When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda? Rwanda is undeniably one of the best destinations in Africa worth visiting on African safari, many travelers visit Rwanda mainly to get a chance to see the fascinating mountain gorillas. Seeing mountain gorillas is done on a gorilla trekking safari which is possible throughout the year, however the best time to see the gorillas is during the dry period of the year from mid-December – early February (short dry season) and June to September (long dry season).
In drier seasons of the year, the risk contracting malaria is low and it is easier to hike through the forested terrain. The forested terrain can be muddy and treacherous in wet weather, Rwanda is situated so close to the equator and because of this it is wise to pack waterproof gear even in dry months as the weather can be unpredictable thus When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?.
Rwanda Climate Guide
| KIGALI | |||||||||||||
| Temp | 27°C | 27°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | |
| Rainfall | 81mm | 90mm | 104mm | 162mm | 106mm | 22mm | 8mm | 28mm | 70mm | 102mm | 117mm | 85mm | |
| LAKE KIVU | |||||||||||||
| Temp | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | 26°C | |
| Rainfall | 96mm | 84mm | 113mm | 123mm | 110mm | 53mm | 28mm | 70mm | 117mm | 141mm | 136mm | 118mm | |
| NYUNGWE FOREST NATIONAL PARK | |||||||||||||
| Temp | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | 19°C | 19°C | 19°C | 20°C | 21°C | 21°C | 20°C | 20°C | 20°C | |
| Rainfall | 167mm | 175mm | 199mm | 255mm | 169mm | 42mm | 14mm | 39mm | 102mm | 157mm | 187mm | 172mm | |
| VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK | |||||||||||||
| Temp | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 17°C | 17°C | 17°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 18°C | 17°C | 18°C | |
| Rainfall | 138mm | 172mm | 219mm | 235mm | 142mm | 56mm | 36mm | 76mm | 139mm | 199mm | 188mm | 133mm | |
Month-by-month guide for travelling in Rwanda
Visiting Rwanda in December – February
December to February experiences drier weather across Rwanda making this time to be the popular time to visit Rwanda (peak season), this means that prices are higher so booking in advance is recommended.
This time of the year experiences warm, sunny conditions which makes it a pleasure to track gorillas and enjoy outdoor activities across Rwanda.
Visiting Rwanda in March
The rains start in March and continue until Mid-May, however this is a prime time to spot chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest national park, as the fruit ripens they attract the chimps down to the lower reaches of the forest canopy. In this period o the year, chimpanzee tracking is at its best and gorilla tracking can still be done. In this period there are discounts on the permits thus When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?.
Note: Tourists should carry good quality rain gear.
Visiting Rwanda in April
The rains in Rwanda continue throughout April, chimpanzee sightings are still at their best and it is a good time to track gorillas. As a traveler you may be able to take advantage of some good deals on accommodations and discounts of the permits and safari packages.
Visiting Rwanda in May
In May, the rains begin to ease mid month and the national parks are lush and verdant with newborn animals making their first forays through Rwanda’s national parks.
Visiting Rwanda in June – September
This period of the year is a dry season in Rwanda and a peak time to travel, however there is always a chance of rain showers most especially in the rainforest regions so you need to carry waterproof jackets.
In this period, wildlife sightings become easy due to short vegetation cover. Since this period is a peak season (popular time of the year to travel in Rwanda), prices rise accordingly.
Events & Festivals
- Baby gorillas naming ceremony/Kwita Izina (September)
Kwita Izina is an annual naming ceremony for baby gorillas in Rwanda, this ceremony was started in 2005 and is a mixture of recognizing the country’s conservation efforts. This ceremony is held to celebrate the birth of the next generation of mountain gorillas and admire some fascinating and cute newborns.
Visiting Rwanda in October – November
The period of October and November experiences quick bursts of rain that clear to reveal blue skies, this time is excellent for photographers and an ideal time of the year to admire the beautiful mountain scenery of Rwanda.
BEST TIME TO SEE MOUNTAIN GORILLAS AND CHIMPANZEES IN RWANDA
Mountain gorillas and Chimpanzees are the main attraction in Rwanda found in Volcanoes national park and Nyungwe Forest national park respectively, the best time to visit Nyungwe National park is during the rainier periods of the year – mid-February – the beginning of June and Mid- September to mid- December.
During these periods, it is easier for guides to find the chimpanzees as they are attracted lower levels of the forests by fruits. In the drier seasons, where fruits are scarce the chimpanzees venture further into the denser parts of the forests to find food, thus they are not easy to locate thus When is the Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda?.
Mountain gorillas can be seen all year round and since they live in tropic region, you should expect rain showers so carry a waterproof jacket.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NATIONAL PARKS
Apart from primates, Rwanda has a wide variety of other wildlife species found Akagera national park the only savannah park in Rwanda hosting animals such as lion, leopards, elephants, buffaloes among others and over 700 bird species. The best time to see these animals is during the dry season from June – September.
