Boat Safaris in Rwanda (Lake Kivu)
Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Rwanda is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and most importantly the endangered population of Mountain Gorillas that inhabits its Volcanoes National Park. Although less popular than other safari activities in Rwanda, Boat Safaris in Rwanda is one of the activities that Rwanda offers to its visitors. The captivating Boat Safaris in Rwanda/Boat Cruise in Rwanda takes you to some of Rwanda’s unique water bodies for remarkable adventure experiences. Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s Great Lakes – located between the border of D.R Congo and Rwanda – a great destination for boat safaris in Rwanda/Boat cruise safaris in Rwanda.
This vast, picturesque body of water offers a tranquil escape into nature, combining the thrill of wildlife sightings with the peaceful serenity of the water during the Rwanda safari holiday tour. Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or anyone seeking a unique African safari experience in Rwanda, combining your Rwanda safari holiday/Gorilla trekking/Chimpanzee tracking/golden monkey tracking/Wildlife safari with a boat safari on Lake Kivu is an unforgettable adventure. Besides Lake Kivu, Rwanda also has other top safari lakes where you can experience boat safaris in Rwanda/Boat cruise safaris such as Lake Ihema located in Akagera National Park.
Where to go for a boat Safari in Rwanda/Boat Cruise in Rwanda?
Lake Kivu
Lake Kivu, one of the largest lakes in Africa, spanning over 2,700 square kilometers between the Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo borders. The Lake Kivu is bordered by steep, lush hills and dotted with small islands, that give a stunning backdrop for boat safaris and photography in Rwanda. This lake is not only important for its size and beauty but also for its unique geological and environmental features that are worth exploring on a Rwanda safari Holiday Tour or Rwanda Safari. The lake’s stunning sceneries, rich in natural minerals, with calm waters create an idyllic setting for leisurely boat rides/Boat Safaris during safaris in Rwanda/Rwanda Holiday Safaris.
The surrounding landscape of Lake Kivu is a vibrant tapestry of green hills, forests, and fishing villages, creating an atmosphere of peaceful isolation – a must experience while on your Rwanda safari tour/Rwanda Holiday Safari, especially for honeymooners. Boat safaris in Rwanda’s Lake Kivu offer an authentic and intimate experience that allows you to experience natural beauty of Rwanda, learn its rich culture, and history. Explore Rwanda’s Lake Kivu, embark on a scheduled boat trip, and enjoy sailing through this great African Lake while taking in its breathtaking beauty, and diverse wildlife.
What you’ll see during boat safaris on Lake Kivu: Wildlife and Birdwatching on Lake Kivu
Despite not being a top wildlife safari destination in Rwanda, one of the major draws of a boat safari on Lake Kivu is the opportunity to observe the incredible variety of wildlife that calls the lake and its shores home. The waters of Lake Kivu teem with incredible diversity of aquatic life, and the surrounding wetlands boast large population of bird species. Safaris to Lake Kivu guarantee opportunities to witness a variety of species as you sail over its crystal clear waters.
You’ll enjoy bird watching and wildlife viewing as you sail over this iconic lake; spot species like the white-breasted cormorant, black herons, blue herons, Malachite kingfishers, and Pied kingfishers among others. Many travelers from all over the world visit this iconic Lake for photography opportunities.
addition to the birds, you’ll also encounter schools of hippos and crocodiles in the lake water or at the shores during your Boat Safari. This lake is home to a wide variety of fish, including tilapia, which is commonly caught by local fishermen.
Lake Ihema
Nestled within the Akagera National Park in Rwanda, Lake Ihema is one of the Rwanda’s most scenic and ecologically significant lakes – a perfect site for Boat Safaris in Rwanda. Lake Ihema offers a tranquil and captivating experience for visitors seeking to explore the country’s diverse ecosystems especially those traveling to Rwanda’s Akagre National Park for Rwanda Wildlife Safaris (Big Five Safaris in Rwanda). While Rwanda is best known for its massive population of endangered mountain gorillas and lush highlands, Lake Ihema offers a different but equally enchanting side of the country – where you get an opportunity to enjoy a boat cruise safari in Rwanda and witness a number of birdlife and wildlife. Since it is located within a National Park, Lake Ihema is a hot spot for various wildlife species that inhabit its diverse wetlands.
The boat excursions provide an opportunity to get up close to the hippos and crocodiles, while also allowing guests to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. A boat safari on Lake Ihema is a tranquil and immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with nature in one of Rwanda’s most pristine locations.
Rwanda Boat Safari schedule
First trip starts at 7:30 am and ends by 8:30 am
Second trip starts at 9:00 am and ends by 10:00 am
Third trip starts by 3:00 pm and ends by 4:00 pm
The last trip starts at 4:30pm and ends by 6:00 pm