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.
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. The exception is chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe NP, which is in theory best in the Wet season, from October to February. The reason for this is because the chimps tend to migrate further in the Dry season when food is scarce.
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
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
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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