Awestruck by the Hidden Gems of Lake Muhazi
When I left Vox Wagen Campsite, I revved the throttle and followed a scenic trail slashing through the shoreline. On one side, the lake shimmered in the sunlight, more striking than ever. On the other side, farms and scattered homesteads painted a familiar picture of rural Rwanda—the kind of scene I am obsessed with. As the path narrowed even further, I had to pull my attention away from the stunning landscape and lock in on the track ahead.
The trail hummed beneath my tires as I navigated the off-the-beaten-path. At some point, I had to slow down because a few cows were crossing the trail at their own pace. Everything seemed to move at its own rhythm—unbothered and stress-free.
A few minutes later, I spotted kids playing soccer. I pulled over and spent some time watching them chasing a weathered ball with fierce determination and carefree joy. The hotly-contested game was taking place on an uneven and unmarked pitch, with improvised goalposts. There was no trophy to be won, but winning meant everything.
As the path narrowed even further, I had to pull my attention away from the stunning landscape and lock in on the track ahead.
Eventually, I made my way to The Fish Pub. The rustic gem is perched on the Duha side of the lake. I occupied a table placed on a deck that juts out over the water, creating the illusion of a floating restaurant. This setting is calming and surreal, blurring the lines between land and water, reality and reverie.
There was something deeply satisfying about savoring a fresh tilapia, knowing it was caught from the lake beneath your feet. Each bite carried a deep sense of connection, as if the lake itself offered me a gift. It was not just a meal; it was a moment where nature and nourishment met, right where the water kisses the land.
After lunch, I headed to Muhazi Water Sport, not sure what to expect. I definitely wasn’t expecting a giraffe. But there it was—a massive giraffe structure standing on the edge of the lake. During the tour of the facility, the owner casually mentioned, “We’re building a cozy room inside the giraffe.” I thought he was joking, but he was dead serious. People out here are getting creative. Well, as mentioned above, it's a giraffe structure, not a live one. Nevertheless, sleeping in its belly will have a chilling effect, but that's the beauty of it.
Eventually, I made my way to The Fish Pub. The rustic gem is perched on the Duha side of the lake.
Plans are currently in motion to give Muhazi Water Sport a significant facelift, transforming it into a vibrant hub of aquatic adventure. The ambitious upgrade will introduce a diverse array of water sports and recreational facilities. This long-anticipated transformation will not only revitalize the establishment but also ensure that Muhazi Water Sport truly lives up to its name.
With the giraffe still looming in my rearview mirror, I kept spinning my wheels, pushing deeper into the tail end of the enchanting off-shoot. This ride gave me a glimpse into the future—luxury resorts and lavish residences sprouting up, and construction crews hammering down someone’s next big idea. The whole area is changing fast, and if you blink, you’ll miss something. One minute you’re dodging cow dung, the next you’re riding past a driveway that looks like it leads to Villa La Cassinella.
As the sun began its slow descent over Lake Muhazi, I realized this ride had been more than just a muddy trail adventure—it was a front-row seat to a zone in transition. Between the barefoot soccer players, grilled tilapia on a floating deck, and ambitious dreams taking shape, I’d caught a snapshot of the destination that balances its humble past with a bold, prosperous future.
After lunch, I headed to Muhazi Water Sport, not sure what to expect. I definitely wasn’t expecting a giraffe. But there it was—a massive giraffe structure standing on the edge of the lake.