Rwanda is a hidden treasure and a highly fulfilling safari destination in Eastern Africa
this nation is modest in size, so it is among the smallest countries in Africa. Regardless of its size, the nation has become a major tourist destination mostly due of its reputation for safety and stability; the dynamic Kigali city, Rwanda’s capital, which has evolved from the terrible past to a cosmopolitan of modern culture and various national parks.
Among the excellent safari locations in Rwanda (Rwanda national park) is volcanoes national park, a well-known safari where visitors may see the critically endangered mountain gorillas up close.
The first question you should consider is the optimum time to travel Rwanda for a safari. The ideal time to travel to Rwanda is during the long dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time the conditions are ideal for tracking easier to spit mountain gorillas and hiking. But Rwanda is really a year-round travel destination with advantages and drawbacks every season as seen below.
Trekking in Volcanoes National Park Gorilla Travel Weather in Rwanda
Rwanda lies near the equator, hence the nation lacks a traditional spring, summer, fall, and winter. Though they vary from place to place based on the altitude, temperatures stay rather stable during the year. On any given day, Kigali city boasts average lows of about 60 degrees and average highs of roughly 80 degrees.
With the long dry season-also the prime tourist season in Rwanda-lasting from June to October-the brief rainy season is felt from late October to November- Rwanda’s weather is divided into two. After that comes a brief dry season from December to February and the long rains from March to May.
You should book your safari early since prices for lodging usually are higher during the dry season and mountain gorilla permits and safaris/tours sell months in advance.
Note: Gorilla permits run USD 1,500 per person, always the same cost.
Ideal Time to Go Gorilla Trekking
Many visitors to Rwanda engage in gorilla trekking, an exciting and once-in- a-lifetime activity carried out in Volcanoes national park, which is safeguarded in the Virunga Mountains chains and among the only four national parks worldwide providing this experience and is usually regarded as the best place.
Hiking through cloud forests in search of the habituated gorilla groups or families can be difficult for gorilla trekking; in the dry season, June to October, the conditions are better since the paths are less slick. Although Volcanoes National Park gets rain every year, the dry season offers far more likelihood of a dry hike.
Note: With less vegetation to hide your view, mountain gorillas are easier to find at this season.
Group sizes are only eight persons maximum regardless of the season, so there is no chance of a packed experience.
Because of limited supply and great demand, permits in the dry season must be reserved far in advance.
Long Dry Season, June to October
For example, in Kigali city, the average number of precipitation days is 2 in June and one in Jily, where rainfall is becoming more likely as the season advances. The long dry season is a prime tourist season in Rwanda, this season experiences least rainfall in any season, The Perfect Time to Travel Rwanda.
Note: Since rainforest dominates Volcanoes National Park, expect rain at any time of year when you are visiting there. But in this season the ground is less muddy and treacherous, so you will quickly come across the primary park residents, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
In Akagera national park, the only savannah park in Rwanda, the dry season is also a high season for wildlife viewing; plains game usually gathers around water sources and sightings are more frequent.
Should you intend to visit any of Rwanda’s national parks during the dry season, earlier bookings for your safaris and lodging can help. Gorilla permits are very sought for in this season, hence you should reserve them ahead of time.
Dry season events to check out
Events to see include Liberation Day, observed on July 4th to honor Rwanda Patriotic Front’s triumph over the Habyarimana government in 1994, therefore ending the genocide of Rwanda that year. Celebrated with government sponsored festivities, concerts, military parades and presidential speeches as well as a soccer game between Rwanda and Uganda, Libration Day honors
Held annually in Kigali city, Rwanda Film Festival aims to advance Hillywood, the national film industry. This is regarded as one of the most significant film events in Africa.
Late October to November, Short Rainy Season
With an average of 17 precipitation days per month in Kigali and much more in Volcanoes national park, Rwanda experiences a short rainy season from late October to November. With lots of mud making the steep paths more treacherous, this rain makes gorilla trekking conditions more miserable. But unlike the long rainy season, which is a great time for birders as migrant bird species begin to arrive in the three main parks of Rwanda- Akagera national park, Nyungwe Forest and Volcanoes national park-rain is less persistent. If you are trying to find the ideal picturesque moment, many resident bird species are in breeding plumage, which is the perfect time.
If you are chasing chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest national park, the wet season is the greatest times to visit Rwanda; if you are searching for reduced tour and lodging costs and great availability of permits, the short rainy season is also great to travel. More sedentary and easy to find are chimps.
Things to see in the brief wet season
Every year in September, Kwita Izina-hosted at Volcanoes National Park-is a cultural naming ritual for the gorillas born there over the past year. Traditional singing, dancing, conservation activities, and artistic presentations abound in this celebration.
The Perfect Time to See Rwanda
December to February’s Short Dry Season, Kwita Izina
Though it is not as dry as the June to October period, Rwanda has a brief dry season from December to February with less rainfall than in November. Still, it’s a fantastic substitute for those who can’t visit Rwanda during the lengthy dry season since it offers superb hiking conditions, lots of sunshine between rain and somewhat cooler temps.
Although prophylactics are advised in all seasons when visiting Rwanda, the lower temperatures translate into a lower risk of malaria. While travelers should keep in mind that December is a popular month to visit Rwanda and lodging is usually offered at a premium cost, this season is to get a gorilla trekking permit. The Christmas vacation period causes an inflow of both domestic and foreign visitors this season.
March to May Long Rainy Season
Though gorilla trekking is possible in this season of year, Rwanda’s long rainy season runs from March to May and sets it with relentless rainfall found in mountainous regions. April is best avoided since it is so wet that the paths may become unusable and photography is challenging.
Since the gorilla usually stays on the lower slopes at this time of year, visiting Volcanoes National Park during this period has advantages like availability of permits, affordable accommodation, less visitors and usually shorter hiking periods.
With the short rainy season, this is a great time for birding across Rwanda and is one of the greatest seasons for following chimpanzees in Nyungwe, in Akagera national park, the rains give the savannah area a lush splendor that may not be there at other times of the year.
Activities to View During Long Rainy Season
Traditionally scheduled in May or June, the Kigali International Peace Marathon draws participants from all around the world to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Celebrated on April 7, Genocide Memorial Day marks Rwanda’s national mourning period for the victims of the Genocide. This holiday runs till July 04th, Liberation Day.
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
