When to visit Rwanda?

Rwanda a land-locked country located in East Africa referred to as “The land of a thousand hills”. This stunning destination allures travelers with its green landscapes, abundant wildlife, and deep understanding of cultural experience. It’s a country that has become famous due to the remarkable wildlife experience of the gorilla trekking.

However, beyond its unique primates, Rwanda offers a great number of adventure experiences ranging from hiking misty mountains to exploring the vibrant urban cultures in Kigali. While this country can be visited year-round, planning a safari around the weather is a vital key to making a great memory.

The best time to visit Rwanda depends on your experience or safari type, physical fitness of your body and so much more. Generally, the best time to visit Rwanda is the dry season when the weather is generally conducive for outdoor adventures. This period is ideal for exploring the country’s national parks and cultural heritage and enjoying beautiful lakes like Lake Kivu, Ruhondo, and Burera.

The long dry season occurs in June to September and the short dry season occurs in December to February. The trails are passable but animals tend to move to long distances to search for food and water for example mountain gorillas. The rainy seasons occur in March to May and October to November. During this time, the trails are hard to pass through. During these periods, wildlife tends to keep around due to plenty of food and water.

While on Rwanda safari, you can take part in different experiences. These include gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park an experience that lasts for about 6 hours including an hour while in the presence of gorillas. We advise you our clients to take part in this experience during the dry season since the trails are firm and dry. This experience can be challenging during the rainy season but the most sought wildlife adventure in Africa.

Chimpanzee tracking is the second sought adventure on a Rwanda safari. This is done in Nyungwe National Park a protected area with 13 unique primates. Tracking chimpanzees takes about 4 hours in the forest and an hour is dedicated as you create memories. There is a lot to explore such as primates, plants, butterflies, and more while on chimp tracking. Tracking the chimps is recommended in the dry season.

Additionally, Rwanda offers traditional wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park. This is the only savannah park in Rwanda offering a chance to spot the big five animals (lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, and Elephants), giraffes, zebras, shoebill storks, vultures, and more. Game viewing is done through game drives, hot air ballooning, boat cruises, and nature walks. This is done during the dry season since animals tend to congregate at water sources such as Rivers and lakes.

Bird watching is possible here in Rwanda since the country boosts over 750 bird species including the rare shoebill stork, African fish eagle, black-headed weaver, African jakana, white-browed coucal, Fork-tailed Drongo, and more. For a great and memorable bird-watching tour, take part in the rainy season when plants are fruiting and flowering.

Also, you are advised to take part in birding early morning or late evening when the birds are actively feeding and playing. During this period, the parks are less crowded giving ample time to explore the park’s beauty. Also, for travelers who would like to take part in photography, this is the best time since the skies are blue and green vegetation.

For a great and memorable safari to Rwanda, don’t hesitate to contact our tour consultant team since we are experts in knowing the best time.