Best Time To Do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
The best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during either of its two dry seasons: June to August or January to February. These two dry seasons offer the best gorilla trekking conditions, as there is less chance of rain and slippery trails.
Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park, the only park in the country where these primates live. So the best time of year for gorilla trekking is based on the weather patterns for Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in the northwest corner of Rwanda.
Monthly Guide to the Best Time to Do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is an all year round activity, mainly because mountain gorillas are tough animals and tolerate harsh weather conditions. So they will remain in their natural habitat even when the weather changes.
Also, Rwanda experiences conducive weather throughout the year, attraction tourists from all over the world anytime. However, the best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda is during the drier months, especially after the rainy season when the area still appears green and beautiful.
During the dry season, there is less likelihood of rain, and hiking the mountainous terrain is easy.
Here is a month by month guide to the best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda and whay to you should expect
January and February
Rwanda experiences its hot dry season in January and February, which is typically the ideal time to visit Rwanda to trek mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. The weather is generally dry during the period, although you may occasionally observe thin clouds and light rain.
This weather condition makes the terrain favorable for trekking since you can easily track the gorilla trails. For visitors who want to go canoeing or mountain climbing in Rwanda, this is also a good time to visit Rwanda.
In addition to conducive climatic conditions, not many people do gorilla trekking during these months since they are busy, allowing you to enjoy yourself with minimal congestion. If you are on a tight budget, these are the best months to travel, as prices of essential services are relatively lower with multiple discounts during the low season.
March, April and May
March sees the onset of Rwanda’s longest rainy season which continues through mid-May. Despite the rain, the mountainous terrain is still easy to navigate on a gorilla trek searching for the gorillas that live in this magical setting. Furthermore, you can easily find these gentle primates during this season since they tend to move from the top of the mountain, where it rains heavily, to the lower slopes in search of dryer areas.
April experiences similar wet weather conditions as March. Be aware that the mountainous terrain will be difficult to hike and gorillas hard to trek around this time of the year due to the rains. For birders, birdwatching is good at this time of the year since it is a nesting season, with beautiful birds in the skies.
By mid-May, the rains start to subside. A gorilla trekking permit may be easier to come by this month if you want to dodge the tourist congestion. Rwanda limits the number of gorilla permits per day to protect the gorillas so you will never “overcrowded”, also this is why you should plan a head as they will run out of gorilla permits. It is recommended you book your gorilla permit 6 months in advance most especially in the peak season.
If you choose to go hiking during these months, you should carry waterproof clothing to avoid getting wet if the rain catches you when you are out in the mountains. The right waterproof clothing can also keep you warm, preventing you from catching cold-related diseases like pneumonia.
Also, hiking boots come in handy since they minimize the chances of slipping and falling.
June, July and August
June, July and August are regarded as the best months to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It is the high season when most tourists visit the region because the weather is warm. There are no heavy rains this time of year, enabling you to quickly identify the hiking/trekking trails. Also, the mountains are not muddy or slippery making them easy to maneuver.
One of the major highlights during this period is the annual Ikwita Izina Ceremony, which usually takes place in June. This ceremony involves naming the gorilla babies born in the previous twelve months.
When you finish your gorilla trek, you can go for a game drive in Akagera National Park, where the forest is less dense and wildlife is easier to spot.
September and October
Usually Rwanda experiences short rains in September and October. These weather conditions are ideal for gorilla trekking since there is not too much sun, meaning you won’t get exhausted quickly. The best thing is that the rain usually falls at night.
By morning the skies are clear, allowing you to enjoy the rest of the day.
Also, you can take advantage of the favorable weather conditions to cross the border into Tanzania and go high altitude hiking on the nearby Mt. Kilimanjaro.
November
November is not regarded as the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, as the area normally experiences rain during this period. Since gorillas don’t mind the wet conditions, you can still see them, but you may find it difficult to trace the trekking trails, and sometimes you may slip and fall.
Rain also makes the area look green and dust free making it great for photography.
December
Usually the rains in Rwanda slow down by mid-December making it a good time for gorilla trekking. The only disadvantage is that most people, including local and international tourists, like visiting Rwanda during this time for Christmas holidays. As a result, certain amenities, services and hotel prices are usually high.
To avoid these issues, book your most preferred lodges and travel plains in advance, preferably two or three months before.
Conclusion to Best Time to Do Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
Although gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a year-round activities, however the time you choose to go solely depends on you after considering several factors, such as your schedule, budget, and convenience. If you are looking for the best time to do gorilla trekking in Rwanda, we recommend going during the warmer months.
