Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera national park
Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera national park: Lake Rwanyakazinga is one of the stunning lakes situated in the northeastern side of Akagera National Park in Rwanda. The lake is an ideal place for sport fishing. Lake Rwanyakazinga is a home to a large number of crocodiles and hippos as well as numerous bird species. The lake’s papyrus- ornate shores entice over 500 bird species, including the rare shoebill stork, papyrus gonolek, and African fish eagle, while its deeper waters support tilapia and catfish populations.
Lake Rwanyakazinga is also home to big herds of buffaloes; this is the second largest lake in the park after Lake Ihema. Akagera national park holds thousands of topis, zebras and impalas in the park, which makes them easiest animals to spot in the park. The newly constructed luxury magashi camp is situated in the productive and phenomenally diverse overlooking this great scenic lake rwanyakazinga. Tourist having their stay at magashi camp get to sightsee lake rwanyakazinga on a boat cruise making it a good opportunity to discover nature around the lake.
Visitors can explore Lake Rwanyakazinga through guided game drives, bush walks, boat cruises, and fishing excursions with licensed operators. The lake’s comparatively uncrowded safari experience differs sharply with Rwanda’s forested western parks, presenting a savannah-to-wetland ecosystem exclusive within the country.
Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park can be combined with Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park which offer stunning safari experiences. Akagera National Park is the only protected savannah environment in Rwanda, complementing the humid forests of Nyungwe National Park in the south and the afro-alpine habitats of Volcanoes National Park in the north.
Other Lakes in Akagera National Park
Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera National Park, located in the park’s southern sector, covering over an area of 90 km2, going 5-7 meters deep. Lake Ihema is the most prominent lake among all the 10 lakes of Akagera National Park, attracting several tourists to enjoy the captivating boat cruise. Boat cruises on Lake Ihema happen twice in the morning and twice in the afternoon. However, they can still be organized depending on the nature of the traveller. Schedules are available running from 7:30 am, 9 am, 3 pm, and 4 pm, sailing visitors along the fringed forest while viewing wildlife by the lake shores as they come from the forest to the lake to cool off such as hippos, crocodiles, buffalos, among others. The lake shores are also ornated by a variety of bird species like Malachite kingfishers, herons, jacanas, African fish eagles etc
Lake Mihindi
Lake Mihindi lies at an altitude of 1282 meters above sea level. It is found in the eastern province of Rwanda in Akagera National Park. Lake Mihindi is best for tourists who want to spot hippos since it has a great concentration of hippos.
Lake Gishanju
Lake Gishanju is found in the northeastern part of Rwanda in Akagera National Park about 2-3-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. Lake Gishanju is surrounded by papyrus which is a habitat for a lot of the papyrus dwellers such as reptiles and some birds.
Lake Hago
Lake Hago is a beauty on its own by the fact that it is surrounded by other smaller lakes still in Akagera National Park. Lake Hago is located in the eastern province of Rwanda Akagera National Park with an altitude of 1285 meters above sea level. It attracts animals like zebras, elephants, topi, giraffes, and many more.
Lake Shakani
Lake Shakani is quite shallower than some of the other lakes, which contributes to the presence of fish species in the lake. The fish in Lake Shakani make it best for sport fishing in Akagera National Park. Lake Shakani is the only lake in Akagera National Park where sport fishing is lawfully allowed. Visitors can fish for species like tilapia and catfish. Catch-and-cook options are also allowed
Lake Birengero
Lake Birengero is found in the northern part of Akagera National Park which covers part of the eastern province of Rwanda. Lake Birengero stands at an altitude of 1442 meters making it ranked among the shallow water bodies of Rwanda with several papyrus plantations that host several bird species.
Tourist Activities at Lake Rwanyakazinga
Wildlife Exploration
Lake Rwanyakazinga is home to a significant number of crocodiles and hippos. You will get an opportunity to see large herds of buffaloes near its shores. Watch out for other wildlife species such as African elephants, lions, topis, zebras, impalas, and hyenas. During the dry season, the lake becomes a major spot to witness animals as they gather to drink, offering remarkable wildlife photography opportunities.
Birding
Lake rwanyakazinga attracts many bird species that have harboured its grounds for a long time. With over 500 bird species in Akagera, Lake Rwanyakazinga is one of the best birding spots in Rwanda. Some of the birds spotted on lake rwanyakazinga include; African fish eagles, Marsh owls, Crested barbets, Squacco herons, Papyrus gonoleks
Scenic Boat Safaris
Discover Lake Rwanyakazinga on a guided boat safari; a peaceful way to experience wildlife up close. Sail through the calm waters while watching hippos bathe, crocodiles sunbathe, and birds pounce overhead. These cruises often leave early in the morning or late afternoon, offering spectacular sunrise or sunset views.
Accommodation Options at Lake Rwanyakazinga
Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park offers accommodations suitable for all visitors. The lodgings available include luxury options like Magashi Safari Camp, Rusizi Tented Camp, and Mantis Akagera Game Lodge while the mid-range facilities such as Akagera Game Lodge, as well as budget options and campsites for budget guests. Accommodation options around the national park include Akagera Country Club, Akagera Resort, and Vintage Cottage, among others.
Best Time to Visit Lake Rwanyakazinga
The park is open all year round for visitor activities. December to February (dry season) bids the best wildlife concentration around the lake as water sources go down, making hippos, crocodiles, and large mammals highly noticeable. June to September (second dry season) provides cooler temperatures, exceptional birding experiences, and clearer prominence for photography. April to May and October to November (wet seasons) bring plush vegetation and migratory bird advents but decreased wildlife viewing near water. Peak visitor season runs from July to September and December to January; visit March to May or June for fewer crowds and lower rates while maintaining good wildlife sightings.
How To Get to Lake Rwanyakazinga
To visit Lake Rwanyakazinga on your Rwanda safari, you must first go to Akagera National Park as the lake is located within its boundaries. This is because the lake is situated within this park. The distance from Kigali city to Akagera National Park is approximately 108 km. More so, the park can be accessed by either road or a short flight.
By road, it takes about 2 hours and 30-minute drive from Kigali, the capital city, through the town of Rwamagana to the southern gate of the park (the northern gate is used for exit only). Visitors can also opt for a short flight into Akagera National Park, and these chartered flights services are provided by Akagera Aviation.
Leave a Reply