On the water
Low on the water beside the papyrus, you drift past hippos, basking crocodiles and fishing birds while the light turns gold over Lake Ihema.
An Akagera boat safari on Lake Ihema is the simplest and most relaxing way to experience Akagera National Park, and for many visitors its highlight. Ihema covers roughly 100 km², making it the largest lake lying entirely within Rwanda, and its shallow margins of papyrus and flooded woodland hold plenty of hippos and some enormous crocodiles, alongside a wealth of waterbirds. From a small boat at water level, you meet them in a way no game drive can match.
The park runs scheduled trips from the southern lakeshore at 7:30 am, 9 am and 3 pm, plus a sunset trip at 4:30 pm, each lasting about an hour. At the time of writing (September 2026), African Parks’ 2026–27 price list sets them at US$35 per adult (US$45 for the sunset trip) and US$20 or US$30 for children aged 6–12. A sunset trip is part of the second day of the 7-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Akagera Big Five Private Safari.
Akagera Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
We reserve your departure through park reception when we confirm your Akagera stay; the sunset trip is the first to fill.
You arrive at the lakeshore a little before departure, and the boat crew gives a short safety briefing before boarding.
The boat idles along the shoreline and papyrus edges, stopping for hippos, crocodiles and birds while your guide explains the lake’s ecology.
On the sunset trip you turn for home as the light fades, arriving back around dusk.
On another evening of your stay, a night drive shows you a different side of the park.
Akagera Boat Safari on Lake Ihema
Safaris
Kigali · Akagera National Park · Volcanoes National Park · Kigali International Airport
First-time visitors to Rwanda who want gorillas and a classic game drive in a single week
Kigali · Huye · Nyungwe National Park · Karongi (Kibuye) · Volcanoes National Park · Akagera National Park · Kigali International Airport
Primate enthusiasts, photographers and returning safari-goers who want the whole country rather than one park
Good to know
At the time of writing (September 2026), Akagera’s 2026–27 price list charges US$35 per adult for a scheduled trip and US$45 for the sunset trip, with children aged 6–12 at US$20 and US$30. Private boats are US$200 for up to 11 people or US$360 for up to 18. Park entry is charged separately.
The sunset trip has the best light and atmosphere, which is why it costs more and fills first. Early morning trips are cooler, the water is usually calmer and birds are active. With two nights in the park, you can try both.
Hippos and crocodiles are the lake’s signature animals and are found on most trips, often at close range, and waterbirds are plentiful along the papyrus. Elephants and buffalo sometimes come down to the shore to drink, but no sighting on a wildlife trip is ever certain.
Yes. It is short, seated and calm, and children aged 6–12 pay reduced rates. For families, a private boat is worth considering: you set the pace and can head back early if younger children get restless.
Experiences
Primates
Spend an hour among golden monkeys in the Virunga bamboo — a lively, gentler companion to your gorilla trek.
On foot
Climb through montane forest to Karisoke, where Dian Fossey studied mountain gorillas and now lies buried among them.
Adventure
Climb 3,711 m Mount Bisoke through bamboo and giant lobelias to a lake in the summit crater, right on the DRC border.
Share your dates, who is traveling and what you hope to see. We check permit availability first, then design a private Rwanda journey around it, and nothing is booked until you approve it.
Plan My Rwanda Safari