Half the world's remaining Mountain gorillas live in Rwanda
Gorillas, Chimpanzees, breathtaking landscapes and inspiring people make a Rwanda safari holiday truly special.
Landlocked and compact, verdant Rwanda is often affectionately called the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’. In this absolutely charming little country, visitors can explore a spectrum of habitats and ecotypes that range from the dramatic Virunga volcanoes to the quintessentially African savannah, light woodland and plains of Akagera National Park. There is also the impressive and very beautiful Nyungwe Forest National Park, which protects the largest remaining swathe of tropical montane forest in East and Central Africa. Scenic, high-altitude Lake Kivu is one of the 20 deepest lakes in the world. Among Rwanda’s many other scenic highlights are pretty lakes such as Burera, Ruhondo, and Karago, which are ringed by steep hills; there are many waterfalls, and in often intensively cultivated rural areas, villages punctuate the farmlands, with the stunning Virungas providing a breathtaking backdrop.
Much of the western and central regions are hilly or mountainous, eastern Rwanda is characterized by lower and flatter terrain. There, the River Kagera, with its network of marshlands and lakes, runs along the border with Tanzania.
While Rwanda is still known for a bloody civil war - the ‘genocide’ - that lasted 3 months in 1994, the country has since returned to near normality; it is a peaceful place where the democratic government promotes harmony and a tangible optimism. Today, Rwandese are keen to share with the world what happened in 1994, so as to prevent it from ever happening again. Today’s Rwanda is regarded as a fine adventure and eco-tourism destination, with its capital, Kigali, being one of the most advanced hi-tech, cleanest, and orderly of African cities.
Best time to visit Rwanda
When to go to Rwanda
Find out the best time to visit Rwanda with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance.
February
February is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
March
The beginning of the long rainy season is the prime time to trek to see chimpanzees, fruit begins to ripen bringing them to the reaches of the forest canopy. Gorilla trekking can still be undertaken, with discounts on permits often given.
April
Continuing rains throughout April means chimp sightings are still at their best. April is a good time to track gorillas as you may be able to take advantage of deals and discounts.
May
Rains ease and Rwanda's parks and reserves are lush and bountiful, with newborn animals making their first journey through the parks.
- The Kigali International Peace Marathon takes place, with three events, full, half and a 10k marathon.
June
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
July
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
August
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
September
It is dry season in Rwanda, the peak time to travel. Wildlife sightings become more common, making a popular time of year to travel.
Top Tip - there is always the chance of showers so make sure you pack your waterproofs especially for the rainforest.
October
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
November
Photographers it is an excellent time to travel, rain showers clear as quickly as they came clearing to reveal beautiful clear skies. It is the ideal time to admire Rwanda's incredible mountainous scenery.
December
December is the dry season in Rwanda, making it a popular time to visit - meaning prices are higher, so it is important to book in advance. The sunny and warm weather makes it a perfect time to go tracking for gorillas in the highlands and enjoy activities across Rwanda.
What would you like to do in Rwanda?
Explore our Different Types of Rwanda Holiday
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Where would you like to go on safari in Rwanda?
Best Places to Visit in Rwanda
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