Lake Ihema is a beautiful lake in Rwanda just at the border with Tanzania. Lake Ihema lies within the marshland of the Kagera River that empties via a very short channel. Lake Ihema is the third largest lake in Rwanda after Lake Kivu and Lake Rweru. Lake Ihema is located in Kayonza district in the southern part of Akagera National Park that has a number of other lakes that make the park all the more beautiful. Lake Ihema is fed by the Kagera River, lying at an altitude of 1,292m.
Lake Ihema is rich in biodiversity including among others hippos and crocodiles. There are over 550bird species in the region which also make way to this beautiful park. Birds like the Papyrus Gonolek, jacana, herons, and plovers among others could be spotted in and around Lake Ihema.
Around Lake Ihema are large seasonal and perennial papyrus swamps and wetlands which play a very important role and are inhabitants to the protected animals in Akagera National Park. The wetlands and swamps, as well as Lake Ihema among other lakes in Akagera National Park not only provide permanent sources of water to the different animals in AKagera National Park but also are an important sanctuary to the various birds in Akagera National Park.
Like in other lakes in the park. Fishing on Lake Ihema is restricted given the royal decree of 1934 on creation and management of the national parks. A new policy however allows the catch and release that has travelers enjoying sport fishing in Lake Ihema under a very special permit.
Threats to Lake Ihema
Lake Ihema is a protected lake of Rwanda. In Akagera National Park. Though protected, it is still threatened by a number of factors. The main threat to Lake Ihema is water hyacinth that is in plenty in the whole area, threatening not only the biodiversity of the region but all else. The water hyacinth has degraded the water quality.
Given that Lake Ihema is in Akagera National Park, you need to get to Akagera National Park first to be able to explore and appreciate the beauty of the lake on a Lake Ihema boat ride. A Lake Ihema bot safari is about 2 hours long rewarding you with amazing sights of the park. Whilst on a boat safari on Lake Ihema, look out for wildlife at the shores say elephants, antelopes, zebras and so much more, including animals and birds like hippos and crocodiles, cattle egrets among so many others. Boat safaris on Lake Ihema are scheduled, that is a morning boat safari that takes place at 8am, and an afternoon boat safari that takes place at 2pm. At the shores animals come for a dip or drip especially in the afternoon hours.
Given that Lake Ihema is in Akagera National Park, travelers ought to pay park fees to access the park. Akagera National park entrance fees alone are 100USD per person for a 1 day visit of the park. This only gives you access to the park for 1 day, for a 2 day visit it is 150USD per person and it is 200USD per person for 3 days of visiting Akagera National Park. Apart from paying the Kagera National Park entrance fees, one ought to pay for the boat ride on Lake Ihema which is 45USD per person.
Apart from a boat ride on Lake Ihema, there are a number of other things to do around the lake including game drives in Akagera National Park to see the different animals in the park including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, among so many others. other things to do include nature walks that have you enjoying the scenic views of the park and Lake Ihema, bird watching, among so many others.
Lake Ihema National Park is not the only attraction around but also the animals in Akagera National Park, birds in Akagera National Park, lakes in Akagera National Park, and so much more.
Get in touch with a reputable tour operator to help you pitch an amazing tour and visit of Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park, to get to appreciate the amazing beauty and attraction on Lake Ihema and beyond just that. A typical 2 or 3 Days Kagera National Park safari is a fitting Rwanda safari tour to embark on for a chance to explore Lake Ihema.
