Lake Muhazi
A long winding lake east of Kigali with resorts along the shore, an easy weekend escape from the capital.
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Muhazi is a narrow lake that snakes for some sixty kilometres through the eastern hills, rarely more than a couple of kilometres wide and often much less, with fingers running up the valleys. It is the closest lake to Kigali and a string of waterside places have opened along it, serving grilled tilapia on terraces over the water. Boats run out on the lake and birdlife along the reedy edges is good.
What you actually see
- The winding shape - a narrow lake threading for sixty kilometres between hills.
- The lakeside terraces - restaurants and resorts serving grilled tilapia over the water.
- The birdlife - kingfishers, herons and weavers along the reed margins.
- The boat trips - runs out onto the lake from the resorts.
When to go
June to September and December to February are the drier windows. Weekends bring Kigali crowds to the resorts. The rains keep the hills green but make some shore roads difficult.
Honest expectations
Bilharzia is present and swimming is not advisable. Resort standards vary considerably. There is little to do beyond eat, sit and take a boat out.
Nearby
Kigali is west, and Akagera National Park is east.
What to pack for Lake Muhazi
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
