The greatest time to travel to Rwanda is during the well-known dry season, which runs from June to September. This time of year is ideal for gorilla trekking because there is frequently little cloud cover. It also has the lowest malaria risk and the best hiking conditions.
Outside of these seasons, you can travel to Rwanda and hike to observe the mountain gorillas, but be prepared for the possibility of increased difficulty owing to muddy, steep, and rainy hiking pathways. Since you will be trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s lush jungles, trackers should be in reasonably good condition and fitness before starting their journey.
Traveling to Rwanda: A Month-by-Month Visit
January and February trip to Rwanda
High and medium altitude areas, including Kigali, Lake Kivu, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe National Park, experience hot days and chilly nights in January and February. Akagera National Park and other low-lying areas experience scorching days and pleasant evenings.
This is the ideal time to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this stunning country and a fantastic and rewarding time to go on a Rwanda safari. The pleasant weather makes for amazing hikes in the trees. Those who intend to travel to Rwanda during this dry season should be aware that costs are typically higher and that advance planning is necessary for your safari.
From March to May, travel to Rwanda.
The month of March marks the beginning of the rainy season, which lasts until the middle of May. You can still journey in quest of the primates that call this ethereal rain forest home, even in the event of rainy weather. To brave the damp woodland areas during this time, one needs high-quality rain gear.
The Ideal Time to Travel to Rwanda
The Gorilla
April is similar to May in that it is rainy. It’s helpful to know that trekking in the Virunga might be challenging during this time of year while choosing destinations in Rwanda.By mid-May, the rain normally starts to lessen. There are less tourists during this period, and you have a better chance of obtaining a last-minute gorilla trekking permit. Because it is the breeding season and the skies are full of color, this is the greatest month to see birds.
Traveling to Rwanda between June and September
The driest months of the year and the ideal times to travel to Rwanda are June through September. This time of year is ideal for gorilla trekking because there is frequently little cloud cover. It’s interesting to note that Rwanda celebrates the Kwita Izina Ceremony every year in June. The Rwanda Film Festival’s September showcase features both local and international filmmakers, making it a festival to remember.
Traveling to Rwanda between October and December
It may be a brief rainy season if you intend to travel to Rwanda between October and December. During these months, there are often brief rains that pass to reveal blue skies. Additionally, it can benefit from cheaper rates for hotels, Rwanda lodges, and gorilla trekking permits.
Complete Guide to Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) is one of the most celebrated wildlife destinations in Africa. Set in the Virunga Mountains on Rwanda’s northwestern border with Uganda and the DRC, the park protects a significant population of mountain gorillas across 13 habituated gorilla families, each visited by a maximum of 8 tourists per day.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. While more expensive than Uganda, Rwanda offers significant advantages: closer proximity to Kigali (approximately 2.5 hours by road), a well-developed luxury lodge sector around Kinigi, and the option to combine gorilla trekking with a city break in clean, safe Kigali.
Volcanoes National Park – What to Know
Volcanoes National Park covers 160 km² of Virunga volcanic chain forest, ranging from 2,400m to 4,507m (Mount Karisimbi). The park is named after its six volcanoes: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Mgahinga. In addition to gorilla trekking, the park offers:
- Golden monkey trekking: Permits cost USD 100. Golden monkeys are found only in the bamboo forests of the Virunga Mountains.
- Dian Fossey Tomb hike: A 3-4 hour hike to Karisoke Research Centre and the grave of the legendary gorilla conservationist, set amid the forest where she worked for 18 years.
- Volcano hiking: Mount Bisoke (3,711m) can be hiked in a day. Mount Karisimbi (4,507m) requires a two-day overnight trek.
- Cultural village visits: Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village near the park entrance offers traditional dance, music, and demonstrations of Rwandan cultural practices.
Recommended Tours: 4 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari | 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Tour & Golden Monkeys
