Rwanda, also known as the land of a thousand hills due to its high elevation, is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. It is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rwanda boasts three national parks: Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

The climate of Rwanda is subtropical and temperate in some areas, similar to most African countries, with two wet seasons and two dry seasons annually.

Unlike many African countries with several ethnic groups, Rwanda is predominantly comprised of one cultural linguistic group, subdivided into three: the Twa, Tutsi, and Hutu. The earliest inhabitants were the hunter-gatherer Twa people who resided in forested areas.

Rwanda experiences two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The best time to visit Rwanda depends on the activity the traveler wishes to undertake in the country.

Below, we can examine some activities and the best months for engaging in them.

Mountain Gorilla Trekking (June to September)

Mountain gorillas are an endangered species of primates living in the Virunga mountain ranges, which stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking is the main tourist activity for most travelers visiting Rwanda.

Mountain gorillas cannot survive in zoos, unlike other mountain gorilla species, which is why one must travel to Africa to encounter our close relatives in their natural habitat. The optimal time for trekking mountain gorillas is from June to September, which is the longest dry season.

The forest vegetation is less dense at this time, allowing for clearer views of the mountain gorilla families and better photo opportunities. The trekking trails are also less muddy and slippery, facilitating an easier hike through the forest.

To visit gorillas in Rwanda, it is advisable to book your gorilla trekking permit at least three months prior to your arrival in the country to avoid the disappointment of not obtaining a permit due to high demand, especially in the dry season.

Permits can be acquired through the Rwanda Development Board or a trusted travel agency that can help organize your entire trip. Permits cost $1,500 per person per trekking.

However, you can also opt for Uganda gorilla trekking from Kigali if you find Rwandan permits expensive, or rather book a budget gorilla holiday to lower your overall trip cost.

Chimpanzee Trekking in Rwanda

October to November October to November marks the short rainy season in Rwanda. This period is still favorable for visiting the country because, although rains occur, the sun reemerges afterward. This can be an excellent time for tracking chimpanzees in Rwanda because, despite the trails being muddy and slippery, the chimpanzee groups are easier to locate due to the abundance of food throughout the forest. They do not move to higher elevations as they do in the dry season, which makes them harder to find. The short rains also provide a lush, green environment that is conducive to photography.

Wildlife Safaris in Rwanda

December to February The period from December to February is the short dry season, which is also an ideal time for gorilla trekking and wildlife viewing at Akagera National Park because animals congregate around water points in the park. It is also not as crowded as during the other dry season.

March to May From March to May, Rwanda experiences its longest wet season. While it is possible to observe chimpanzees during this time, the trekking trails can be very slippery due to mud.

It is not the most recommended time to visit Akagera National Park and Virunga National Park because the thick vegetation makes spotting wildlife challenging. However, there are discounts on gorilla trekking permits and most hotels also offer discounts to attract more clients.

Bird Watching (November to April)

Rwanda is a birder’s paradise, home to numerous species of birds. Although birding can be done year-round, the months from November to April are particularly favorable because migratory birds are present in the parks, offering an opportunity to spot a greater variety of birds.

If you want to combine birding with a wildlife safari, the best time to visit is from December to February, coinciding with the optimal wildlife viewing period as well.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Golden monkeys are a rare species of monkey endemic to the Virunga mountain ranges. They are named for the golden patches on their fur.

Golden monkey trekking in Rwanda can be conducted in Volcanoes National Park. Tourists interested in this activity should report to the park by 7 a.m. for a briefing at the park headquarters.

Golden monkeys travel in groups of 80 to 100 individuals, and unlike mountain gorillas, they are more easily found on the slopes of the Virunga ranges. The cost of trekking is $100 per person per day, which is significantly less than a gorilla trekking permit at $1,500.

Once you locate the group you are tracking, you will be given one hour for observation and photography.