A boat safari on Lake Ihema offers a unique and scenic perspective on the wildlife of Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. As the park’s largest lake, it is a habitat for abundant wildlife, including one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in East Africa.
The following offers do NOT include the permits/entrance/park fees!
travel: jeep from Kigali
food: fruits, sandviches and lunch after the hike
including: hiking boots, leg protector
PRICE: 500 USD
travel: car from Kigali
food: fruits, sandviches
including:
PRICE: 350 USD
travel: bus from Kigali
food: fruits, biscuits
including:
PRICE: 200 USD
For any special request/individual itenary/group discount etc., please
What to expect
During a boat safari on Lake Ihema, you can get an up-close look at the park’s aquatic wildlife in a tranquil setting.
- Wildlife: Look for large pods of hippos emerging from the water and Nile crocodiles sunbathing on the banks. Other potential sightings include buffalo and elephants gathering at the water’s edge.
- Birdlife: The lake is a prime spot for birdwatching, with many water bird species visible, including African fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants, and the rare papyrus gonolek.
- Scenery: The cruise offers panoramic views of Akagera’s landscapes, from the lakeshores to the rolling hills and swamps.
Boat safari options
Akagera National Park offers both scheduled and private boat trips on Lake Ihema. All trips are guided and include life jackets for safety.
- Scheduled tours: These are typically one-hour shared trips with a maximum of 11 people per boat.
- Departure times: Morning tours typically depart at 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Afternoon and sunset trips are also available, usually departing around 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m..
- Cost: The price varies depending on the time of day, with sunset trips being slightly more expensive.
- Private tours: For more flexibility, you can book a private, non-scheduled boat trip for your group. These can often be arranged at times when no public tours are running.
Best time to go
A boat safari on Lake Ihema is possible year-round, with different seasons offering unique experiences.
- Dry Season (June to September): With lower water levels, more animals gather at the shore, making for excellent viewing and photography.
- Wet Season (October to May): This is the best season for birdwatching, as the landscape is lush and vibrant.