Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda  : The Volcanoes national park is Rwanda’s most visited national park by both international visitors and the Rwandan people. The Volcanoes national park is much sought after because of the mountain gorillas living in the park. The mountain gorillas can only be visited in four destinations in the entire world and this is in the Volcanoes national park of Rwanda, the Virunga national park of the Democratic republic of Congo, the Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park and the Mgahinga forest national park of Uganda.

The Volcanoes national park is located in the north western part of Rwanda a small landlocked country. This national park is a 2 hours and 30 minute road transfer from Kigali the capital city of Rwanda. Kigali city is the base of the Kigali International airport where the majority of international visitors land when coming to Rwanda.

Rwanda can be visited anytime of the year. There is no such weather that would stop you from visiting or more specifically seeing the gorillas. Gorillas on your mountain gorilla safari will definitely show up and you will get to enjoy the magical one hour in their presence. The mountain gorillas are tracked every day ahead of your trekking to make the experience more assuring for you.

However much most people prefer to take safaris during the drier months of the year, most of the activities in the Volcanoes national park are possible even in the wet seasons so be sure to book yourself a Rwanda safari any time of the year that you may have space in your schedule.

The drier months are the most desired times for a Rwanda safari and this is majorly because the wildlife/ viewing trails are not boggy and easily accessed. The rains experienced in the national park tend to make the trails muddy but by opting to visit in the dry seasons doesn’t mean you will not experience rain. The national parks are all in rain forests so you should expect a downpour any day of the year.

You will have to only prepare well for your visit to the national park. You will need to read on what to pack for a gorilla trekking safari or on a visit to Volcanoes national park. Make sure to pack a good pair of hiking shoes, a rain jacket and change of clothes in case you experience a downpour on your trek.

The drier months in the Volcanoes national park if you opt to visit then are from June to Mid-September and December to February. You should also note these dry months have a high demand of permits and accommodation as most guests will be interested in visiting during this season. Prices for accommodation are higher for this high season so ensure to book your spot in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.

Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

This time of the year is usually dry and the best time to visit Rwanda as best to visit volcanoes national park. For those who want to trek and do canopy walks this is the best time because the trails are dry and passable. However most of them are is a tropical rain forest especially PNV and so you definitely have to carry a jacket and boots just in case, nature here is unpredictable.

Hiking is also easier during this season. Game viewing becomes also easier as most animals will converge at water sources since it’s a dry period therefore you have chances of seeing all of them in just one place. And it makes it quite obvious of where you are going to find the animals during this season.

Besides mountain gorilla trekking, there are other activities that one can engage in while in the Volcanoes national park. You may opt for a Golden Monkey Trekking in Volcanoes, a hike to one of the Virunga volcanoes, or visit the Buhanga Eco Park. Take on a cultural tour at the Iby’iwachu cultural center or even visit the neighboring twin lakes Burera and Ruhondo or Lake Kivu, one of the world’s longest lakes.

Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda
Golden Monkey Trekking in Rwanda

The months from March to May and October to November are the rainy months in Rwanda. But it does not mean that it will rain throughout the entire season if you have may be a 5 day safari, you may not even encounter any rain in this season. Unlike the west in Africa and particularly Rwanda, it may rain for a few hours and then shine for the rest of the day. This therefore means that the activities you plan may still be achievable.

However for those looking at birding, this could be one of the best times to come to Rwanda depending on the bird species you are looking at. At this time most of the plants are flowering and therefore attracting birds.

Photographers can also visit during this time which is the Best Time To Visit Volcanoes National Park Rwanda as the entire area is green and all plants are flourishing. Since most people prefer travelling from June to September, you are advised to travel either May or October as you will not miss much and will have reduced costs but if you choose to travel during that period please book early enough and most attractions in Rwanda have a daily limit number of visitors. Get to enjoy enough attention from the service providers as they will be less whelmed.

Get in touch with us and let us plan for you an ideal Rwanda safari to the Volcanoes national park or even to the Akagera national park and Nyungwe forest national park.

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