BEST TIME TO VISIT AKAGERA FOR A RWANDA SAFARI

Recommended Safari Season Guide For Best Time To Go To Akagera

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The natural wilderness of Akagera National Park is so mesmerizing that you could visit at any time of the year. Every season provides an opportunity to view the park in a new light. Although it is just a couple of degrees south of the equator, the park altitudes between 1250 - 1825 meters, which makes the climate temperate and enjoyable year-round. Bush vacationers are often surprised to find that the average high temperature remains moderate throughout the year, generally somewhere between 25 to 27 Celsius (77°F to 81°F). Nighttime low temperatures hover between 14°C and 16°C (57°F to 61°F), making for a comfortable sleep.

Like the rest of the climate in Rwanda, Akagera Park has two dry seasons: the long dry season runs from June through September (the best time to visit), while the short dry spell lasts from mid-December to mid-February. If you are touring the reserve to view the incredible wildlife it sustains, you must choose the dry season for a visit. The undergrowth is sparse, and, since animals and birds converge on the water bodies to drink, they are easy to spot. There are also fewer bugs and navigating the forest roads in safari vehicles is a lot easier. These seasons are also perfect for combining your travel with a trek in Volcanoes National Park to view the famed mountain gorillas of Rwanda.

Rwanda has two wet seasons: the long rains and the short rains. The long rains last from mid-February until the month of May, while the short rains fall from the beginning of October up to mid-December. Even during the wet seasons, however, it does not rain continuously. In fact, while some elevated areas may experience more rain than others, and there will be days on your safari holiday when the skies are clear and the sun shines brightly. Akagera National Park is stunningly beautiful in the wet season. The rains bring new vegetation to the park and, while the lush new growth is amazing to view, wildlife spotting may take more time and patience. With water and foliage plentiful, grazing animals need not wander too far to look for food and drink. The wet seasons are perfect for spending time beside the lakes.

When planning your safari tour to Akagera, you may prefer to time it to coincide with the warmer months in North America and Europe, when children are on their summer break and family trips are common. The weather in Rwanda is cool and perfect for your visit during this time. Many guests also visit in the months of December and January, when it is much warmer than in northern hemisphere countries and the holiday season offers a great time for a family vacation in Rwanda.