Best time to visit Rwanda

Part of the short dry season that the country sees in the beginning of the year, February is a perfect month to embark on a Rwanda safari. For a multi-destination East African safari, this is a fantastic time to combine a gorilla trek in Rwanda with a Tanzania safari to see the calving season in the Serengeti, where newborn wildebeest take their first wobbly steps.
Birders will be in heaven while exploring the rainforests and national parks in Rwanda, as migratory bird species can be spotted.

Weather in February

Rwanda weather this month sees warm days, but the nights can get a bit cold. As the month progresses, the chance of rain increases, so we recommend planning your Rwanda safari for the first couple of weeks of February.

Destinations to Visit in Rwanda During February

Volcanoes National Park

February is a good month to visit Volcanoes National Park for a gorilla trekking safari. To avoid the rainfall that can occur in the afternoons, activities are usually done in the mornings. Besides tracking gorillas, you can also go on birdwatching safaris in the national park. With a number of Albertine Rift endemic species, this is an exciting birding destination.

Akagera National Park

This is the only park in Rwanda to have a classic savannah safari. All members of the Big Five reside here, making Akagera National Park a wonderful destination to add to a Rwanda safari itinerary for a well-rounded experience. December to February sees a short dry spell, so there are incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. The park also hosts migratory bird species, providing thrilling birding excursions.

Activities to Do in Rwanda in February

• Gorilla trekking safaris
• Chimpanzee trekking safaris
• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris

March marks the onset of the wet season, creating an ideal environment for birdwatching enthusiasts. During this time, the vibrant atmosphere is complemented by the opportunity for an exhilarating birding experience.

Explorers can embark on a photographic safari to observe an array of stunning bird species. Notable sights include the elegant black saw-wing, the striking great blue turaco, the dazzling regal sunbird, the captivating red-throated alethe, and the magnificent Ruwenzori turaco.

While the forest trails may present some challenges due to the rain, birdwatchers will still find plentiful opportunities for memorable sightings. A key destination for birding in March is Nyungwe National Park, where the rain-enhanced landscape showcases rich beauty along with a symphony of delightful bird calls.

Weather in March

Rainfall increases in March, which essentially impacts forest trails. Birding is an excellent alternative this time around.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda 

Nyungwe National Park

With rain being more common, forest trails are challenging, and trekking may not be the best activity in March. Birding is the better option this month, and you will get to see a variety of colourful species this time of year. 

Activities to do in March 

• Spa treatments 
• Birding 
• Yoga classes

April marks a significant time in Akagera National Park as it falls within the wet season, providing a vibrant backdrop for wildlife activity, particularly with the arrival of newborn animals.

During this month, rainfall peaks, which can lead to time constraints for gorilla trekking activities due to weather conditions.

However, bird watching thrives during this period, with an impressive 480 species available for observation. Notable bird species in the park include the African fish eagle, black-headed gonolek, marabou stork, sooty chat, and white-browed coucal.

For birding enthusiasts, experiencing these birds while on a mokoro or canoe safari offers a truly enchanting perspective. Remember to pack your binoculars to see them up close!

Weather in April

Gorilla trekking may not be the ideal activity to do in April, although time spent with them may be limited.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

May is a good time to see the Big Five and other big game life like hippos and giraffes. Since the wet season is still around, birding is an additional activity that involves migratory birds.

Activities to do in April

• Game drives
• Spa treatments
• Birding
• Yoga classes

In May, the last rains of the season occur, although rainfall is generally less than that of April. This can make forest trails slippery, resulting in challenging conditions for gorilla trekking.

If you are planning a visit to Nyungwe National Park, it’s important to note that wildlife sightings may be limited, as the park is primarily renowned for its diverse primate population. Among the 13 species found here, chimpanzees are particularly popular attractions. Other notable primates include the olive baboon, L’Hoest’s monkey, grey-cheeked mangabey, Ruwenzori colobus, silver monkey, and owl-faced monkey.

Despite the ongoing rains in May, this time of year provides excellent photography opportunities, allowing visitors to capture memorable images of these fascinating primate species.

Weather in May

Rainfall is less in May and activities start to improve and you have a better chance to see gorillas and spend more time with them. Photographic safaris are still great this time of year and capture some primates in the forest.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park

Thirteen primate species are recorded here, so chimpanzee trekking is a great experience. The park is also a birder’s paradise with many colourful species to photograph.

Activities to do in May

• Gorilla trekking
• Spa treatments
• Birding
• Yoga classes
• Photographic safari

The dry season kicks off in June, making it a fantastic time for walking in the forest and enjoying easier gorilla trekking adventures!

If you’re looking for a delightful mix of wildlife and primate experiences, Akagera National Park is the perfect spot!

You’ll find plenty of amazing animals here, like giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, and zebras. While elephants, lions, and rhinos also call this park home, they tend to be more elusive.

With the bright skies and thinner vegetation, spotting wildlife becomes a fun and rewarding adventure! You get the best of both worlds when visiting Rwanda in June, as you see wildlife and different primate species.

Weather in June

Very little rainfall occurs around this time of year, so you have a much better experience seeing wildlife and doing gorilla trekking.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

 Akagera National Park

The chances of seeing the Big Five here are excellent, so look forward to productive game drives. In addition to this, you can see giraffes, zebras, and impalas.

Activities to do in June

• Game drives
• Spa treatments
• Gorilla trekking
• Yoga classes

Gorilla trekking offers an incredible adventure opportunity, particularly during July when the weather conditions are optimal, featuring clear skies and minimal rainfall.

In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is one park that is recognized as one of the premier locations globally for observing the endangered mountain gorillas. Visitors can experience breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains, especially during sunset, a picturesque moment not to be overlooked.

While the park hosts other wildlife, such as rare buffaloes and elephants, the main focus remains on the gorillas. For those passionate about gorilla trekking, this park is an invaluable destination, providing a unique and memorable experience.

On the other hand, birding is also a great activity this month, so take full advantage of the experiences at your disposal!

Weather in July

July is in the heart of the dry season and is one of the best months for gorilla trekking. Birding is also great if you want a birding safari this month.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park offers an exhilarating experience for birdwatchers and those interested in gorilla trekking. Here, you get to see over 200 species of birds, most importantly gorillas.

Activities to do in July

• Birding
• Yoga classes
• Game drives
• Spa treatment
• Gorilla trekking

In August, the vegetation becomes thinner and drier, facilitating walking on forest trails. This month is particularly favourable for gorilla trekking, offering visitors a chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

In addition to gorillas, Akagera National Park is home to the Big Five, although sightings of elephants, rhinos, and lions are less frequent compared to buffaloes.

The park also features a diverse array of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and hippos. During the dry season, game drives are especially rewarding, as animals tend to congregate around the remaining water sources, making for more dynamic viewing experiences.

For birdwatchers, the region is rich in avian life. Notable bird species to look out for include the African fish eagle, black-headed gonolek, marabou stork, sooty chat, and white-browed coucal. This time of year, a birding safari is still productive.

Weather in August

Since the dry season is well underway, rainfall is minimal or not expected at all. Your chances of seeing wildlife are great, and gorilla trekking is excellent at this time of year.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Skies are bright in August; this is one of the best times for viewing wildlife. The environment is quite hazy, though, so a Photographic safari may not be on the cards this time around. This park isn’t popular for gorilla trekking, but game drives are highly productive at this time of year.

Activities to do in August

• Spa treatments
• Game drives
• Yoga classes
• Birding

Forest trails remain accessible for gorilla trekking at this time of year, providing an enjoyable experience for visitors. The likelihood of sunshine increases, contributing to pleasant conditions for both chimpanzee and gorilla trekking.

With three months of dry weather behind us, trekkers can expect an unobstructed experience, as recent rainfall has not hindered them.

Nyungwe National Park is a notable destination to consider visiting this month. While the park does not have large animals or significant wildlife, it is renowned for its primate populations, particularly the L’Hoest’s monkey, which is a highlight for nature enthusiasts.

Prepare for an absolutely thrilling birding and trekking experience.

Weather in September

Rainfall increases this month, but Nyungwe National Park experiences the dry season at this time of year, so trekking and birding are great activity options if you’re taking a holiday in September.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Nyungwe National Park

The dry season occurs in Nyungwe National Park, and Chimpanzee trekking is an excellent activity to take part in during this time of year. If you’re interested in birding, the park hosts over 300 bird species to see,e and some of them include the black-saw wing, the great blue turaco, the regal sunbird, the red-throated alethe, and the Ruwenzori alethe.

Activities to do in September

• Birding
• Spa treatments
• Gorilla trekking
• Yoga classes

October is considered an excellent month for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, renowned for providing exceptional wildlife experiences.

Visitors to the park can observe large troops of golden monkeys amidst stunning landscapes featuring majestic volcanoes. While larger wildlife such as buffaloes and elephants inhabit the area, they are typically elusive and not often spotted.

In addition to these larger animals, the park is home to a variety of smaller species, including bushbuck, bushpig, giant forest hog, black-fronted duiker, and side-striped jackals, adding to the diverse ecosystem of the region.

If birding is also on your list, 200 species of birds are recorded here, so you’ll be in for a treat if you decide to go on a birding safari.

Weather in October

Rainfall increases as the wet season starts to creep in. While it is the rainy season, showers normally begin in the afternoons and activities tend to take place in the morning.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park

Gorillas are prominent in Volcanoes National Park and no other wildlife occurs here. Another focus here if you’re visiting Rwanda is the bird species. 200 species of birds occur here so bring along your binoculars for a great view of them.

Activities to do in October

• Gorilla trekking
• Spa treatments
• Birding
• Yoga classes

November is part of the low season in the world of Rwanda safaris. The end of the year sees the short rainy period, with showers deteriorating rainforest trails, making gorilla and chimpanzee trekking challenging endeavours.

However, there are still many pros to a safari in Rwanda during November. For birders, this is an ideal time to check a range of incredible species off your list, as the rain brings with it migrants from the northern hemisphere.

Weather in November

Weather in Rwanda during this month is characterised by rainy conditions (an average of about 4 inches in November). Daytime temperatures are pleasant and warm, hovering around 26°C/79°F. In rainforest areas, it is colder due to the high altitude, so pack warm layers. The rain causes incredibly lush scenery, which is spectacular to see and capture during photography safaris.

Destinations to Visit in Rwanda During November

Akagera National Park

Akagera National Park doesn’t see as much rain as the rest of the country during this time of the year, so November can be an excellent time for a Big Five safari in Rwanda.

Besides lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes, you may be able to spot hippos bobbing about in lakes along with crocodiles, waterbucks navigating the swamplands, and giraffes towering over the land.

Nyungwe National Park

Birdwatching is excellent during the wet season in Nyungwe National Park. While rainfall can make navigating the forest trails difficult, rates are often lower, and you’re often rewarded with fewer crowds.

A range of primates call this national park home. While walking through this forest, you may see chimpanzees swinging above in the canopy, beautiful l’Hoest’s monkeys, and charismatic colobus monkeys, among others.

Activities to Do in Rwanda in November

• Chimpanzee trekking safaris
• Gorilla trekking safaris
• Game drives
• Birdwatching safaris
• Photographic safaris

December is an excellent time to explore Rwanda! Although the rains might put a slight hold on some activities, they also breathe new life into the landscape. You’ll be welcomed by gorgeous green scenery perfect for capturing incredible photos on your safaris!

If you’re a bird lover, you’ll be excited about what Rwanda has to offer. December is a fantastic month for birding, with plenty of feathered friends around to spot.

As we move into mid-December, wildlife viewing starts to get exciting! If you’re hoping to see the Big Five, Akagera National Park is the place to be. Just a heads-up, leopards and black rhinos can be a bit elusive, but there are so many other incredible animals to see. Keep your eyes peeled for hippos, zebras, giraffes, and even 11 species of antelope! It’s an adventure waiting to happen!

Weather in December

The wet season is around December, and Akagera is a great park to visit if you want to see newborn animals and experience the scenic landscape that the rains give rise to. Rains tend to decrease from December onward, so you can always see something during your stay in Rwanda.

Highlight Park to Visit in Rwanda

Akagera National Park

Wildlife is great all year round in Akagera National Park. The park has no primates present so gorilla trekking isn’t an experience you can have here. However, there are many other activities and things to see here as the park has a diversity of habitats to see from majestic mountains, and forest-fringed lakes, it is a picture-perfect region on a photographic safari.

Activities to do in December

• Mokoro or canoe safaris
• Game drives
• Birding