Salt Resorts

Summary

The Life on Lake Ihema experience is a 1-hour boat cruise across Lake Ihema, the park's second-largest lake, where guests can see hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and a variety of birdlife. The cruise passes papyrus wetlands, islands and hidden inlets, with early morning or sunset options available. Booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended, and cancellations made more than 24 hours before the experience receive a full refund.

Key Facts

  • The boat cruise on Lake Ihema lasts 1 hour.
  • Lake Ihema is the park's second-largest lake.
  • Booking at least 24 hours in advance is recommended to ensure availability.
  • Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the experience receive a full refund.
  • Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
  • The reservations phone number is +250 785 201 206.
  • The reservations email is reservations@saltofakagera.com.
  • For SALT of Akagera, as from 01.07.2026, prepaid reservations can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to 7 days prior to arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wildlife might I see?

Keep your eyes on the shoreline for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, from African fish eagles to colourful kingfishers and elegant herons.

Can I book a private boat cruise?

Absolutely. Private boat cruises can be arranged for couples, families or anyone looking for a more intimate experience.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and don't forget your sunglasses, camera and binoculars.

What time is best for the boat ride?

Sunrise offers peaceful wildlife encounters, while sunset bathes Lake Ihema in golden light - perfect for photography and unforgettable views.

Related Entities

Companies
SALT of Akagera, SALT of Palmar
Products
Life on Lake Ihema, Cook with SALT, Root to Table, The Rhythm of the Wild, Royal Balloon, Walk the Line, Beyond the Gate, Little Farmer, The Good Bake, Boma Nights, Fireside Flavours, Stir & Sip
Locations
Lake Ihema, Akagera National Park, Rwanda
AI-generated image - Boat ride among hippos at sunset.

Life on Lake Ihema

Adventure

Cruise across Lake Ihema, the park's second-largest lake, where hippos wallow, crocodiles bask along the shoreline and an extraordinary variety of birds thrive in their natural habitat.

Duration

1 hour

About the experience

Cruise along the shores of Lake Ihema.

Drift past papyrus wetlands, islands and hidden inlets while your guide shares fascinating insights into the lake's wildlife and rich birdlife. Choose an early morning cruise or unwind with a sunset experience.

Set sail

Meet your guide and glide onto the calm waters of Lake Ihema, where a different side of Akagera begins to unfold.

Life on the water

Drift past hippos, Nile crocodiles and an extraordinary variety of birds.

A different perspective

Slow down and take in uninterrupted views of the shoreline, where animals gather to drink and the savannah meets the water's edge.

Golden hour

Choose sunrise for the quiet beauty of a new day or sunset to watch Lake Ihema glow beneath the changing colours of the Akagera sky.

Details & Conditions

Things to keep in mind.

  • We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability.
  • Packages are non-exchangeable and non-transferable.
  • Some experiences are weather dependent. Should an activity be cancelled due to weather conditions, the affected inclusion will be fully refunded.
  • Cancellations made more than 24 hours before your experience will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
  • Experiences, inclusions and rates may change without prior notice.

Reservations

Get in touch.

Speak with our team about prices, conditions or planning your experience.

Phone number
+250 785 201 206
Email
reservations@saltofakagera.com

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What wildlife might I see?

Keep your eyes on the shoreline for hippos, Nile crocodiles, elephants and an extraordinary variety of birdlife, from African fish eagles to colourful kingfishers and elegant herons.

2. Can I book a private boat cruise?

Absolutely. Private boat cruises can be arranged for couples, families or anyone looking for a more intimate experience.

3. What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and don't forget your sunglasses, camera and binoculars.

4. What time is best for the boat ride?

Sunrise offers peaceful wildlife encounters, while sunset bathes Lake Ihema in golden light - perfect for photography and unforgettable views.

Free Cancellation

  1. The sales conditions for the reserved rate or package specify the terms for cancelling and/or changing the reservation.

  2. For property SALT of Palmar:
    - As from 01.04.2026: Prepaid reservations can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to 14 days prior to arrival; thereafter 100% of stay charged; No-Show: 100% of stay charged.
    For property SALT of Akagera:
    - As from 01.07.2026: Prepaid reservations can be changed or cancelled free of charge up to 7 days prior to arrival; thereafter 100% of stay charged; No-Show: 100% of stay charged.

  3. When the sales conditions for the reserved rate or package allow:
    - The reservation can be cancelled via the “Contact Us” section on www.saltresorts.com website or by contacting Customer Services on the contact details stated above in Article 9 in Terms and Conditions.
    - Changes to the reservation can be made with Customer Services, whose contact details are stated on the reservation confirmation sent by email and in Article 9 above.

  4. In the event that the stay is interrupted, the agreed price will be paid in full. No reimbursement will be given for a prepaid reservation.

  5. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the customer must vacate the room before 12 p.m. on the last day of the reservation, unless otherwise stated in the rate conditions booked. Failure to do so shall result in the customer being billed for an extra night.
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930123456789101112