THE BEST TIME FOR SAFARI & GORILLA TREK IN RWANDA WITH AFRICANMECCA SAFARIS

Read More On The Best Time To Travel To Rwanda For A Wildlife Safari & Gorilla Trekking Vacation

Given that Rwanda is located just 2 degrees below the equator, you might expect it to have a hot, tropical climate. Since the country sits at an elevation and has a hilly topography, giving it the name “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” it actually boasts a pleasant, temperate climate that is perfect for vacationing at most times of the year depending on your adventurous grit and preference.

As a small country located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda does not have extreme variations in the weather patterns from one region to another nor from one season to another, and it is cooler than most of the East African countries around it e.g Kenya and Tanzania. You will likely find that the mountainous regions of the north and west are cooler than those in the center and east; they typically experience more rainfall, as well. When planning your tour in this fascinating and renewed nation, you will find the expertise of AfricanMecca Safaris consultants a resourceful guide to creating an unforgettable trip itinerary for Rwanda.



Like the rest of the African continent, Rwanda has two wet seasons and two dry seasons. During the dry season that occurs from June through to the first half of October, daytime maximum temperatures hover around 25C to 27C (77F to 81F) degrees. Should you prefer to holiday in the other dry season, from mid-December to mid-February, you will notice similar temperatures.

Nighttime minimum temperatures in these seasons remain between 13C and 16C (55F to 61F) degrees. But if you have chosen to spend time in the mountainous areas of Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe Forest Park, you will likely encounter slightly cooler temperatures and may wish to carry some warm clothing for evening and early morning wear, such as a light jacket or fleece pullover, with you.

The months from April through to July are cool, but August begins to slightly warm up, and the weather stays that way right up to mid-November. Like the rest of the continent, Rwanda has its share of changing weather patterns. AfricanMecca Safaris maintains close contact with tour guides, rangers, camps, and other ground personnel, who provide us with up-to-date information on the weather conditions. So you can rest assured that your consultants will be able to advise you on uptodate climatic conditions and plan your trip accordingly.

Be sure not to neglect Rwanda’s two wet seasons when timing your trip. The long rains begin to fall around the middle of February and last through to May, while the short rains start in October and can last until the middle of December. Even during the rains, you can expect that there will be spells when the sky is clear and the sun shining. Rain can also be restricted to certain areas during the day while others remain dry.

Understanding the seasons in Rwanda is an integral part of planning your travel. Gorilla safaris, chimpanzee - primate treks, and terrestrial wildlife game viewing safari in the three reserves (Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe National Park) are typically undertaken during the dry seasons to avoid muddy excursions, mostly on foot. Adventure-seeking guests who don’t mind the rain might opt to plan their trips in northwestern Rwanda during the wet season to visit the rare mountain gorillas that inhabit Volcanoes National Park.



The gorillas are likely to remain in the lower altitudes during the wet season, as it is warmer there compared to being in the higher altitude. Food is more readily available, so they may not wander too far and you could spot the gorilla family assigned to you after a short trek of 30 minutes to an hour or two.

The forests have an incredible, Eden-like lushness in the wet season, with fresh vegetation and a riot of flowers. You could spot some of the gorgeous butterfly species and rare orchids that Nyungwe National Park is famous for. As with gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, trekking and viewing chimpanzees of Nyungwe Forest in the wet seasons takes less time too as they prefer lower altitudes too; though, much muddier with higher level of stamina required. You might also find that holidaying in this season is more economical, since some hotels, lodges and camps offer seasonal discounts on room rates to attract visitors during Rwanda’s off-season.

In northeastern Rwanda, the vegetation is sparser in the dry seasons, and animals of Akagera National Park are likely to congregate around the few sources of water and foliage. Food is also scarcer, so spotting specific herbivores in search of grazing grounds is likely to take you less time. You might also witness a hyena, lion, or leopard hunt in progress — an incredible opportunity to watch predators stalk and catch their prey.

Traversing the Rwandan savannah or mountain trails is easier in the dry seasons, since there are less muddier trails, thinner thicket, and fewer bugs, such as mosquitoes. Explore the uninterrupted wilderness knowing that you will not have to worry about being drenched by continuous shower. The dry season is also ideal for spending time in the thriving, bustling city of Kigali or on the sandy beaches of Lake Kivu. Enjoy indulging in distinctive water activities, sunbathing, lazing on a lounger, or taking a cool dip in the lake waters. Vacationers like to end their safari adventures at Lake Kivu for some rest and relaxation before it is time to head home.



When planning your travel, you will find that the dry season coincides with the summer months in North America and Europe. Accordingly, you can choose to spend your family safari in Rwanda when school is out and the kids are on vacation. The latter two weeks of December is the time for the cold winter season and festivities up northern hemisphere. If you would like to spend the festive period on vacation in Africa (reasons to visit), it could prove to be the ideal choice; you can take a break from the bitter cold of the northern winter and bask in the sunshine of the south.

No matter which season you choose to visit, you will no doubt find diverse activities to take part in and enjoy the warm hospitality and friendliness of the Rwandese, who typically go out of their way to make you feel welcome and at home.