Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema is situated in the southern part of Akagera National Park within the savanna region of Rwanda’s Eastern Province. The Akagera River supplies a network of twelve lakes, including Lake Ihema, situated at an elevation of 1,292 meters. The largest lake in the park spans approximately 90 square kilometers, with a depth ranging from 5 to 7 meters, contingent upon the specific area and season. The eastern lakeshore delineates the boundary between Rwanda and Tanzania.

The lake has is abundant in biodiversity, except fish, and is inhabited by hippopotamuses and crocodiles. The avifauna comprises 550 species, including distinctive species like as the Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex) and the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri). Among the endemic species are the ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, plovers (Charadriidae), sandpipers, malachite kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), hawks, and numerous others.

The lake is encircled by extensive seasonal and perennial papyrus wetlands. These wetlands serve as crucial habitats for the protected fauna within the park, offering a consistent supply of drinking water for large mammals and establishing a significant sanctuary for aquatic birds. As in other lakes inside the park, fishing was prohibited by the royal order of 1934 on the establishment and administration of the national park; however, a recent policy has now permitted fishing activities.

Hazards to Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema is classified as a protected lake due to its location within Akagera National Park. The primary threat is the extensive water hyacinth. The proliferation of water hyacinth throughout the lake poses a significant danger to both regional and local ecology.

The detrimental impacts of the water hyacinth encompass the deterioration of water quality, as it obscures the surface and diminishes the levels of dissolved oxygen, phosphate, and temperature, leading to a direct decline and extinction of the biodiversity within the afflicted aquatic ecosystem. The lake is interconnected with the Akagera River through the Akagera marshes, facilitating the potential dissemination of water hyacinth into other waterways, including Lake Victoria and the Nile River.

Boat cruise  in Lake Ihema

The boat excursion on Lake Ihema is renowned for facilitating the observation of the park’s bird life. Scheduled boat excursions require each participant to remit 35 USD for a one-hour voyage. Boat excursions commence from 7:30 am to 8:30 am, followed by an additional morning trip from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Two evening excursions are available from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, the latter being referred to as the sunset voyage. For a private boat excursion, reservations can be made anytime between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. The entire vessel must be rented, and the per-person pricing will not apply.

All organized boat excursions on Lake Ihema can accommodate a maximum of 11 passengers. The sunset excursion is the longest on the lake, lasting one hour and thirty minutes, in contrast to the other one-hour cruises.

This sunset excursion is optimal for observing the sunset, as well as spotting crocodiles lounging on the lake’s shoreline and hippos wallowing to maintain their body temperature, in addition to providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. The cost for the sunset boat ride is $45 per adult and $30 per child. The children participating in the scheduled boat trip will be required to pay 20 USD. Individuals choosing to reserve the private and unscheduled boat excursion will incur a fixed fee of 180 USD for the entire vessel.

In Akagera National Park, in addition to the Lake Ihema boat excursion, one may engage in a day or night game drive, a behind-the-scenes tour, a guided walk, community cultural activities, or a camping adventure. Contact our team of expert tour experts to assist you in organizing your perfect Rwanda safari.

Things to do in Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema is optimally experienced through a boat safari, providing a distinctive viewpoint on the wildlife and terrain in contrast to conventional game drives. Most boat excursions endure approximately 1 to 2 hours and are conducted by expert park rangers who provide insights into ecology and animal behavior.

Additional activities in the vicinity of Lake Ihema comprise:

Photography — the amalgamation of water, fauna, and sky produces ideal compositions.

Nature walks along specified routes in the southern area of Akagera.

Birdwatching excursions – often conducted by knowledgeable guides during early morning or late afternoon sessions.

Best time to  visit Lake ihema

The optimal period to visit Lake Ihema is during the dry season, specifically from June to September and December to February. In these months, animals gather more often around the lake to drink, and boat safaris exhibit greater predictability regarding weather conditions.

Birdwatching is gratifying throughout the year, particularly from November to April when migrating species inhabit the area.

Directions to lake Ihema

Lake Ihema is situated within Akagera National Park, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours from Kigali by vehicle. The southern entrance of the park, located near Kayonza District, serves as the primary access point, while boat excursions generally commence from the park headquarters situated along the shore of Lake Ihema.

Tour providers provide day excursions or multi-day safari packages that encompass boat rides on the lake, wildlife drives, and overnight accommodations in the park’s lodges or camps.