Searching for the Best Time to Visit Rwanda? Rwanda is a country in Central and East Africa, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Rwanda is one of only three countries in the world where you can trek mountain gorillas. Browse Rwanda itineraries to see how the timing fits your travel plans.
The country also has a canopy walkway, one of a kind in East and Central Africa. Gorilla trekking is the most popular tourist activity in Rwanda, and the country offers a premium gorilla tourism experience, with permits costing $1,500 per person per trek.
Rwanda also celebrates the Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony, where newborn baby gorillas are given names.
Rwanda has three national parks: Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe Forest National Park. Each offers a distinct experience for travelers, with Volcanoes National Park being the most visited.
This park is also home to five of the eight Virunga Massif volcanoes, making it a great destination for volcanic climbing adventures.
When to Visit Rwanda
Rwanda, like Uganda, has two main dry seasons and two wet seasons. While the country can be visited year round, some months suit specific activities better than others.
Dry Seasons: The two dry seasons in Rwanda run from mid-December to early February and from June to September. During these periods, vegetation is thinner, making it easier to spot wildlife. This is also the best time for gorilla trekking, since the trekking trails are in good condition and are not muddy or slippery.
Wet Seasons: The wet seasons in Rwanda run from mid-February to early June and from mid-September to mid-December. This is the best time for chimpanzee trekking, since food is abundant and chimpanzees don’t need to move to higher elevations in search of it. However, visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking during this time is less ideal, as roads to the park can be in poor condition and hiking trails become steep, muddy, and slippery.
Mid-October to November: This period is the best time for birding in Rwanda, along with early December and late May. It’s also an ideal time for photography, as the vegetation is lush and green. While rain can occur, the sky usually clears up afterward and the sun returns.
Tourist Activities in Rwanda
The most popular tourist activity in Rwanda is gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park, along with mountain climbing.
Tourists can also explore Nyungwe Forest National Park for its scenic canopy walk and chimpanzee trekking, or enjoy game drives at Akagera National Park. Once you’ve settled on your ideal season, you can see all gorilla safari packages to start planning.
There are also many sites and museums where visitors can learn about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda is accessible by flying into Kigali International Airport.
