Rwanda Travel Guide Best Time To Visit
Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Rwanda.
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.
June to September Dry Season
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Best time for gorilla trekking
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Forest trails are less slippery
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In Akagera National Park, vegetation is less thick and animals are easier to spot
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Even during high season the parks don’t feel crowded
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There is more sunshine
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Gorilla permits need to be booked a long time in advance
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The scenery is generally more beautiful in the Wet season
October to May Wet Season
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The landscapes are green and the sky is free of haze
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Possible low-season discounts
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Newborn animals in Akagera
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Forest trails become slippery and challenging
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Gorilla trekking departures leave as scheduled, even in heavy rain
Wildlife Photos
Silverback mountain gorilla in the forest
© Jurgen VogtMountain gorilla family with silverback
© Ariadne van ZandbergenHerd of impala at the lake
© Ariadne van ZandbergenChimpanzee
© Ariadne van ZandbergenPlains zebras fighting
© Ariadne van ZandbergenGolden monkey
© Ariadne van ZandbergenDefassa waterbuck
© Ariadne van ZandbergenElephant at the lake
© Ariadne van ZandbergenMasai giraffe
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBlue monkey
© Ariadne van ZandbergenRed-tailed monkey
© Ariadne van ZandbergenRuwenzori colobus
© Ariadne van ZandbergenL'Hoest's monkey
© Ariadne van ZandbergenMountain gorilla
© Ariadne van ZandbergenTopi
© Ariadne van ZandbergenSpotted bush snake
© Ariadne van ZandbergenCommon duiker
© Ariadne van ZandbergenVervet monkey sitting on a termite mound
© Ariadne van ZandbergenDefassa waterbuck
© Ariadne van ZandbergenBuffalo
© Ariadne van ZandbergenRuwenzori colobus
© Ariadne van ZandbergenMountain gorilla in the forest
© Amy LangMasai giraffe
© GuenterguniDefassa waterbuck
© Ariadne van ZandbergenImpala
© Ariadne van Zandbergen Best Time To Go 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.