Lake Muhazi

Had an absolutely wonderful day today.

After Gisozi yesterday, I decided it was time to show Dan how truly beautiful Rwanda is. We called up Pierre and decided to head out of town for the day to Lake Muhazi. I had originally planned Jambo Beach near Gahini as that's the only place I really knew, but instead Pierre took us out to this incredible, secluded paradise.

It was my first time out of Kigali since getting back in May, and I was more than ready for an adventure. We stopped off at Nyabugogo to get Dan's ticket for Kampala, then drove back towards Kisimenti, my old stomping ground.

At 0:49 on the right you can see where the old VSO office used to be when I was here from 2007-09. Fond memories.

Man sitting on top of lorry.
Health & Safety be damned!

Poorer Houses in Kigali.

Road towards Kanombe.
Turn left for Muhazi and the East.

The Open Road

Fish Farm

Banana Trees

Eventually we pulled off-road for about half an hour, heading for the lake.

We turned a corner and heard the strangest cacophony of sound. We weren't sure whether it was frogs or birds - then we looked up. Bats! A whole tree of bats.

At the very end of the road was a small grass carpark and an incredibly lovely hotel right on the water's edge. 

We ordered food and threw ourselves in the lake for a swim. I had forgotten how utterly beautiful Lake Muhazi is, and this place was much quieter and even more green than Jambo Beach. Floating on my back, watching the black and white Kingfishers fly overhead - heaven. 

Then a guy in a wooden paddle boat came over and we decided to take a trip to the opposite shore.

The Opposite Shore

We almost did a Jack Sparrow on the way back as the boat was leaking a little!

But we made it safe and sound and tucked into a plate of chicken and chips.

I can now officially say that I've driven in Rwanda! Not just driven, but driven a swanky 4x4 for the first time, off road in the dark, dodging children, bicycles, motos and goats! It was a lot of fun and a real test of skill as the roads are pretty bumpy. 

The next morning Damascene gave the car a wash. I'm going to miss it when Jo gets back, but still haven't built up the courage to drive in town yet. A perfect day.