Things to do on Lake Ihema : This lake is located in the southern region of the Akagera National Park in the savanna region of the Eastern province of Rwanda on the bank of the Akagera River. The Akagera River feeds a complex of more than a dozen lakes including Lake Ihema, which is 1,292 meters above sea level.
It is the biggest lake in Akagera National Park, covering an area of about 90 square kilometers, with a depth varying from 5 m to 7 m, depending on the season and the area in which it is located.
There are a number of species of fish that live in the lake, however it is also home to hippopotami and crocodiles. As for birds, it has 550 species including unique species such as Shoebill and the Papyrus Gonolek, the ibis, jacanas, herons, Plovers, Sandpipers, Malachite Kingfisher, Hawk and many others.
Activities to do on Lake Ihema
Birding
During the visit to Akagera national park, you can participate in bird watching on Lake Ihema, where you will be able to observe a number of rewarding birds that make the activity worthwhile; particularly, the water birds such as; African Darter, African Wattled Lapwing, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Common Squacco Heron, Crowned Lapwing, Eastern Grey Plantain Eater, Great Egret, among the notable water birds that can be seen are the shoebill some of the other interesting features that can be seen are the migratory bird species from Europe and other countries running from winter conditions.
Boat cruise
There are a number of things to do in Akagera national park that include a boat cruise on Lake Ihema which will give you the opportunity to explore the lake for an amazing experience as part of the top things to do on Lake Ihema. The boat cruise in Akagera national park, you can take part in the activity during the morning also known as the day boat cruise and during the evening game drive. As you enjoy the morning game drive, you will get to see the hippos, buffalos, elephants and crocodiles quenching their thirst from the shores of the lake, you will get to see the crocodiles sunbathing, and during the evening boat cruise, you will get to watch the sunset while watching the different animal species interact in the wild in the evening, you will observe them taking their last bite for the day, you will also get to watch the carnivores like
Fishing
The other top thing to do on Lake Ihema is go fishing, which is a good way of observing a number of fish species such as Nile perch, catfish, Nile tilapia, Nile perch, cat fish, and many other fish species in the park, such as Nile perch, cat fish, and a number of others. Sport fishing is a very popular activity in the country, and you will be rewarded by a fish as well as a certificate showing that you took part in the event. You will be able to participate in sport fishing in Akagera national park as part of the activity where you will have the chance to observe a number of rewarding attractions as you are participating in the activity such as the numerous water birds, and you will get to interact with fishermen and listen to them tell interesting stories in order to make the activity quite enjoyable.
Among the important facts about this activity is that there are two options available to you: either you can hire fishing gear from the park’s headquarters or you can bring your own fishing gear so that you can avoid a number of expenses associated with hiring from the park.
Best time to visit akagera national park
Akagera national park is visited throughout the year but the best time to visit the park is during dry season periods. There are two seasons that occur in the park; the dry season which occurs between June and September, the wet season which occurs between late February and May, and the winter season that occurs between December and mid-February. Visiting in the dry season is advantageous because the routes in the park are less muddy, making them very navigable. In addition, the grass in the park is shorter, facilitating Rwanda wildlife viewing.
Where to stay while in akagera national park
Accommodations in Akagera National Park range from midrange accommodations, budget accommodations and luxury accommodations with varying facilities. These include akagera game lodge, Ruzizi tented lodge, the karenga bush camp, akagera resort and country club, Akagera rhino lodge and many more.
