Silverback Gorilla Pnv Rwanda Development Board

Best Time To Visit Rwanda

Month by month guide of when to go

For the majority of those visiting the ‘land of a thousand hills’ the main attraction is the opportunity to spend an hour with one of our closest relatives, the mountain gorillas who live in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is a year-round destination and trust us, there is plenty to see and do in this small yet incredibly remarkable country. With three beautiful national parks to explore with plentiful wildlife, a remarkable culture to experience and a quickly growing tea and coffee industry to indulge yourself within.

Rwanda has four seasons which can be distinguished by; a short dry season, a short wet season, a long dry season and a long wet season.

  • Long dry season – June to October
  • Short dry season – December to February
  • Long wet season – March to June
  • Short wet season – October - December

Although gorilla trekking is a year-round activity, it is by far more popular during the marked short and long dry seasons as the mountain forests are a more manageable hike. But don’t let this deter you from visiting in other months. Gorilla trekking permits are more readily available (although still need to be booked in advance) and lodges will have more availability – with the possibility of offering some great offers.

Below is a summary of when to visit, but for a more detailed month by month guide keep scrolling and speak to one of our Rwanda experts.

Best time to go gorilla trekking – June to September & mid-December to February

Best time to go chimpanzee trekking – February to June & September to December

Peak season – June to September/October – generally dry seasons

The long dry season in Rwanda with beautiful weather. Gorilla trekking is very popular during these months and permits may have to be organised way in advance to secure the correct dates and accommodation in the best lodges. Big five wildlife viewing in Akagera National Park is best during this time as game will congregate around reliable water sources.

This is the perfect time to combine a primate safari in Rwanda and experience the wonders of the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara - Find out how

Shoulder season – December to February and May

The short, dry months – yes, there can be rain – this is a country located on the equator after all so be prepared for rain throughout the year regardless. The national parks and forests will be much quitter compared to the peak season with primate trekking permits, the best accommodation more readily available and if you’re a keen photographer you may even prefer the mixed weather as the skies can produce some remarkable lighting.

Low season – March, May & October, November – generally wet seasons

Rains can be heavy making these the wetter months to visit. Gorilla trekking is more muddy and can lead to much longer hikes compared to the long dry season. But don’t let this put you off completely as permits can be more readily available (perhaps even at a discount) and lodges will have more availability. These are better months for chimpanzee trekking as the primates don’t tend to wander as far, making it easier for the expert guides to locate them.

Oo Gorillas Nest Flora Fauna Gorilla Trek 22462 Master

January

January is a fantastic time to visit Rwanda. The short dry season is in full swing, meaning clearer skies, firm trails, and easier trekking conditions in the forests. Volcanoes National Park is particularly beautiful this time of year - you will likely have good visibility of Virunga volcanoes, and the cool mornings make for pleasant hiking. Nyungwe Forest is also accessible, and it's a great time to track chimpanzees or spot colobus monkeys in the canopy. The landscapes are lush from earlier rains, and birdlife is very active.

Singing Fishermen  Lake  Kivu

February

February continues the dry trend, with warm days and cool nights. Trails remain firm and walking conditions are comfortable. This is a slightly quieter month than January or the summer high season, which can mean better lodge availability and a more relaxed pace on the ground. It's a particularly good time to visit Akagera National Park, where wildlife gathers around lakes and rivers, making game drives productive and scenic. For those looking to combine primate trekking with a traditional safari, February offers excellent balance.

Nyungwe Forest C Rwanda Tourist Board

March

If chimpanzee trekking is high on your bucket list, March is an exceptional time to visit Rwanda’s Nyungwe Forest as the primates tend to wander the forest less making locating them a little easier.

It’s the start of the ‘long rains’ which can be heavy and persistent but can stop as suddenly as it starts. With the rains, the rainforests flourish, flora blooms but remember, with rain comes mud. Hiking can be difficult and some of Rwanda’s unpaved roads will be tricky to navigate. It’s not the best month to travel but if you willing to accept that it will probably rain, there are plenty of reasons to still travel. Gorilla trekking may be a muddy affair in Volcanoes National Park, but the gorillas will tend to stick to lower slopes meaning less distances to hike.

Weather will tend to still be warm, but certainly more humid with evenings being cool and refreshing.

Visit Rwanda Nh Oo Activities Waterfall Trek 0147 Master 1920X1280

April

The peak of the long-rains. This is probably the only month where we would not advise to go gorilla trekking for everyone except the most adventurous and determined. For those still wanting to go, expect tough, muddy and slippery conditions. On the plus side, trekking permits are readily available as is accommodation at Rwanda’s stunning lodges.

Chimpanzee trekking, although muddy, is at its best at this time of year with the chimps sticking close to the forest floor and feeding on an abundance of fruit. It’s also a great time to visit the plethora of tea plantations around the Nyungwe region – imagine having the perfect cuppa after spending the morning in search of chimpanzees, marvellous.

Boat Akagera Np Rwanda Development Board

May

May is a bit of an in-between months. The rains begin to ease off towards the end of the month, and with them, the trails start drying out. This means improved conditions for gorilla trekking, but still with the benefit of quieter parks and relatively low visitor numbers. The forests are alive with colour and sound, and birdwatching is particularly good in Nyungwe. If you are looking for that sweet spot between lush scenery and decent trekking conditions, late May is a good bet.

Gorilla Twins Gorilla Fund

June

June marks the beginning of the long-dry season and the peak time to travel. But don’t be deceived, a dry season in Rwanda isn’t the same as a dry season in the Masai Mara. You’re in a mountainous, equatorial country awash with beautiful rainforests so be prepared for a little rain whenever you travel to Rwanda.

June is the start of prime gorilla trekking season with paths becoming easier to traverse, it is warmer with more hours of sunshine than not. Temperatures will be warm, it will be bright and sunny but with any country located on the Equator, there can still be a chance of rain.

Chimpanzee

July

Is this the best month to visit Rwanda? Maybe, just maybe. Gorilla trekking has become much easier, the national parks begin to dry so wildlife congregates around water sources.

It’s the peak of the peak season, across Europe and North America it’s the start of summer and summer holidays, so if you want to travel at this time of year, planning well in advance is highly advisable with primate trekking permits and the best accommodation often being booked up to 18 months in advance.

At Far and Wild, we’re experts at creating a seamless safari experience – between July and September is the perfect time to combine primate trekking in Rwanda and experiencing the famed river crossings of the Great Migration in the Serengeti and Masai Mara.

Gorilla  A  Robert  Brierley

August

It’s warm, mostly dry and like July is a very popular time of year to travel – it’s the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park as trekking is over firmer ground and big game in Akagera National Park congregate around water holes in higher concentrations.

Chimpanzee trekking can be difficult and long during the peak months as the chimps will often travel to high slopes in search of food, which can make for exceptionally long hikes.

As with July, August can be busy so to avoid disappointment, speak with us soon to arrange your gorilla trek to Rwanda.

Nyungwe Forest One Only

September

We’re coming towards the beginning of the end of the long, dry season. Temperatures remain warm but humidity will be increasing as the chance of rain also increases, but this is still peak season so planning sooner rather than later is still highly advisable.

September also sees the naming ceremony for young gorillas, known as Kwita Izina. It’s a ceremony which happens annually, recognising Rwanda’s remarkable conservation efforts and celebrating the birth of the next generation of wildlife.

Chimp Trekking Thomson

October

The beginning of the short rains, marked by short burst which clear quickly, making it an excellent time for photographers who like to work with different light and capture evocative images with moody skies. Spectacular mists drift slowly through rainforest valleys, trees and plants flower which means that bird and butterfly activity is stunning at this time of year.

Gorilla trekking is still excellent at this time of year and expect it to be less busy than during the peak season due to higher chances of rain but also expect slightly more difficult trekking conditions. Photographers can be well-rewarded with stunning images of gorillas in the rain… or even in the mist…

Canopy Walk Chimpanzee Tracking Nyungwe Forest National Park Rwanda 3

November

The continuation of the short rains and very similar to October. But rains can come at any time of year so be prepared regardless of which month you travel. As with October, travelling as a photographer during November can be exceptionally rewarding; vivid, green foliage making stunning contrast with the fuzzy black gorillas... and just like humans, humidity effects gorillas so you may capture images of them with stunning, frizzy hair. Trekking during November can be tricky, so be prepared for muddy conditions.

Visit Rwanda Nh Oo Lifestyle Forest Waterfall 11776 Master 1920X1279

December

The beginning of the short dry season, rainforest paths become easier to navigate meaning more ground can be covered in search of both gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest. It’s also a splendid month to visit the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu and see the singing fisherman head out on their nightly forays on the lake – a sight not to be missed. December can be considered a peak month so plan early to avoid disappointment but what better way to spend Christmas than in the company of gorillas.

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Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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