Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park

Lake Rwanyakazinga in Akagera National Park

Lake Rwanyakazinga is situated in the heart of Akagera National Park in the eastern region of Rwanda.  Akagera National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in eastern Rwanda on the border with Tanzania. It spans an area of about 1,200 square kilometers. Akagera National Park derives its name from the Kagera River that forms its eastern boundary. Akagera National Park’s ecosystem is intricately interconnected, with each habitat sustaining the overall biodiversity. The grasslands support the grazing and browsing herbivores. These subsequently attract predators to form a delicate balance of the predator-prey dynamic. The wetlands, lakes, and rivers are vital water sources for many wildlife species. These are breeding grounds for the aquatic wildlife species and attract migratory birds. Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah national park, hosting a variety of animals like Africa’s Big 5 and many others.

Lake Rwanyakazinga

Lake Rwanyakazinga is situated in the heart of Akagera National Park in the eastern region of Rwanda. The lake boasts as the second largest lake in Akagera National Park, seconding the famous Lake Ihema. Lake Rwanyakazinga is strategically located in the far northern region of the park, separate from Lake Ihema, and thus explored without competition. The lake’s incredible location in Akagera National Park makes it a perfect point for spotting wildlife. This is because Lake Rwanyakazinga is the main water source in the northern region of the park. Lake Rwanyakazinga does not stop providing water to the wildlife on the north side of Akagera National Park, it also houses several aquatic species, like Nile crocodiles and hippos, which can be encountered on the lake. Lake Rwanyakazinga offers incredible tourist activities if not experienced would seem unreal and some of these activities include the following.

Boat cruise

Visitors can go on a boat cruise experience where they can explore the treasures that Lake Rwanyakazinga hides. Since Lake Rwanyakazinga is located in the northern region of Akagera National Park, it is the main watering hole or point for most of the wildlife species. It is on this account that it attracts various wildlife species to its shores in addition to those it harbors already. These wildlife species can be encountered on a boat cruise experience on the lake. Some wildlife species spotted on the lake include hippos, crocodiles, elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, reedbucks, antelopes, zebras, giraffes, etc.

Birding

Lake Rwanyakazinga attracts various bird species that have harbored its premises for a while. This makes Lake Rwanyakazinga a formidable natural haven for various bird species. The lake houses both endemic bird species, which are the common residents, and the migratory birds, which are the seasonal visitors to the lake. Bird species to encounter on Lake Rwanyakazinga include booted eagle, western reef heron, red-faced barbet,  marsh owl, blue-shouldered robin chat, Squacco heron, crested barbet, African darter, white-winged swamp warbler, and African fish eagle to mention but a few.

Other lakes in Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park is not just rich in incredible wildlife species and flora, but it also has over 10 lakes that are scattered across its area mass, offering a wide range of activities to venture into.

Lake Ihema

This is the most popular lake in Akagera National Park. It is situated in the southern part of the park, close to the border with Tanzania. The lake is popular for hosting various wildlife species and birds. It is the number one place in Akagera National Park to enjoy an incredible boat cruise experience. Lake Ihema is the largest lake in Akagera National Park, stretching for over 90 square kilometers.

Lake Shakani

Best known for sport fishing in Akagera National Park, Lake Shakani is a haven for several fish species. Lake Shakani is part of the 10 lakes in Akagera National Park. More so, it is the safest lake for sport fishing, given it does not harbor dangerous marine animals like hippos and crocodiles.

Lake Birengero

Birengero is found in the northern part of Akagera National Park which covers part of the eastern province of Rwanda. The lake stands at an altitude of 1442 meters making it ranked among the shallow water bodies of Rwanda with several papyrus plantations that host several bird species.

What are some of the tourist activities in Akagera National Park?

With the many tourist attractions in Akagera National Park, several tourist activities accompany them to offer the best experience for any visitor to Akagera National Park. These activities include the following.

Game drive

Game viewing is the major tourist activity in the Akagera National Park, given it is the only savannah national park in the country. The park harbors over 1000 mammal species in its 1,122 square kilometers land mass. These species can be encountered on a game drive experience in the park. Game drives are conducted on safari vehicles as visitors extend close to the wildlife action in the park while being safe. Game drives are done in two sessions. One during the day and another at night. Night game dives provide opportunities to encounter nocturnal species. While on a game drive in Akagera National Park, be sure to encounter wildlife species like the Big 5, lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. Other animals include Bushbucks, impalas, antelopes, cheetahs, hyenas, warthogs, giraffes, zebras, and topics to mention but a few.

Birding

Birding in Akagera National Park is also a major tourist activity in the park, with over 500 bird species that it harbors. The park is vast, with various ecological systems that are scattered across the park. Akagera National Park has well-distributed birding trails. These guide visitors to incredible birding sites. Some of these bird species are buzzard, African jacana, crowned lapwing, gray heron, gray heron, short-tailed pipit, striped pipit, booted eagle, ring-necked francolin, northern puff back, greater painted snipe, giant kingfisher, pallid harrier, to mention but a few.                

Guided nature walks

Nature walks are one of the major tourist attractions in Akagera National Park. Visitors on guided nature walks get a chance to explore the park on foot. The park has a variety of flora and fauna species that visitors get to encounter close. The nature walks take about 2-3 hours with the help of an armed professional and experienced ranger who leads the visitors on this walk.