When is the best month to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

The best month to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, Rwanda, a small country in eastern Africa, bordered by Burundi, Congo, Tanzania, and Uganda. It has favourable weather conditions and vast landscapes, making it an ideal tourist destination.
Gorilla trekking is one of the most popular activities among tourists in Rwanda. However, this pastime is more enjoyable during certain months. We will explain everything you need to know about gorilla trekking so that you can plan your trip to Rwanda at the optimal moment.

Monthly guide on gorilla trekking in Rwanda

In Rwanda, gorilla trekking takes place all year round. This is because the mountain gorillas are hardy animals that can withstand extreme weather conditions. As a result, they will remain in their natural environment despite changes in the weather.

Rwanda also boasts pleasant weather throughout the year, which attracts visitors at any time. Nonetheless, the greatest time to go gorilla trekking is in the dry months, particularly after the rainy season, when the environment is still green and appealing. During this season, there is less chance of rain, and the trekking terrain is ideal.

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect when you go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

January & February

Rwanda has a very short dry season, with January and February often recommended as the best months to visit Rwanda and do gorilla trekking. During this time, the weather is mostly dry, with the exception of a few thin clouds and light showers. This type of weather makes the landscape ideal for hiking because it allows you to readily track gorilla trails. Those who want to go kayaking or mountain climbing should schedule their activities around this time.

Aside from favourable weather, a few individuals go gorilla trekking around these months because they are busy, letting you to enjoy yourself with minimum crowds. If you’re on a limited budget, these are the best months to travel because rates for necessary services are lower and there are several discounts available during the low season.

March, April and May

The longest rainy season in Rwanda begins in March and lasts until mid-May. Despite the rain, the terrain is appropriate for a journey to look for the gorillas that reside in this wonderful location. Furthermore, you can readily spot the primates during this season because they migrate from the top of the mountain, where it rains often, down the lower slopes in search of dryer conditions.

April had similar damp weather as March. Due to the rains, hiking or trekking in mountainous areas will be challenging at this time of year. People who enjoy birding will enjoy visiting Rwanda around this time, as it is nesting season, with magnificent birds in the sky.

By mid-May, the rains have subsided. If you want to avoid tourist crowds, obtaining a gorilla trekking permit may be easier this month. Rwanda limits the number of gorilla permits issued per day to preserve the gorillas, thus you will never be “overcrowded”.

This is also why you should prepare ahead of time because permits will run out (6 months or more during peak season). If you decide to go hiking during these months, bring waterproof clothing to avoid getting wet if the rain falls while you’re out in the mountains. The correct waterproof gear can also keep you warm, reducing your risk of contracting cold-related disorders like pneumonia. Hiking boots are also useful since they reduce the risk of slipping and falling.

June, July, & August

As far as gorilla trekking in Rwanda is concerned, the months of June, July, and August are among the greatest times to go. Since the weather is pleasant throughout the high season, the majority of tourists choose to travel to the region at this time. There are no big rains this time of year, so you can easily locate the hiking/trekking trails. Another advantage of the mountains is that they are not muddy or slippery, which makes them simple to navigate.
Over the course of this time period, the annual Ikwita Izina Ceremony, which typically takes place in June, is considered to be one of the most significant events. This ceremony consists of naming the gorilla babies born in the previous twelve months.
After your gorilla hike, you can go for a game drive in Akagera National Park, where the forest is less dense and wildlife is more visible.

September and October

It is common for Rwanda to get brief rainfall throughout the months of September and October. Due to the fact that there is not an excessive amount of sunlight, these weather conditions are perfect for gorilla trekking because you will not become weary too quickly. One of the most favourable aspects is that the rain typically falls throughout the night. You will be able to take pleasure in the remainder of the day because the sky are clear by the time daybreak arrives.

Utilising the favourable weather circumstances, you can also cross the border into Tanzania and go hiking at a high altitude on the adjacent Mount Kilimanjaro. This is another option for visitors.

November

Due to the amount of rain that typically falls in Rwanda during the month of November, this is not the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Even though gorillas do not like being in rainy conditions, it is still possible to observe them. However, it may be difficult to trace the hiking tracks, and there is a possibility that you may slip and fall at some point. Additionally, rain makes the area appear greener, which makes it an excellent subject for photography.

December

It is typically possible to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda in the middle of December, when the rains begin to lessen. The one and only drawback is that the majority of people, both domestic and foreign tourists, prefer to travel to Rwanda around this time of year for the Christmas holidays. As a consequence of this, the rates of some hotel facilities normally tend to be quite high. To avoid these complications, reserve your chosen lodgings and travel plans ahead of time, preferably two or three months.