Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda, Gorilla trekking is the most unforgettable wildlife experiences on earth, with Rwanda being one of the country this awe-inspiring experience is offered.
The best time to see gorillas in Rwanda is during either of the country’s two dry seasons: June to August or January to February. These seasons offer the best gorilla trekking conditions, as there is less chance of rain and slippery trails.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda takes place in Volcanoes National Park – the only place in the country where the endangered mountain gorillas live, so the best time to see the gorillas in Rwanda is dependent on the weather patterns of Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwest corner of the country.
Volcanoes National Park is the most famous gorilla trekking destination in Africa known for offering the most accessible gorilla trekking experience, the remarkable place is a place where the late Dian Fossey studied the behavior of the endangered mountain gorillas and brought the gorilla plight to the world’s attention. Her tremendous work led to the survival of gorilla population and making of Gorillas in the Mist, adding more magic to Volcanoes National Park.
Mountain gorillas are one of the most sought – after primates in the wild, only found in the rainforests of East Africa with Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park being one of the only four destination where they are found. The gorillas are social animals living in family groups led by a dominant silverback male, they are majestic and highly intelligent capable of communicating through a repertoire of up to 25 distinct sounds. They do share strong family bonds and are known to create and use tools.
Which Are The Best Seasons For Gorilla Trekking?
The best time of year to see gorillas in Rwanda is during
- The long dry season of June to August extending to early September
- The short dry season of mid-December to February
The long dry season is the best time of year to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda as these months receive the least rain and so offer the best trekking conditions as well as the lowest risk of malaria.
While the dry seasons are the best time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you can still trek the gorillas at any time of year, as permits are sold for all months. Also, please note that you are never guaranteed of dry trekking conditions, even in the months regarded as dry seasons. This is because the Virunga Mountains range has a mix of tropical and equatorial climate and so it receives and rain and mist all year round.
Average temperature and rainfall in Volcanoes National Park
The iconic Volcanoes National Park sits in an elevation range of 2400 m to 4,507 m. Also, the park lies close to the Equator to the north this the constant temperatures throughout the year. The park has a fairly cool mean daily temperature of around around 15 ℃ (59 ℉), and a mean night-time temperature is 6 ℃ (43 ℉).
The high elevation of Volcanoes National Park and the presence of many volcanoes straddling park also means that the region is synonymous with clouds, mist and rain. The park has an average annual rainfall of nearly 2,000mm.
The park receives most rainfall in March and April, the short rainy season which peaks in November is also a risk time of year to book a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda.
What are the peak seasons for gorilla trekking?
Rwanda’s two dry seasons are also the country’s peak gorilla trekking seasons, meaning gorilla trekking permits sell out sooner for this season, and many months in advance. If you are not interested in travelling during peak seasons or wish to book a last minute gorilla trek, please consider the shoulder months of May, September, December and March or off-peak months.
What are the best gorilla trekking conditions?
The ideal conditions for gorilla trekking are no rain and dry ground. Lots of rain can malke the trails muddy and slippery which can be unpleasant for some guests, especially on steep sections of the trek.
Note: It does not have to be raining on the day of your trek to get wet, since you must often trek your way through the dense foliage in search of a gorilla troop. So if you are interested in a dry trek, the best time to travel to Rwanda is during a dry season so that you can hope to arrive during a dry spell.
Obviously a sunny day is ideal of a gorilla trek as the sun rays then filter through the canopy and offer a pretty play of light. But there is charm too to a gloomy day. Also, it offers an authentic experience with the mountain gorillas. This is one of the reasons Dian Fossey called the park “Gorillas in the Mist”
Best time to see gorillas in Rwanda
When considering gorilla trekking in Rwanda, often travelers consider the contrasting experiences. The wet seasons, March to May and October to November, bring heavier rainfall and unveil a different kind of magic in Volcanoes National Park. The misty rainforest comes to life in a palette of deep greens and vibrant blooms of flowers, transforming the landscape into a lush paradise.
For visitors also interested in birds, you are in a show as migratory species arrive in full swing, and resident birds display their brightest plumage as they court and nest, making sightings more vivid and varied. The rains may make the hiking trails a bit muddier and the trekking more challenging, but for those interested in rich biodiversity and dramatic scenery, the wet season offers a more quieter, more intimate encounter with the natural rhythms of Volcanoes National Park.
Though Volcanoes National Park is open year-round, trekking conditions and visibility can vary with the seasons, with occasional trail closures or itinerary adjustments during periods of heavy rain.
Spanning from June to September and again from December to February, the dry season is widely considered the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas. During these months, the forest cover thins slight under the sun’s steady warmth, making it easier to spot the gentle giants. Also, the trails are at their most accessible, making treks into the rainforest more comfortable and photography even more rewarding under clear skies.
Also, August or September brings the Kwita Izina – an annual gorilla naming ceremony held in the Volcanoes National Park.
The 3 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking Safari customized by Rwanda gorilla trek starts from Kigali airport crossing to Uganda via Katuna Border or Cyanika Border. Learn More
4 Days Uganda Gorilla Trekking starts from Kigali international airport drive through the land of thousand hills crossing to the pearl of Africa’s most known national park of Bwindi. Learn More
3 Days Uganda Wildlife Safari takes you to Lake Mburo National Park where you can spot rare wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffaloes, warthogs, antelope. Learn More
A 3 Day Uganda Wildlife Safari to Queen Elizabeth National Park can show you the magnificent wildlife of East Africa, such as lions, elephants, buffaloes. Learn More
5 Days Gorilla Trekking & Hiking trip to Mgahinga National Park located in southwestern Uganda. Plan a visit to the mountain gorillas, and golden monkey in Mgahinga. Learn More
6 Days Uganda Gorilla trekking & wildlife safari tour to visit the mountain gorillas, Wildlife animals in Queen Elizabeth national park on a customized Uganda safari. Learn More
9 Days Uganda Safari to enjoy gorilla trekking on an ultimate gorilla safari adventure to Bwindi impenetrable forest national park, Wildlife viewing. Learn More
10 Days Uganda Gorilla & Wildlife Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Entebbe international airport, Day 2: Rhino Tracking at Ziwa & transfer to Murchison Falls, Day 3: Morning game drive and afternoon boat cruise, Day 4: Transfer to Queen Elizabeth National Park. Learn More
5 Days Uganda Primates Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: City tour, Day 3: Golden monkey habituation, Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Mgahinga national park, Day 5: Transfer to the airport. Learn More
Book this 1 Day Rwanda Gorilla Trek and visit the mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park in the shortest time. Read More
Book a Perfect 1 Day Gorilla tour to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in southern Uganda. The trip starts from Kigali and can depart daily at 3:30 AM. Read More
Book 3 Days Gorilla Safari to Volcanoes. This trip combines gorilla trekking & Golden monkey tracking, a visit to the twine lakes, and a Kigali city tour. Read More
5 Days Uganda Rwanda Safari is perfect for a double gorilla trekking experience with a great chance of comparing gorilla trekking in Mgahinga National Park & Volcanoes. Read More
5 Days Rwanda Congo Safari is a perfect gorilla trekking & Nyiragongo hike in Congo on a combined multi Country safari to visit the mountain gorillas. Read More
Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More
9 Days Gorilla Trekking Safari. Plan for a multi-country Safari to visit Africa? Click here to read about the Gorilla Trek within Rwanda, DR Congo & Uganda for Gorilla trekking. Read More
Get the Best out of 13 Days Rwanda Uganda Gorilla and Wildlife Safari with Active African Vacations that begins from Rwandan Airport Kigali and ends in Uganda. Read More
Book 5 Days Rwanda Primate Tour offered by Rwanda gorilla trek the destination expert in Safaris to Rwanda throughout the entire year. Read More
Plan for a 4 Days Double Gorilla Trekking Rwanda in volcanoes national park to visit the mountain gorillas two times watching the two different silverbacks. Read More
5 Days Uganda Primates Safari; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: City tour, Day 3: Golden monkey habituation, Day 4: Gorilla Trekking Mgahinga national park. Read More
7 Days Rwanda Safari – Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking; Day 1: Arrival at Kigali international airport, Day 2: Transfer to volcanoes national park. Read More
