Super User 24 July 2023

Best Travel Guide To Boat Cruise Safari In Akagera National Park Wildlife In Rwanda

Enjoy a Boat Safari on Lake Ihema where visitors drift along the lake waters in the midst of thriving wildlife in Akagera National Park, Rwanda. Boat safaris are one of the amazing Rwanda safaris offered in Akagera, and are conducted on Lake Ihema, the second-largest lake in Rwanda. Lake Ihema is situated in the southern region of Akagera National Park with a depth of 5-7 meters. The eastern shores of Lake Ihema form the border of Rwanda and Tanzania.

While on the boat safari in Akagera, visitors encounter Nile crocodiles, hippos, scenic views of the surroundings, and many bird species such as the vulnerable shoe bill, papyrus Gonolek, jacanas, plovers, herons, sandpipers, hawk, malachite kingfishers and many more.

The majority of boat tours on Lake Ihema are planned, with boat journeys taking place four times a day at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Non-scheduled boat cruises are provided in the national park for those who want to do private tours.

For bird lovers, this experience is a must. Experienced guides, who take visitors out across the lake, lead the one-hour boat safaris, to meander along the forest-fringed shores in the hope of spotting some of the 480 bird species identified in Akagera National Park. Akagera counts some rare and unique birdlife, including the iconic African fish eagle and large flocks of crowned cranes, along with the Caruthers’ Cisticola, endemic to the wider Lake Victoria area, and of course the extraordinary shoebill stork. The latter is very much a birder's bucket list species, and exceptionally rarely seen anywhere around the lake, the best chance being deep in the papyrus swamps at the far northern end of the park.

Many hippos and crocodiles are also resident in Lake Ihema, plus you have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife on the lake shores – often herds of buffalos wander down to the lakeshores, and individual topi make use of the nearby anthills to stand sentry.

Your private guide will drive you to the jetty where you meet Akagera park ranger guides, who will accompany you for the duration of the cruise. The guide will give you a safety briefing before getting on the water, and full instructions about your full boat safari experience.

Arrange with Ultimate Wild Safari for a boat safari on the cool fresh waters of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park Rwanda.

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