Lakes in Akagera National Park offer a unique and distinctive aspect of this park, unlike most wildlife destinations in the region. Exploring Akagera National Park is not limited to the wildlife but also includes natural features like lakes. Attractions, unless they are unique, don’t handle much water like the other species of fauna. However, Akagera National Park begs to differ as it puts its overwhelming waterbodies up for exploration.
What most see as only constant sources of water, Akagera National Park sees these lakes as opportunities for adventure. This is merely because each of the lakes in Akagera National Park tells a unique story from its formation to its significance to the park. This is why what lies on the surface is not basically what the inner surface entails. This is simply to affirm that don’t judge the park by only the numerous wildlife and bird species it harbors, but also the physical features.
Positioning of the lakes in Akagera National Park
It is important to note that the lakes in the park form a perfect formation that the park depends on for survival. This is short to say these lakes in Akagera are strategically located in different parts of the park. The position of these lakes assures a constant supply of water throughout the entire park.
This reduces congestion of wildlife that can be the case if these lakes were concentrated in one area of the park. This congestion can, in the long run, cause an imbalance in the ecological system of the park. This is where one part of the park is over-grazed due to overpopulation, but these wildlife species. Therefore, credit should be given to the lakes in Akagera National Park that have not just been a lifeline to the park but also helped to balance the ecological systems in the park.
Lakes in Akagera National Park
From north to south, east to west, the lakes in this park have continued to rise significant presence by the numbers they attract for exploration. Akagera National Park has over 10 independent lakes across its vast territory. Some of these lakes include the following.
Lake Ihema
Known as the face of all the lakes in Akagera, Lake Ihema is one of the most highly sought-after for exploration. Lake Ihema sits in the southern region of the park, forming a natural barrier on the border with Tanzania. Mentioning the lakes in this park, Lake Ihema always takes first place, and basically, this is attributed to its huge size.
Lake Ihema is the biggest lake in Akagera National Park, and it’s the predominant water source of the park. It ensures a constant distribution of water for the numerous wildlife species in this region of the park. Lake Ihema is the major drainage channel for the southern region of Akagera. In addition to being a major source of water, Lake Ihema also hosts a variety of wildlife and bird species.
Covering over 90-100 square kilometers, this lake hosts the largest concentration of aquatic life in Akagera National Park. This aquatic life includes species like hippos, Nile crocodiles, and monitor lizards. The shores of the lake also have a thriving population of bird species that nest across the lake. There is also a huge population of fish species that operate in the deep state. This alone shows the significance of this lake.
Lake Shakani
Just above Lake Ihema in the southern region of Akagera sits Lake Shakani. With no major aquatic wildlife species, including hippos and crocodiles, hosted here, it is shadowed. This is mainly because Lake Shakani is relative very swallow compared to other lakes in the park. However, what it lacks in size, Lake Shakani makes up for in adventure. This lake is very popular for sport fishing, and it is the only lake in the whole of Rwanda offering this activity.
Lake Rwanyankazinga
Lake Rwanyankazinga is the second largest lake in Akagera National Park after Lake Ihema. It covers a distance of about 20 square kilometers. Its positioning in the northern region means that the park’s northern region is well drained with a constant water source. Rwanyankazinga offers unique scenic views of the vast ecosystems of the park and the wildlife species. This lake is home to various hippos and crocodiles.
Lake Hago
Found on an open savannah plain dotted with other smaller lakes, Lake Hago is another lake in Akagera National Park. Far from any visitor’s expectations, Lake Hago attracts a variety of wildlife. It is located in the eastern region of the park, often visited by zebras, topis, giraffes, and elephants, among others.
Lake Mihindi
Lake Mihindi is also situated in the eastern region of Akagera National Park. This lake forms a continuation of the small dotted lakes in this park. Lake Mihindi hosts a relatively large population of hippos that are visibly spotted.
There are other lakes located in Akagera National Park that raise the total number of all the lakes in the park to 10. These lakes include the following:
- Lake Birengero
- Lake Gishanju
- Lake Kivumba
- Lake Murambya
- Lake Murambi
Briefly about Akagera National Park
The eastern region of Rwanda, on the border with Tanzania, Akagera National Park lies like a sleeping giant. Voted among the best destinations to visit in the world by National Geographic, Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s only savannah destination. This park stretches across the Kibungu district, covering a distance of over 1,122 square kilometers. It is a popular destination hosting various wildlife species like the Big Five, other animals like hyenas, antelopes, giraffes, olive baboons, and warthogs, among others. The bird species in the park are numerous, including papyrus gonoleks, African fish eagles, herons, Malachite kingfishers, and African jacanas, among others.