When Is The Best Time To Visit Rwanda?

The best time to visit Rwanda is during the dry seasons: June to September (long dry season) and December to February (short dry season). These periods offer optimal conditions for gorilla trekking with drier trails and clearer skies.

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For gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, the dry seasons make hiking conditions easier, though gorilla encounters are possible year-round. During the rainy seasons, trails can be muddy and slippery, but gorillas often descend to lower, more accessible elevations.

June through September coincides with peak tourist season, so booking gorilla permits and luxury lodges well in advance is essential. December through February offers similar conditions with slightly fewer visitors.

The rainy seasons (March to May and October to November) bring lush green landscapes, lower prices, and fewer tourists. If you don't mind occasional rain and muddy trails, these months can offer rewarding and more intimate wildlife experiences. Akagera National Park's game viewing is excellent year-round, though the dry season concentrates animals around water sources.

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