Boat Trips in Akagera National Park

Exploring Rwanda’s Lakes and Rivers

Rwanda, the “land of a thousand hills,” is also a country of lakes and rivers, covering about 10% of its land area. The largest, Lake Kivu, is shared with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Other notable lakes include Rweru, Burera, Rukundo, and Ihema. Of these, Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park stands out for its rewarding boat trips.

Boat Safaris in Akagera

Akagera offers three scheduled boat trips each day: morning, day, and sunset cruises. These experiences let you see the park from water level, surrounded by hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.

From the boat, you may spot African Darters, cormorants, open-billed storks, and colorful African Jacanas. Fish Eagles perch in nearby trees, while Malachite and Pied Kingfishers dart from the reeds in search of prey.

Each trip lasts about one hour and costs $40 per person (maximum 11 passengers). For more flexibility, you can book a private trip for $180 per hour. Payments and bookings are made at the reception center.

Wildlife Encounters on Lake Ihema

Lake Ihema, the park’s largest lake, is a prime location for wildlife viewing. Here, the hippo rules the waters. Herds are led by a dominant bull and spend much of the day submerged to protect their sensitive skin. At night, they graze up to 10 kilometers away. While cruising, you may hear their deep wheeze-honking calls—one of Africa’s most iconic sounds.

The lake also shelters Nile crocodiles, including some oversized individuals basking on the shores. Other frequent visitors include elephants, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, otters, and Nile monitors. Each trip promises new encounters.

Birdwatching on the Lake

For bird lovers, Lake Ihema ranks among Rwanda’s top hotspots. Akagera boasts more than 525 bird species, many of which are best seen from the water.

Morning birding trips are especially rewarding, offering great light and high activity. Highlights include the Shoebill Stork, Papyrus Gonolek, African Spoonbill, Spur-winged Goose, Goliath Heron, and Malachite Kingfisher. You may also see jacanas stepping across floating vegetation or flocks of whistling ducks gliding across the lake. This blend of wetland and woodland species makes Ihema a paradise for birders.

Sunset Cruises

A sunset cruise on Lake Ihema is the perfect way to end the day. The trip departs at 16:00 and returns by 17:30. As the sun lowers, rolling hills and open plains reflect warm golden light across the water. Photographers and nature lovers can enjoy skies painted in orange, red, and purple hues—a magical African evening.

Game Drives After the Boat Safari

Your adventure can continue on land with a game drive. Akagera is the only park in Rwanda where you can spot the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Game drives operate between 06:00 and 18:00, and a high-clearance vehicle is required.

Guide Options

• Park guides: $25 (half-day) or $40 (full day)
• Community freelance guides: $20 (half-day) or $30 (full day)

Night drives and longer trips can also be booked through the park office. A full-day drive north to the Mutumba Hills takes 10–12 hours and offers expansive views and rich wildlife sightings.

Wildlife on Game Drives

Along the routes, you may see giraffes, zebras, buffalo, topis, bushbucks, and primates such as baboons and vervet monkeys. The Giraffe Area, near the entrance gate, is excellent for close encounters with these tall browsers. Open plains provide sightings of zebra and antelopes, while seasonal pools attract ducks, plovers, and other water birds.