You’ve Never Been on Safari Like This
Step aboard and witness Akagera’s beauty from a new perspective, where every ripple on Lake Ihema tells a story, and every turn reveals a breathtaking encounter. This isn’t just a boat ride, it’s an invitation to experience Akagera’s wild heart in the most intimate way possible.
Imagine the first golden rays of sunlight dancing across Lake Ihema, the air alive with the calls of African fish eagles, and the gentle sway of your boat as you glide past a family of elephants bathing at the shoreline. In Akagera National Park, boat safaris offer a front-row seat to nature’s untamed theatre, an experience unlike any other.
Akagera National Park is a living tapestry of savannahs, wetlands, and shimmering lakes. While traditional game drives bring thrilling land encounters, exploring from the water unveils a whole new side of the park’s magic.
Glide across Lake Ihema, Rwanda’s second largest lake, and witness unforgettable scenes: hippos surfacing with a grunt, crocodiles slipping silently into the depths, and buffalo herds gathering at the water’s edge.
Boat trips depart at different times, each offering its own magic:
For a more exclusive experience, private boat trips can be arranged between 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM, letting you set your own pace and savour every moment.
From the comfort of the boat, you’ll have unparalleled access to wildlife that often stays hidden on land. Hippos, those comical yet formidable giants, wallow in groups, their ears twitching as they keep a watchful eye on your approach. Nile crocodiles, looking like relics from another time, sunbathe on the banks before vanishing beneath the water with barely a ripple. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a Waterbuck, the large antelope species, its sturdy frame half-hidden in the papyrus. A rare and magical sight.
The lake is also a paradise for bird lovers, with over 100 species flitting through the reeds. The piercing call of a fish eagle, the flash of a malachite kingfisher’s wings, and the rhythmic swoop of herons create a symphony of sound and motion.
There’s a serenity to being on the water that land-based safaris can’t match. Without the rumble of an engine, animals behave as if you’re not even there, offering glimpses into their daily lives that feel almost privileged. The light on the lake shifts with the time of day, turning the water into a mirror for the sky and the surrounding landscape – a photographer’s dream.Â
After a day on the water, retreat to Mantis Akagera Game Lodge, where luxury and wilderness blend seamlessly. Sip a sundowner by the pool as the sun dips below the horizon, or gather around the fire pit to share stories under a blanket of stars. With spacious rooms offering panoramic views of the savannah, it’s the perfect place to unwind and relive the day’s adventures.
A boat safari in Akagera is more than just an activity, it’s a chance to connect with nature in a way few ever do. Whether you choose the crisp freshness of dawn, the golden glow of afternoon, or the dramatic hues of sunset, every moment on the water is a memory in the making.
Book your Akagera adventure today and discover the park from a whole new perspective. Stay at Mantis Akagera Game Lodge for an experience as wild as it is wonderful.
