Located on the Eastern frontier of Rwanda, Lake Ihema lies within the region of Kagera River (a tributary to the lake). It also lies at the border of Rwanda with Tanzania. It spans over 40 square miles and this makes it the second largest lake in Rwanda, after Lake Kivu. It lies within the Kayonza district in Akagera National Park’s southern part.
The park has several other lakes but Lake Ihema is the largest therein. The lake has been threatened by water hyacinth which shells off the water from sunlight therefore affecting the water’s quality and general water temperature.
There are over 550 bird species that pool around Lake Ihema. There’s no doubt that most of these birds are water birds that come seeking food and some breed close to the shores. Some of these are most visible in the swamp areas on the papyrus around some lakesides.
The herons are always visible in the shallow areas sketching for the aquatic food, shoebills, and Marabou stork. The fish eagles, kites, hawks, jacanas, and sparrows are also common on the top of the water as they aim to pick the fish close to the water surface. There are also other numerous bird species around the lake.
Since the lake is situated in Akagera National Park, it’s common to find that many animals can be seen grazing and drinking from the lake. Some of these are the antelopes, zebras, giraffes, elephants, hippopotamuses, and buffalos, among many others. Willing tourists can come with their binoculars to have a closed-in look at the birds at a further distance.
The water on Lake Ihema is generally calm, and because of this, boat cruising is an activity on the lake. It becomes more interesting during the sunny weather as the tourists view the hundreds of birds flying over the Lake’s waters. Additionally, the tourists enjoy the scenery of the far lands, and the animals grazing and quenching their thirst on the cold lake water. The shallow areas of the lake also have a high number of hippopotamuses that swim with their foreheads visible on top of the water. The cruises start taking place from 8 AM till late in the afternoon.
As noted, there are over 550 bird species along Lake Ihema. It is an attraction site for the birds which are visible on top of the water fishing, and some on the shores similarly finding any food they can access.
This is common too. The tourists are allowed to do some mild sport fishing and at the end of the exercise, they are awarded a fishing certificate and take with them a fish. There are types of fish available like the tilapia which is the commonest and the Nile perch. There are also other smaller fish species like the mudfish and catfish.
As the tourists are doing so, they also interact with the fishermen who share their fishing experiences on the water and also tell the tourists stories of the lake. The tourist is advised to carry their fishing gear, or rather hire from the park headquarters at a fee.
The dry seasons of Rwanda are the best time to visit Lake Ihema. There are two such seasons in a year with one starting in July and ending in September, whereas the second one starts in December and ends in February. Therefore, the sunshine that comes with these seasons is so important in adding the flare of the beauty of the water and all that surrounds it.
