Best Time to Visit
Rwanda
Visiting Rwanda is ideal in the drier months from June to September, which is the prime time for encountering the country’s most famous residents: the mountain gorillas. For those interested in chimpanzee tracking, the rainy seasons, from March to May and in November, are the best times. These periods also tend to be less crowded. Due to its location just south of the Equator, Rwanda experiences consistent temperatures throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, typically in the high teens to mid-twenties Celsius (approximately 64°F to 77°F), varying with different regions. Nights can be cooler, especially in higher altitudes.
Rwanda's month-by-month visit guide
Visiting in January
January in Rwanda is ideal for a visit. Enjoying warm days and comfortable nights during the short dry season, it’s perfect for gorilla trekking. The risk of rain is low, minimizing mosquito concerns. Consider combining Rwanda and Tanzania for an excellent safari in January. High and medium-altitude regions are hot during the day but cool in the evenings, while low-lying areas are warm day and night. This popular safari time offers unforgettable treks, but plan ahead for higher prices during the dry season.
Visiting in February
February marks the end of Rwanda’s short dry season, offering excellent conditions for mountain gorilla trekking. It’s not the peak season, providing reasonable prices with early booking. Consider combining Rwanda with a Kenyan safari, and add a coastal beach experience. If heading to the Virunga Mountains, pack a fleece for chilly nights at high altitudes. During January and February, high and medium-altitude areas are hot during the day and cool at night, while low-lying regions are warm. This popular safari time presents stunning scenery, warm weather, and memorable forest treks, but plan ahead for higher prices during the dry season.
Visiting in March
March in Rwanda signals the start of the long rains, making it a reasonable time to visit. While persistent and heavy rain may pose challenges for gorilla trekking, the rainforest thrives. Hiking becomes tricky due to slippery conditions. Opt for exploring other wildlife areas and parks, capitalizing on March’s vibrant birdlife. Despite the wet weather lasting until mid-May, it’s a prime time for primate trekking. Quality rain gear is essential for navigating the dense, wet forests during this period.
Visiting in April
April is challenging for Rwanda visits due to the peak of the long rainy season. Trekking is hindered by heavy rainfall, creating slippery and muddy conditions. Bring waterproof gear, especially for cameras. However, it’s a favorable month for chimpanzee sightings in Nyungwe National Park, as they gather lower to the ground. April hosts Genocide Memorial Week, commemorating the 1994 genocide. Following May’s wet conditions, hiking around the Virungas is challenging. Consider these factors when planning your Rwanda visit in April.
Visiting in May
May in Rwanda, the last month of the long rainy season, is a mixed time to visit. Gorilla trekking can be challenging due to marsh-like rainforests, but as the month progresses, rain eases. Unpredictable weather characterizes May. While not ideal for gorilla trekking, it’s excellent for chimpanzee tracking in lush forests. Mid-May sees a decline in rain, reducing tourist crowds and offering last-minute gorilla trekking permits. Birdwatchers enjoy breeding season, with vibrant species filling the skies. The landscape flourishes with greenery, newborn animals, and the chance for unique wildlife encounters.
Visiting in June
June kicks off Rwanda’s long dry season, optimal for gorilla tracking. Book permits a year ahead for availability. Explore national parks like Akagera during this dry period. Pair your Rwanda visit with a Kenya or Tanzania safari, capitalizing on the dry season for the wildebeest migration. Despite being the dry season, pack waterproofs for potential rain, especially in rainforests. This season, from June to September, offers a comfortable climate, making it the prime time for gorilla trekking.
Visiting in July
July marks Rwanda’s peak season, making it an excellent but bustling time to visit. With the Western summer holidays, lodges and permits fill quickly; booking a year in advance is advisable. The month offers optimal conditions for gorilla treks, as the ground dries up post the long rainy season while the landscape stays lush. Engage in diverse wildlife activities like tracking golden monkeys and exploring Akagera National Park. It’s a prime safari month, perfect for combining a Rwandan holiday with East African destinations like Kenya and Tanzania. Don’t miss the Rwanda Film Festival, featuring local and international films.
Visiting in August
August, akin to July, stands out as prime time for Rwanda travel with dry and warm conditions. Perfect for gorilla trekking, advance booking for permits and accommodation is crucial. The peak season enhances safari experiences in dry national parks with concentrated wildlife. This month pairs well with Tanzania or Kenya for a diverse safari. Consider chimpanzee tracking too, as the dry conditions in August facilitate this adventure.
Visiting in September
September, concluding Rwanda’s peak dry season, anticipates some rainfall. While the rainforest may feel slightly humid, it’s an excellent time for mountain gorilla sightings. Ideal for safaris, consider combining Rwanda with Kenya or Tanzania for a wildlife adventure. The month hosts Kwita Izina, the gorilla-naming ceremony, celebrating newborns. Enjoy various outdoor activities like biking, walking, swimming, and fishing in the favorable weather.
Visiting in October
October signals the start of short rains in Rwanda until November. Quick bursts of rain enhance birdlife and offer prime conditions for chimpanzee tracking. Ideal for photographers capturing misty mountains, October allows combining a Rwandan safari with beach time along Kenya’s coast. Though not optimal for gorilla tracking due to wet conditions, the short rainy season brings lower costs for permits and accommodations. Embrace occasional showers for a budget-friendly visit between October and December, as they quickly clear to reveal blue skies.
Visiting in November
November, part of Rwanda’s short rainy season, sees brief, heavy rain showers similar to October. It’s considered a good time to visit, although tracking mountain gorillas can be challenging as they seek shelter during rains. The lush landscape with vibrant greenery offers excellent photo opportunities, and birdwatchers can delight in the increased birdlife. With an average of 140mm of rain, waterproofs are recommended. Traveling between October and December means encountering short showers, but lower costs for gorilla trekking permits and accommodations make it a favorable time for budget-conscious travelers unswayed by a bit of rain and mud.
Visiting in December
December in Rwanda marks the transition from short rains to a brief dry season. Gorilla permits are in high demand around Christmas, so booking in advance is crucial. Prepare for chilly mornings and evenings in the mountains. Lodge prices rise during the festive season, and Volcanoes National Park can be bustling. In the drier period, explore outdoor activities like canoeing, climbing, biking, and fishing. If visiting Rwanda from October to December, expect short rain bursts, but take advantage of lower costs for gorilla trekking permits and accommodations if you don’t mind a bit of mud and rain.
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Rick McIntyre
Hello, I'm Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I've journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you're dreaming of a "once in a lifetime" vacation or you're a seasoned safari traveler, I'm here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014.

Rachel Chambers
You can contact Rae at rae@gamewatchers.comÂ

Julie Roggow
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I'm Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. I'm here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014.Â
Sally Wanjau
Hello, I am Sally Wanjau, and I have been travelling to Kenya on safari since the 1980’s which led to me living and working there for several years. Married to a Kenyan, it is a place that I now call home. I currently live in the UK with my husband. For a number of years, I ran my own safari business as an agent working closely with Gamewatchers Safaris creating unique and tailor-made holidays for my clients, and in 2017 I joined Gamewatchers Safaris full-time as one of their dedicated team of Safari Advisers.
Having travelled extensively throughout East, South and Southern Africa, I remain passionate about Kenya, my love of which is fed by my many fantastic wildlife experiences at the Porini Camps.
You can contact me at sallywanjau@gamewatchers.com or call me at +44 7546 433 250

Wayne Hammond
Wayne Hammond
Hello, I'm Wayne Hammond, and I'm fortunate to have embarked on over 30 incredible journeys to the enchanting continent of Africa. It's a place that has captured my heart time and time again. My travels have taken me to Kenya, which I've had the pleasure of visiting far more times than I can recall, as well as to Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, and Mozambique. Among my cherished bush haunts, I hold dear the Masai Mara in Kenya, the mesmerizing Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, and the wondrous South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. I'm not just a passionate traveler but also an avid amateur wildlife photographer and an occasional travel writer. Â
If you're ready to embark on your own African adventure, don't hesitate to reach out to me at wayne@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +44 7986 978 985.Â
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I've had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul. If you're eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@gamewatchers.comÂ
Let's connect and embark on a journey through Africa's wild wonders together.
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or by phone at +91 801 788 5256