Lake Ihema- Travel Tips

What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Lake Ihema, located in the southern part of Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda, is the park's largest lake, covering an area of about 90 square kilometers. Fed by the Akagera River, it sits at an altitude of 1,292 meters and has varying depths from 5 to 7 meters depending on the season. The lake is a biodiversity hotspot, home to hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and over 550 species of birds, including rare ones like the Shoebill and the Papyrus Gonolek. Surrounded by vast papyrus swamps, it plays a crucial role in supporting the park's wildlife, providing water to large mammals and serving as a sanctuary for water birds.