid the volcanic mountains of northern Rwanda at the foothills of Volcanoes National Park and are a result of volcanic activity. These serene lakes, which are close to Musanze, provide one of the most tranquil and picturesque boat rides in Rwanda. Lake Bulera is a bit larger with wide open waters and provides clear views of the Virunga volcanoes. Lake Ruhondo is smaller but so peaceful and quiet charming for travellers.
A pleasant boat ride on Lake Burera or Lake Ruhondo is available to visitors as a relaxation adventure from the tiring treks and hikes in the Volcanoes National Park. Gliding across the lakes for around one to three hours allows you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, observe different species, and experience everything the region has to offer.
Boat trips on the lake can lead you to wonderful islands like Bishosho, Muhabura, Munanira, Bushongo and Cuza among others. as you enjoy the ride on the lakes, you will spot different bird species such as kingfisher, black saw cormorant, African fish eagle, sacred ibis, yellow-billed stork, darter, and hamerkop and many others thus rendering the lakes a fruitful spot for birders. The lakes are also offer fishing opportunity to interested travellers.
What to pack for your boat safari in Rwanda.
It’s crucial to pack the appropriate equipment when preparing to go on a boat safari in Rwanda. Remember to pack items like a camera, snacks, bottled water, a light rain jacket, a safari hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other essentials.
In conclusion
Every traveller ought to include a boat safari experience on their Rwanda itinerary. Whether they are looking for wildlife encounters from the water or on land surface. Peaceful sunrise and sunset views over Africa’s highlands offer peaceful sights and beautiful discovery. The wildlife-rich lakes of Akagera and the breathtaking scenery of Lake Kivu provide for an entirely unique and unforgettable experience that greatly differs from the traditional safari.