Best Time to Visit – Rwanda

Ariadne van Zandbergen
Expert
By Ariadne van Zandbergen

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who write and update many Bradt guides, including the guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne is a renowned Africa expert. She and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.

Ariadne and her husband form a team who author the Bradt guide to Rwanda.

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The best wildlife-viewing months in Rwanda are during the Dry season, from June to September. Primate walks in the forest are a big part of any safari in Rwanda. The habitat of rainforests is, by default, very wet and one can’t avoid rain completely. Walking in the forest is easier in the Dry season and that is also the recommended time for most primate walks, including gorilla trekking.

Best Time June to September (Except for chimp trekking in Nyungwe Forest)
High Season June to September (Lodges might be full and gorilla permits must be booked long in advance)
Low Season March, April, October, November (These are the peaks of the rains)
Best Weather June to August (Least rain)
Worst Weather March and April (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

June to September –Dry Season

  • Best time for gorilla trekking
  • Forest trails are less slippery
  • In Akagera NP, vegetation is less thick and animals gather around water sources, making wildlife easier to spot
  • Even during high season the parks don’t feel crowded
  • There is more sunshine
  • Gorilla permits need to be booked a long way in advance
  • Chimp trekking is better in the Wet season

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos

October to May –Wet Season

  • Savannah scenery is greener
  • Possible low-season discounts
  • Best season for chimp trekking
  • Newborn animals in Akagera NP
  • Forest trails become slippery and challenging
  • Gorilla trekking departures leave as scheduled, even in heavy rain

Wildlife Photos
+23 Photos

Best Time to Go to Rwanda by Major Park

Overall the parks are best visited in the Dry season, from June to September. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest is marginally better in the Wet season, but that advantage could be countered by the very slippery trails. General hiking and other primate walks are best in the Dry season.

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