​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 time to visit Rwanda is between June and September, which is during the Dry season when wildlife viewing is at its prime. 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 (Dry season)
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 April (Most rain, forest trails are slippery)

June to September –Dry Season

  • Best time for gorilla trekking
  • Forest trails are less slippery
  • In Akagera National Park, vegetation is less thick and animals are 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 time in advance
  • The scenery is generally more beautiful in the Wet season

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want to Visit

October to May –Wet Season

  • The landscapes are green and the sky is free of haze
  • Possible low-season discounts
  • Newborn animals in Akagera
  • Forest trails become slippery and challenging
  • Gorilla trekking departures leave as scheduled, even in heavy rain

Wildlife Photos

Silverback mountain gorilla in the forest
Mountain gorilla family with silverback
+23 Photos

Best Time to Go to Rwanda by Major Park

Overall, all the parks are best visited in the Dry season, from June to September. In Akagera National Park, wildlife is easier to spot when the vegetation is thinner, and animals gather around the lakes. Nyungwe, Volcanoes and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks are also best visited in the Dry season when hiking trails are drier. Gorillas and chimps can be seen at any time, but the experience is generally more pleasant in dry conditions.

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