Rwanda’s wildlife, stunning topography and vibrant culture make it a bucket-list destination, offering the chance to seek out one of the world’s rarest creatures on a trek into its afro-montane forests – the mountain gorilla.

One of Rwanda’s premier wilderness areas – Volcanoes National Park – boasts a tremendously successful gorilla conservation movement, with active efforts to protect these outstanding creatures. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus opened in 2022 under the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and offers an excellent opportunity for guests to visit and learn more about the conservation of mountain gorillas during their visit to Volcanoes National Park.

In addition to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda’s ancient forest reserve Nyungwe National Park is a great place to go primate trekking, while Akagera National Park is home to the Big 5. The country is also home to one of Africa’s Great Lakes – Lake Kivu – which can be explored on a houseboat with stops at coffee washing stations. 

Rwanda’s dramatic topography is a mixture of high-altitude forests and volcanoes, wetlands, lakes, savannah and mountains – earning it the name ‘The Land of a Thousand Hills’.

Our Top Locations In Rwanda

Best Time To Visit Rwanda

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The Dry Season

June to September
Rwanda experiences a subtropical highland climate, which results in two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. This is the best time for gorilla trekking and offers exceptional game viewing on safari. Rwanda’s position just south of the Equator keeps temperatures steady throughout the year, though rain can be a possibility at any time of year, particularly in the rainforest.

December to February
This is Rwanda’s shorter dry season, offering mild temperatures and great opportunities for gorilla trekking, birding, and safari.

The Green Season

October & November
This is Rwanda’s short rainy season, known locally as “Umuhindo”, characterised by short bursts of rain, this can make gorilla trekking a little more difficult, with trails a little slippery underfoot. This is a superb time for birding, and safaris remain exciting.

March to May
The long rainy season, referred to locally as “Itumba,” is when Rwanda’s heaviest rainfall occurs. During this time, you can anticipate regular downpours, though it offers the best chances to see Chimpanzees and is still a great time for Gorilla trekking. Trails may be slippery underfoot and good quality rain gear is essential. May marks the beginning of the bird breeding season, a superb time for birders to spot a variety of species in their breeding plumage.

Alex

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