BEST TIME TO VISIT RWANDA

Best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry season between the months of December, January and February and June, July and August. During this time, there is less rain giving you the best time to travel around and enjoy this beautiful country.

Situated just beneath the equator in the African Great Lakes region, Rwanda has two dry seasons and two wet seasons. Rwanda can be visited during both seasons throughout the year  and you can enjoy the best of it all throughout. However, you’ll find that the best time to visit Rwanda is during the longer of the dry seasons, from June to September and October then brings a short rainy season, followed by a short dry season from December to February. The longer rainy season runs from March to May.

Over that period, the rain can be heavy and may make visiting some areas a little unpleasant. Kigali and central Rwanda’s temperature stays fairly stable throughout the year. The temperatures in the north and west tend to be lower than in the east.

One of Rwanda’s main draws is the opportunity to go gorilla trekking but there are also other reasons to head to this lush central African country. There are three national parks to explore and a large wildlife population, as well as burgeoning tea and coffee industries.

For many travelers, the main reason for visiting Rwanda is understandably, the chance to see gorillas. And while it is possible to go gorilla trekking throughout the year, the best possible times are during the dry patch from mid-December to the beginning of February, and over the longer dry season from June to September.

Drier weather means a lower risk of contracting malaria, as well as easier hiking through the forest terrain, which can be muddy and treacherous in wet weather. Because Rwanda is so close to the equator, it is wise to pack waterproof gear even during the dry months, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Best time to visit Rwanda for Gorilla trekking experience

Best time to visit Rwanda for gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, which typically occur from June to August and from December to February. These months offer more stable weather conditions, making trekking through the dense forest habitats of Volcanoes National Park more manageable and enjoyable.

Here are some factors to consider when planning your gorilla trekking trip in Rwanda:

Weather

During the dry seasons, there is less rainfall, resulting in clearer skies and drier trail conditions. This makes hiking through the forest easier and reduces the risk of muddy and slippery trails, enhancing the overall trekking experience.

Gorilla Behavior

Mountain gorillas tend to stay at lower elevations during the dry seasons, making them easier to track and observe. With less dense foliage, spotting and observing gorillas can be more straightforward, allowing for better photographic opportunities.

Accessibility

Roads leading to Volcanoes National Park may be more passable during the dry seasons, reducing the risk of delays or cancellations due to poor road conditions.

Availability of Permits

Gorilla trekking permits are in high demand throughout the year, but availability may be slightly better during the low tourist seasons, which coincide with the rainy seasons. However, trekking during the dry seasons is still recommended for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Peak Tourist Season

The dry seasons also coincide with the peak tourist season in Rwanda, especially from June to August. While this means more visitors and potentially higher accommodation and permit prices, it also offers a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to connect with fellow travelers.

Ultimately, the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda depends on your preferences, schedule, and tolerance for weather conditions. Whether you choose to visit during the dry season for optimal trekking conditions or during the wet season for potentially fewer crowds and lower prices, encountering these magnificent primates in their natural habitat on Gorilla trek tour is an unforgettable experience.

Rwanda has more than Gorillas

Gorillas aren’t the only attraction: you can also go chimpanzee trekking. The best time for that, if you’re visiting Nyungwe National Park, is during the rainier parts of the year – the middle of February to the beginning of June, and the middle of September to the middle of December.

During these periods, it’s easier for guides to find the animals. In the drier seasons, the chimpanzees tend to venture further into the denser parts of the forests to find food, and so it’s not as easy to locate them.

Wildlife to see in the best time to visit Rwanda

Best time to visit Rwanda rewards a diverse range of wildlife beyond the iconic mountain gorillas. Here are some of the other animals you can encounter in Rwanda’s national parks and reserves:

Chimpanzees: Rwanda is one of the few places in Africa where you can track habituated chimpanzees. Nyungwe Forest National Park, in particular, is known for its population of chimpanzees, offering visitors the chance to trek through dense forest habitats to observe these fascinating primates.

Golden Monkeys: Found in the bamboo forests of the Volcanoes National Park, golden monkeys are another primate species that visitors to Rwanda can encounter. These striking monkeys are known for their golden-orange fur and playful behavior.

Elephants: Akagera National Park is Rwanda’s primary destination for seeing elephants in the wild. The park is home to a growing population of elephants, which can be observed roaming the savannas and woodlands alongside other iconic African wildlife.

Lions: Lions were reintroduced to Akagera National Park in recent years, marking their return to Rwanda after being absent for over two decades. Today, visitors to Akagera have the opportunity to see these majestic predators in their natural habitat.

Leopards: While more elusive than lions, leopards also inhabit Akagera National Park. Although sightings are less common, the park’s dense woodlands and riverine habitats provide suitable habitat for these elusive big cats.

Buffaloes: Akagera National Park is also home to large herds of African buffalo, which can often be spotted grazing in the park’s grasslands and marshes.

Antelopes and Other Ungulates: Rwanda’s national parks are home to a variety of antelope species, including impalas, topis, bushbucks, waterbucks, and elands. These graceful herbivores can be seen grazing on the savannas and grasslands of Akagera National Park.

Hippos and Crocodiles: Akagera National Park’s lakes and rivers are inhabited by large populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles. Boat safaris along the park’s waterways offer excellent opportunities to see these aquatic creatures up close.

Birdlife: Rwanda boasts an impressive diversity of bird species, with over 700 recorded species. Nyungwe Forest National Park and Akagera National Park are both excellent destinations for birdwatching, offering opportunities to see a wide range of forest, wetland, and savanna bird species.