When is the Best Time to Visit Rwanda? :  Rwanda is a bucket list destination primarily for the famous gorilla trek, which can be supplemented with other exciting experiences and adventures such as chimp trekking, volcano hiking, big five safaris in Akagera National Park, and art and culture tours, among others.

After opting to visit Rwanda, the next question on visitors’ thoughts is when is the ideal time to visit Rwanda?

To begin with, and most importantly, Rwanda is one of the easiest, if not the easiest, African countries to visit since no matter where you are from, you do not need to apply for a visa in advance. No! You just fly to Rwanda and your visa is issued to you upon arrival. Rwanda employs a “open door policy.”

Rwanda may be visited at any time of year since it is always beautiful and safe. However, several circumstances, which I detail below, may have an impact on the optimum time for you to visit:

Visiting Rwanda during the dry season.

Rwanda has two weather seasons (dry and wet), and the ideal time to come is during the warm/dry season, which runs from June to mid-September and December to February. The dry or warm season has little to no rain, making travel and outdoor activities considerably easier. Fortunately, the lengthy dry season from June to September corresponds with the summer season, when many people go on holiday.

Visiting Rwanda during the wet season.

However, visiting Rwanda during the wet/rainy season (March to April and October to part of December) is not altogether negative because the scenery is at its finest and there are no people, so you will enjoy near exclusivity at several activities. However, you must be prepared for possible disruptions caused by weather (be prepared with rain gear). Be prepared for more difficult walking due to the slippery and muddy terrain, but the fauna in the mountains is ever more magnificent.

Best Time for Trekking Safaris in Rwanda.

Trekking in the highlands to observe gorillas and golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park and chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest National Park is best done during the dry season (June to September, December to February) since the routes are dry and trekking is easier. However, the wildlife may be spotted all year.

The big game viewing safari in Akagera national park is particularly preferable in the dry season since you can easily explore all routes without getting bogged in the mud. Because of the shorter dry grass, wildlife may be easier to spot. During the wet season, the grass and shrubs grow taller, making animal observations more difficult. The rainy season, on the other hand, delivers the nicest beauty in Akagera, with lush vegetation sceneries.

Best Time for Birding Safaris in Rwanda.

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the bird migration season to get the most out of your birding vacation. The Palearctic birds fleeing winter arrive in October and leave in May, thus if you want to record the most comprehensive checklist of birds in Rwanda, the Palearctic migration season is the greatest time to come, especially after December when they begin to put on their colorful plumage.

However, if you are primarily interested in the resident species, particularly the Albertine rift endemics, then any time of year is good, especially after the migratory have departed so that identification is easy.

Is there a bad time to visit Rwanda?

It is safe to visit Rwanda at any time of year, however these periods may make you feel uneasy, so you may want to avoid going, or it may be a good time to travel for these specific experiences.

Other Events that offer a great opportunity to visit Rwanda.

Kwita Izina Baby Gorilla Naming Ceremony.

The Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony in Rwanda is one of the most beautiful events in Rwanda. The Kwita Izina ritual honors young gorillas born in the previous year and is a beautiful and dramatic ceremony that showcases Rwandan cultures and customs via dances and music.

The event takes place at the foot of the Virunga Mountains in northern Rwanda. It is attended by worldwide celebrities and notable people who have been asked to name the gorillas. You may schedule your gorilla trekking trip during the Kwita Izina ritual, which is usually held in the first week of September.

Kwibuka Ceremony

Every April 7th, Rwandans recall the Genocide against the Tutsi, a terrible period in Rwandan history that put a blanket of suffering across the country. The genocide is brought back to life for individuals who were alive or lost loved ones during the massacre in April 1994. The tone on today and the next days is so depressing that as a guest, you may experience unease and a sense of emptiness. This may be the worst moment to visit Rwanda.

Please contact us at Explore Rwanda Tours or visit our websites for the best offers on private tours or safaris to Rwanda.