Earlier today, I found myself out on Lake Muhazi in a kayak for the first time in a while. A few minutes into the experience, I was already asking myself why I do not do this more often.
Kayaking looks simple from a distance until you actually get into the water. Then suddenly your arms, balance, coordination, and concentration all become part of the experience. At first, I struggled to move in a straight line. One side of the kayak seemed more cooperative than the other. But somewhere between the splashing, adjusting, and occasional unnecessary turns, the whole thing became incredibly fun.
At some point, I stopped thinking about technique and simply enjoyed being on the lake.
What fascinated me most was how peaceful the experience felt. No loud engine noise. No smoke. Just the sound of water responding to each paddle stroke and the quiet atmosphere around the lake. It reminded me that some of the healthiest activities are also the gentlest on the environment.
And honestly, it fits the atmosphere at UMVA Muhazi.
The first thing I noticed upon arrival was an electric vehicle charging station at the parking area. Later, while taking a break from kayaking and watching the sun slowly descend toward the horizon, I found myself sitting inside the resort’s newly unveiled fully electric boat.
At first, I thought it was simply another luxury addition to the property. But during a conversation later in the evening, I learned something interesting: UMVA Muhazi had deliberately avoided introducing boats on the lake because of environmental concerns surrounding fuel-powered vessels. They waited until they found an electric alternative that aligned with the resort’s philosophy.
That changed the way I looked at the boat entirely.
Shortly after sunset, just when I thought my experience on the lake was over, I was invited for a ride. The atmosphere had shifted by then. The lake was calmer, the light softer, and the noise from the shore fading away. As the electric boat quietly glided across the water, I realized how different the experience felt from the loud, fuel-powered boats common on many lakes.
It was one of those unexpected travel moments that quietly stay with you.
Lake Muhazi has never struck me as a place that demands chaos or excess. The lake naturally invites slower experiences. Reflection. Conversation. Silence. Gentle movement. Both kayaking and the electric boat somehow blended perfectly into that rhythm.
By the time I finally stepped away from the water, my arms were slightly tired, my mind felt lighter, and I had gained a fresh appreciation for experiences that allow people to enjoy nature without overwhelming it.