Want to explore the lakes of Akagera National Park on your visit to Rwanda? Akagera National Park is filled with natural beauty and has ten lakes that provide water to the park and nearby communities. Akagera covers 1,122 square kilometers and is located in the Kibungu district of northeastern Rwanda, near the border with Tanzania.
These ten lakes are home to many animals, including zebras, hyenas, buffalos, lions, and leopards. Each lake in the park has its own shape, size, depth, and types of wildlife. Some of the lakes in Akagera include Lake Ihema, Lake Hago, Lake Mihindi, Lake Rwanyakazinga, Lake Gishanju, Lake Kivimba, Lake Murambya, Lake Murambi, Lake Shakani, and Lake Birengero.
Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera National Park. It is located in the southern part of the park and covers over 90 square kilometers, with a depth of 5 to 7 meters. It is the most popular lake in the park, especially known for boat rides.
There are usually two boat rides in the morning and two in the afternoon. These trips can also be arranged based on traveler needs. Common times are 7:30 am to 9:00 am and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. During the boat ride, visitors can see animals like buffalos, hippos, and crocodiles as they come out of the forest and into the water.
Many bird species can also be seen along the shores, including herons, Malachite kingfishers, and jacanas.
Lake Hago
Lake Hago is surrounded by smaller lakes that are part of Akagera National Park, which makes it a beautiful sight. It is located at 1,285 meters above sea level in Rwanda’s eastern province.
Many animals are often seen near the lake, including zebras, elephants, topis, and giraffes.
Lake Rwanyakazinga
Lake Rwanyakazinga is in the northeastern part of the park. It is a good spot to see crocodiles, hippos, and some water birds.
It is a well-known lake that is easily seen by visitors on safari in Rwanda.
Lake Shakani
Lake Shakani is shallower than the other lakes and has different types of fish. This makes it a great place for sport fishing in Akagera National Park.
Lake Mihindi
Lake Mihindi is located 1,282 meters above sea level. It is also found in the eastern part of Akagera. The lake is known for having a large number of hippos, making it a good place for visitors who want to see them.
Lake Gishanju
Lake Gishanju is about two to three hours’ drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. It lies in the northeastern part of Akagera National Park. The lake is surrounded by papyrus, which is home to many animals, including reptiles.
Lake Birengero
Lake Birengero is in the northern part of Akagera National Park, within Rwanda’s eastern province. It sits at 1,442 meters above sea level and is one of the smaller lakes in Rwanda.
The lake has many papyrus plants, which attract a variety of bird species.
