Boat trips/ cruises in Akagera National Park
In the eastern part of Rwanda lies Akagera National Park right next to the border with Tanzania. It is Rwanda’s only savanna park and one of the most beautiful and diverse places in East Africa to see wildlife. This park is known for its wide savannah fields, gentle hills, and many lakes and wetlands. Though is park being famous for offering classic game drives, another popular captivating experience is the boat cruise that is mainly done on Lake Ihema.
Discovering the focal point of boat cruises in Akagera National Park – Lake Ihema.
A boat tour in Akagera National Park is a fun and exciting experience. Lake Ihema is the only lake in this park where most of the boat trips take place. Lake Ihema is one of the 10 lakes in the national park lying in the southern sector of the park.
The total surface area of Lake Ihema is about 90 square kilometres, approximately 5 to 7 meters deep. River Kagera feeds Lake Ihema as well as other smaller lakes and streams in Akagera national park.
Why are boat cruises carried out on lake Ihema in Akagera National Park
despite the presence of other nine small lakes in this park, Lake Ihema is the only place where boat cruises are organised in this park because of the following reasons.
- its accessible as it is found in the southern sector of the park which has the main entrance gate.
- It is the largest (about 90 sq km) thus an opportunity to exposure to different wildlife for a longer time.
- Lake Ihema is home to different wildlife including hippos, crocodiles and several waterbirds
- The lake has calm and fresh waters that are safe for guided boat trips.
Other lakes in Akagera national park include Lake Rwanyakazinga, Lake Shakani, Lake Mihindi, Lake Hago, Lake Gishanju, Lake Birengero, Lake Cyambwe, Lake Murambi, and Lake Kivimba. These lakes are not use for boat trips because they are smaller, less accessible while some are protected wetlands that do not deserve human intervention. However, they can be used for other different wildlife activities like sport fishing (mainly on Lake Shakani) and bird watching.
Lake Ihema Boat trips
Akagera national park has scheduled boat trips on lake Ihema. these are conducted in the morning, afternoon and evening (sunset cruises). trips last for 1 to 1.5hours. Boat trips are conducted at 7:30am, 9:00am, in the morning, 3:00pm and 4:30pm in the evening. Morning trips cost $35 per person and the afternoon and sunset trips cost $45 per person. The park also prepares unscheduled trips for visitors who with to explore privately. In this situation, renting the whole boat costs $180.
What to expect on Lake Ihema boat cruise.
Travellers to Akagera and particularly for a boat cruise on Lake Ihema get to see different wildlife species like plants and animals that comprise the rich biodiversity of the park. Visitors always spot many crocodiles and hippos while on a boat cruise as this lake is known for having a high concentration of hippos in East Africa.
Many bird species can be spotted on the lake and in the surrounding papyrus swamp. Some of them include, the shoebill stork, fish eagles, kingfishers, papyrus gonolek, the herons, jacanas, sand pipers, and hawks, among others.
A boat cruise gives more chances of spotting more game like elephants, buffaloes and antelopes that gather at the lake shores to drink water.
A peaceful ride on the lake offers clear views of the stunning surrounding landscape.
The sun set cruise is so magical with sun dips below the horizon, the skies fill with warm hues that reflect beautifully on the water surface. This evening time has good cooler temperatures, softer light, and is so perfect for photography.
How to book a boat trip on lake Ihema.
Lake Ihema boat trips can be booked through the park with the help of your tour operator company. It can also be done by your lodge within the park.
Travellers are advised to book in advance to avoid crowds and other related disappointments especially during the peak season.
Best time of the day to go for a boat cruise.
Different hours of the day offer different opportunities. Morning hours are excellent for birdwatching; animals are also active before its too hot and the temperatures are still cool.
The midday hours are always hot and less productive as most of the wildlife and in their hideouts and aquatic animals get deeper into the water, reducing sightings.
The afternoon and sunset cruise are more relaxing and scenic as the more animals can be seen returning to drink at the shores, temperatures are cool and peaceful, and the beautiful sunset makes the whole experience unforgettable.
It is therefore always good to go either the morning or evening cruise or combine the two for the best results of your trip.
Threats on Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema is a vital ecosystem that supports several wildlife in Akagera National Park but is largely affected by some unfriendly environmental conditions that lead to disturbance of wildlife. some of these conditions include,
The water hyacinth that blocks sunlight from reaching the underwater plants and animals. Some fish die due to lack of oxygen and boat navigation is at times obstructed.
The lake’s water is at times polluted by fertilisers, pesticides and sediments from the nearby agricultural communities especially in the rainy season. this leads to death of fish and birds.
Climate changes lead to fluctuations of water levels. long dry season leads to changes of cycles of fish and other animal breeding. bird migration patterns also change.
Though conservation efforts are emphasized, at times increased human activity like boat trips strain the eco system if not well managed.
How to travel to Akagera for a boat trip
For your boat trip in Akagera National Park, start your trip in Kigali, which is about 2 to 3 hours away by road. Drive through Rwamagana and connect to the southern park entrance gate. Travelers are advised to rent a car for self drive, or use your own or go for guided drive with your tour company. It is easier to get around the park with a 4x4WD vehicle. When you get there, drive to Lake Ihema, where boat cruises are arranged. You should book your cruise in advance at the park office or your lodge. The best times to go out for the cruise are early in the morning or at sunset.