August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris
After the enormous Lake Kivu, Lake Ihema is the second biggest Lake in Rwanda covering a 110 Km2 surface area with a depth of 16 feet and a surface elevation of 4,239 feet, it’s one of the great tourism destinations in the country. It lies at the border of Rwanda and Tanzania in the East of Rwanda in the southern part of Akagera National Park, Kayonza District. This magnificent lake is fed by the Kagera River, and it happens to be the largest lake in Akagera National Park.
Just around Lake Ihema, there are seasonal wetlands and large perennial swamps that house several protected animals of the Akagera National Park and also act as a source of permanent drinking water for these animals. Due to the park’s richness of lakes, papyrus swamps, beautiful wildlife, and several bird species, the park gives such an extraordinarily remarkable Safari tour in Rwanda. The lake also hosts several crocodiles and hippopotamuses with over 550 stunning bird species. These birds include the famous shoe bill, jacanas, malachite kingfishers, hawks, and plovers. Akagera National Park is one of those few places where you can spot the big five animals (lions, buffaloes, rhinos’ leopards, and elephants.
Lake Ihema can be accessed by road transport, after your flight to Kigali International Airport. You can opt to either board a public or private transport means and head to Akagera National Park which is approximately a 2-3-hour drive.
Lake Ihema is home to a variety of birds which are approximately 155 birds and these include, shoebill storks, herons, papyrus gonolek, and jacana sandpipers, to mention a few. These birds are adapted to the favorable environment provided by the vegetation cover on the shores of the lake. Most of these birds can easily be spotted along the shores of Lake Ihema.
Ihema Lake is not only home to different bird species but also home to wildlife. Different aquatic animals live in Ihema Lake and others live along the shores of the lake. Some of these animals include crocodiles and hippos in the lake. Elephants, buffaloes, and many others along the shores of Lake Ihema.
Lake Ihema is home to different aquatic life which includes fish. The lake holds different types of fish which are caught or fished out from it. Some of these fish types include tilapia, catfish, and Nile perch, to mention a few.
Many activities can be done on and along the shores of Lake Ihema. These activities also differ from each other in so many ways which include prices and, the period to do the activity, to mention a few. Below are some of the activities that you should not miss carrying out when you visit Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park,
Boat cruising at Lake Ihema gives the most tremendous and fun experience for its blend of stunning bird and sunset views, in fact, visitors and guests shall sight several water species including crocodiles and hippopotamuses while on the boat tour. The boat cruising tickets at Lake Ihema go for about USD $45 per head and each session lasts for two hours and a half. While on the boat safari, visitors shall also be able to see Zebras, Elephants, and antelopes on the shores of Lake Ihema. There are also several water bird species in and around Lake Ihema including the crowned lapwing, Blue-cheeked bee-eater, African darter, Great egret, Squacco heron, Eastern Grey plantain eater, and the famous shoe bills. Migratory bird species are always an eye-catching attraction for most tourists since they migrate and move distances from Europe to Africa running away from cold winter conditions and can be sighted along the showers of Lake Ihema.
Boat tours on the lake are also scheduled so visitors should be time managers because the first cruise kicks off at exactly 8:00 am for the Morning session while the second one will come in at around 2:00 pm before the last session for the evening hours at about 5:00 pm. Watching the sunset along these beautiful water bodies in the evening hours during the evening session is yet another remarkable moment that shouldn’t be missed by travelers. Visitors should tattoo it on their mind that to get to explore these freshwater bodies, one has to get into the Akagera National Park first, this is because Lake Ihema is situated in the park. Therefore, visitors shall be required to pay park fees of about USD $100 for a single day so they can access the park alone without the USD$45 for a boat cruising ticket.
There are also game drives along Lake Ihema in Rwanda that give guests and travelers the chance to sight wildlife in the Akagera National Park which also hosts the big 5 mammals including lions, leopards, elephants, and several bird species around the lake. The herbivores in the park can be sighted especially in the early hours of morning during the boat tour morning session from buffaloes to Elephants and Hippopotamuses heavily drinking water from Lake Ihema.
Here, visitors are rewarded with fishing certificates to show their participation in the fun activity. It is such a remarkable moment that visitors get to engage in different fishing activities along Ihema Lake and can even observe several fish species from Nile perch, Tilapia, and Catfish to mention but a few.
Lake Ihema is home to many different bird species which can be spotted along the lake shores or on the vegetation cover of the lake including papyrus which favors the lifestyle of these birds. Some of the birds that can be spotted or found on Lake Ihema include. Shoebill storks, herons, weavers, gray crowned cranes, to mention a few.
Lake Ihema in Rwanda is also a hub for different wildlife since some stay in the water most of the time and others come on the lake shores to drink water or have a bath. Some of these animals include hippos, buffaloes, and crocodiles, to mention a few. These animals can be spotted mostly during boat cruises and some other activities. Since Lake Ihema is located or found in Akagera National Park, other many activities can be done besides visiting Lake Ihema. Some of these activities include,
Game driving is one of the activities that are done in Akagera National Park. During these game drives, you will be able to spot different wildlife and birds that are found in the park. Some of the animals that you should look forward to seeing include buffaloes, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, to mention a few. The best time to do a game drive in Akagera National Park is during the morning period when the animals are actively looking for what to eat. If lucky you may even spot your self some lions or leopards.
Nature walks are also one of the activities available in Akagera National Park to its visitors or tourists. Nature walks in Akagera National Park provide tourists with the best park views and, a chance to encounter some animals, and see different plants and birds. The nature walks in Akagera National Park take about 3-4 hours to connect with nature. Ihema Lake is a very beautiful lake and is the largest lake in Rwanda that you should not miss out on visiting during your Rwanda safari in Akagera National Park. For any type of inquiry or bookings, do not hesitate to contact our company we shall be glad to help.
October 31, 2026
September 24, 2026
August 13, 2026
© Copyright Bujo Safaris All Right Reserved | Privacy Policy
