There are many water sources in the Akagera Game Park, which include lakes, rivers, and streams. These bodies of water greatly contribute to the lush savanna of this great game park, thereby making it one of the most visited game parks when it comes to Rwanda safaris.

In 2010, several African parks teamed up with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to create the Akagera Management Company. This partnership included board members from both the RDB and African Parks, like Nyungwe National Park and Volcanoes National Park. This establishment has further enhanced the inspiring conservation story of Akagera NP and other national parks in Rwanda.

The many bodies of water in Akagera not only contribute to the lush vegetation but also to the animals and birds that call Akagera their home.

These bodies of water are great tourist attractions that you must visit on a Rwanda safari. They offer many tourist attractions and activities to adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, and birders.

 Akagera National Park Lakes

Akagera NP is endowed with many lakes, making it an outstanding game park with many lakes that make it lush greenery all year round. There are both large and small lakes; however, all have a great contribution to Rwanda’s tourism sector.

These lakes include Lake Ihema, Lake Kivimba, Lake Rwanyakizinga, Lake Gishanju, and Lake Murambya, among others.

Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park Rwanda 

This lake is the most prominent and the most visited in the region. It lies within the marshland of the Akagera River. The lake covers an area of 90 square kilometers in the southern part of Akagera NP. For this size, it remains the biggest lake in Akagera and the second largest in the whole of Rwanda.

It has an average depth of 5 m (16 ft) and a surface elevation of 1292 meters.

Tourist Attractions at Ihema

Attractions include

• Wildlife species like hippos, crocodiles, and others
• Avian species, including the Papyrus Gonolek (Laniarius mufumbiri). Among the endemic species, there are the ibis (Threskiornithinae), jacanas, herons, plovers (Charadriidae), sandpipers,
• Seasonal and perennial swamps that surround the lake

Activities at the Lake

Activities that tourists enjoy include 

• Birding for avian species like hawks, malachite, kingfishers, sandpipers, and others
• Enjoying sunrise and sunset views
• Boat trip
• Spotting of wildlife like hippos and crocodiles, among others

 Lake Rwanyakazinga 

This lake is another scenic lake in the northeastern part of the Akagera NP. This scenic lake runs through the middle of the park. It is the second largest lake in Akagera NP after Ihema. The lake covers an area of about 1200 square kilometers.

Its tranquil water supports flora and fauna. The lake also acts as one of the best spots for animal sightings.

Things to See at the Lake

Among the interesting things to see are

• Some of the large mammals like lions, a large number of hippos, and large herds of buffalo
• Numerous spectacular birds

Interesting Things to Do at the Lake

Wildlife viewing for animals like roan antelope, elephants, black rhinos, and giraffes, which you can see when they come to take water. Large herds of buffalo can also be seen along the shores of the lake.

• Bird watching to see some avian species, like African fish eagles, open-billed storks, and black-headed herons, among others
• Excellent boat tours to different places that surround the lake to see some attractions in the park that can only be explored by hiking or on a safari drive.

Lake Hago 

Lake Hago is another stunning lake that is found in Rwanda’s Akagera NP, which is known for game drives, including night game drives to spot nocturnal animals like bush babies. The lake covers an area with a terrain elevation of 1285 meters below the ground.

It is surrounded by other smaller lakes, which also support the flora and fauna of the park. The Nyampiki peninsula, from where one can have breathtaking views of this lake, runs between this lake and Lake Kivumba.

Tourist Attraction at This Lake 

The Nyampiki Peninsula, whose banks act as the breeding ground for much aquatic life, bird species, and species of fish, among others

Things To Do at the Lake

Among the things to do at this lake include boat tours, outings, relaxing at the shores of the lake, and birding, among others.

Lake Shakani 

Explore Lake Shakani in one of the Akagera, which is the only lake where sport fishing is done. This spectacular lake is located a few kilometers from the park headquarters, which is in the southern part.

Upon reaching the park headquarters, visitors secure park guides who will help them traverse the lake. Angling, which is a common tourist activity on the lake, requires one to get permission from the local authorities.

Tourist Attractions at This Lake 

Among the tourist attractions are numerous fish species, including catfish and tilapia, and some of the 482 avian species recorded in the park, among others.

Things to Do

Among the things to include

• Angling for species like catfish and tilapia. For this interesting activity to take place, visitors are supposed to carry their fishing gear.
• Roasting of one’s catch on fire
• Game viewing, especially for animals that come to drink from the lake

Lake Gishanju

Nestled in northeastern Rwanda in Akagera NP, Lake Gishanju is one of the epic bodies of water that are a must-visit destination when it comes to Rwanda safaris. The lake also lies on the northern side of the Mutumba hills, where there is dense vegetation, which harbors different wildlife species.

The dense vegetation that is due to the abundant water supply from Lake Gishanju remains a challenge to those interested in spotting wildlife. Among the animals that inhabit the dense forest are impalas, buffalo, zebras, and many others.

Other Tourist Attractions at Lake Gishunju

• Several avian species
• Papyrus beds, which make the lake one of the most accessible lakes in the area
• Reptiles like snakes

Things To Do While at Lake Gishanju

Exploring Mutumba Hills, which in turn offers an opportunity for wildlife viewing for animals like hyenas, elephants, antelopes, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and giraffes, among others

• Boat cruise to explore the different attractions along the lake and in other parts of the park
• Nature walks along the lake and many other activities.
• Guided game drives

Lake Mihindi 

Lake Mihindi, also known as Lac Mihindi, is located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, which is a 2–3-hour drive from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. It lies at an altitude of 1,282 meters above sea level and is also at the extreme of the northeastern part of the country at the border of Rwanda and Tanzania.

Tourist Attractions at the Lake

• Hippo Beach, which is the best place to see numerous hippos
• Papyrus dwellers like amphibians, among others
• Other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, and other animals
• Avian species, among other attractions

Things To Do

Among the interesting things to do are animal sightings for animals like elephants, cultural tours in the nearby communities, and a boat safari, among other activities.

Embark on a safari to Mihindi for a breathtaking safari experience.

Lake Birengero

This lake is situated in the northern part of Lake Akagera, which is just about 8 km from Ihema. The lake also lies in the marshy land of the park in the eastern part of Rwanda, which is just a 2- to 3-hour drive from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

It stands just about 1442 meters below the ground, and it is made of muddy and shallow water. It also consists of a papyrus swamp where many water birds and others can be seen.

For having a large number of avian species, this lake is referred to as the birder’s haven, where visitors on a birding safari in Rwanda can go.

Attractions at the Lake

Given the fact that it is the birders’ haven among all other lakes, the main attractions are the many avian species.

The common species include cinnamon-breasted bunting, black-crowned night heron, pelicans, little sparrow hawks, fish eagles, pygmy kingfishers, white helmet shrikes, shoebill storks, hamerkop, long-crested eagles, and spur-winged geese.

Other species that you can still spot include sooty chat, pied crow, cattle egret, red-faced barbets, little bee-eaters, spur-winged plovers, black-breasted snake eagles, purple-banded sunbird, goliath heron, Tabora cisticola, crowned hornbill, hadada ibis, and white-browed coucal.

Tourist Activities at This Lake

The main activity is birding, and other activities may include hiking along the shores of the lake and wildlife viewing, since some animals can be spotted near the lake.

Lake Murambi 

Discover Murambi, one of the commonly visited lakes in Akagera. It is surrounded by Lake Muhazi and, in the southwest, by Lake Mugesera.

Murambi, as a place where the lake is located, is commonly visited because of the great history of the Rwandan genocide that happened between the Hutu and the Tutsi. For this cause, a memorial site was created on 21st April 1995.

Attractions at the Lake

The lake is home to animals like hippopotamuses and avian species, among other attractions.

Things To Do

• Relaxing along the shores of the lake
• Visiting the Murambi genocide memorial
• Enjoying picnics together with family and friends

Rivers in Akagera 

The main river that supplies water to many other water sources is the River Akagera.

 Akagera River in Akagera NP

River Akagera is another water point within the Akagera NP that is worth visiting when on a adventure and wildlife safari in Rwanda.

This river, to be explored on an East Africa safari, flows through Akagera Park and originates from Burundi, where it flows out of Lake Rweru. This same river forms the eastern boundary of Rwanda and Tanzania as it flows to Uganda to empty into Lake Victoria. It has two main tributaries, which are the Ruvubu River of Burundi and the Nyabarongo River of Rwanda.

This majestic river winds its way through the beautiful Rwanda safari destination of Akagera NP, nourishing the largest protected wetland system in all of Central Africa.

It features a rich history of the German colonialist Gustav Adolf Von Gotzen, who crossed from Tanzania to Rwanda at Rusumo Falls on the Akagera River in 1894.

Another historical event concerning this river is the Rwanda genocide in 1994, where some of the people who were killed were thrown in the River Kagera, and the bodies were carried by water up to Uganda’s Lake Victoria.

The Best Time to Visit Akagera 

Akagera NP is open for visits at all times of the year, attracting tourists to Rwanda. However, the dry season (drier months), which is from June to August and mid-December to mid-February, is a perfect time to explore the beautiful lakes and rivers in Akagera N.

It is considered the perfect time to spot most of the animals in the park since they tend to gather around the water points.

How to Get to Akagera to See the Different Water Sources

By Air

Upon reaching Kigali International Airport, which is Rwanda’s major entry point. This international airport serves many other airlines like Air Burundi, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. SN Brussels, among others.

There are no domestic flights to the park, but Akagera Aviation often offers a chartered helicopter. From the international airport, on a helicopter flight, it takes around 25 minutes to reach the park.

By Road

One can still access Akagera on a 4×4 safari vehicle using the routes to northern Rwanda. On a safari vehicle, visitors can traverse different lakes and other parts of the park. The park is in the eastern part of Rwanda, and a trip from Kigali is 120 km, which is a 2–3-hour drive.

Where to Stay Near Akagera National Park 

Among the best accommodation options are Ruzizi Tented Camp, Karenge Bush Camp, Akagera Game Lodge, Magashi Camp, and Akagera Rhino Lodge, among others.

Bodies of Water in Akagera FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Where Is Akagera National Park Located?

Akagera National Park, one of the most protected areas, is situated in the eastern part of Rwanda, covering an area of 1122 km² along the Rwanda–Tanzania border.

2. How many lakes are in Akagera?

There are 10 lakes in Akagera where tourists have a chance to explore on their Akagera National Park safari.

3. When Is the Prime Time to Visit Akagera National Park?

The prime time to visit Akagera NP is during the hot season (drier months), which is from June to August and December to mid-February.

4. Does Akagera Offer Boat Tours?

Akagera NP offers boat trips on Lake Ihema. These trips are one of the best ways to explore and see different attractions in the park.

Book your African trip now to Akagera NP, one of the most visited African parks, and get an opportunity to explore the many water points in one location for an unforgettable safari experience.