When to go to Rwanda for travel
The optimum time to visit Rwanda, like most East African national parks and reserves, is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. The weather is ideal for activities like gorilla and chimpanzee tracking, game drives, and forest walks during this time because it falls between rainstorms. When to go to Rwanda for travel. Although the holiday season can be quite crowded, the months of December through March are also excellent times to travel to the nation, so make sure to plan.
Peak Dry Season, December–March
Because it falls between the short November rains and the lengthy April rains, this is another excellent time to visit Rwanda. We would suggest traveling in early March if that is the month you have in mind, as rains can occasionally arrive early in late March. Naturally, the holiday season is very crowded, especially from Christmas to New Year’s, so if you want to go at this time, please make your reservations at least a year in advance.
Season of Short Rainfall, April–May
For most of East Africa, including Rwanda, this is the rainy season. Countries like Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania receive these rains, which are frequently heavy downpours. Even while these heavy, intermittent rainstorms often occur in the morning and late afternoon, they can continue throughout the day and will unavoidably increase the density and thickness of vegetation in national parks and forests. Because of this, it is quite difficult to journey on the slick forest floors. You might have to go on a lengthier gorilla climb than you would at other times of the year because mountain gorillas tend to relocate to higher land during rainy seasons.
Peak Time: June to October
This is thought to be the ideal time of year to travel to Rwanda. Game drives, chimpanzee tracking, and gorilla tracking are all made possible by the warm, dry weather of this time of year. Additionally, this is the most popular time of year to travel to Rwanda, particularly during the school breaks in July and August. However, the minimum age to track gorillas is 15 years old. For your Rwanda safari and gorilla walk. We advise making reservations at least nine months [preferably a year] in advance to guarantee your preferred lodging. Additionally, there are only a certain amount of permits available every day, thus making reservations in advance is highly recommended.
From November to December
Shorter rains typically fall during this time, beginning in mid-November. These rains can still be strong and intermittent, but they are shorter and less severe than those that occur in April and May. Nevertheless, tracking chimpanzees and gorillas is still feasible and, with appropriate attire, continues to be a fun activity. It is strongly advised that you bring waterproof clothing, waterproof jackets, and covers for your personal belongings and any photographic gear.
Five best places to visit in Rwanda
Kigali: The Safe and Modern Heartbeat of Rwanda
Kigali is today a clean and secure haven after overcoming its turbulent history. It marks the beginning of a Rwanda safari and is now regarded as one of Africa’s nicest cities. Kigali has plenty to keep you busy for days, from bustling markets to vibrant shopping centers in the city center.
Highlights:
- Visit the Kigali Cultural Village for art classes and live music.
- Visit the Hingakawa Women’s Coffee Cooperative to taste the world’s most exceptional Fair-Trade coffee.
- Enjoy the Kigali Fashion Show, Hobe Rwanda Festival, or Kigali Film Festival during your visit.
- Visit the provocative Genocide Memorial Centre to pay your respects.
Gorilla Treks in Volcanoes National Park among Burning Peaks
Gorillas in the Mist was inspired by the late Dian Fossey’s research on the behavior of endangered mountain gorillas on the bamboo-covered slopes of the magnificent Virunga Mountains. Take part in the massive efforts to rescue this amazing species. And witness one of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters on Earth.
Highlights:
- Join a gorilla researcher for a two-hour behind-the-scenes tour of the campus.
- Take part in a half-day activity at the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s Ellen DeGeneres Campus.
- Attend a two-hour private gorilla conservation seminar.
- Gorilla trekking is best experienced during the dry season, which runs from June to September, with a Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund researcher.
Butterfly Paradise, Primates, and Chimpanzees at Nyungwe Forest National Park
Nyungwe, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, provides an all-encompassing experience. Its well-known inhabitants include chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the black and white colobus. It is also home to a variety of birds, unusual butterflies, and exquisite orchids. The forest canopy walk offers great hiking trails. And is a great way to see blue monkeys that live on the tops of trees.
Highlights:
- Rich in natural beauty, Nyungwe is one of the continent’s oldest rainforests.
- With a wide variety of plants and animals, the woodlands are a biodiverse spectacle that is teeming with life.
- Chimpanzees, L’Hoest’s monkeys, owl-faced monkeys, and the eye-catching black and white colobus can all be found at Nyungwe, a primate paradise.
- An amazing experience is provided by an exciting canopy walking excursion.
The Big Five Territories of Akagera National Park Are Calling
A pleasing blend of dry savannahs, rolling woodland grasslands, and wetlands may be found at Akagera National Park. Elephants, buffalo, rhinos, hippopotamuses, giraffes, leopards, lions, and other antelope species can all be seen. About an hour’s drive from Kigali is the comparatively small park known as Akagera. Private boat excursions, sunset cruises, and nighttime game drives are available in addition to escorted Big 5 game drives.
Lake Kivu: A Calm Treasure and Healing Waterside Retreat
Nestled in the center of the Albertine Rift, Lake Kivu will enchant you with its serene azure waters surrounded by spectacular emerald-green mountains. It is the ninth-largest lake in Africa and provides both adventure and peace. The lake’s charm can be experienced by swimming, kayaking, and sunset excursions. Variety is added by chimpanzee trekking, birdwatching, beautiful treks, and canopy excursions.