Seasonal Guide to Rwanda

Located approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, Nyungwe Forest Nation Park is an important and biodiverse area, home to a multitude of plants and animals, including rainforest, bamboo, grasslands, swamps and bogs.

Nyungwe Forest is arguably the most preserved forest in all of Africa, it features 140 kinds of orchids, 240 tree species, 120 species of butterflies, 310 species of birds and 13 primate species including one of the largest population chimpanzees in Africa. The park lies amongst tea plantation offering unique hiking experiences and is a hub for a plethora of activities.

Nyungwe Forest is one of the oldest rainforests on the continent of Africa and is the best place to visit in search of chimpanzees, there is a healthy population of these fascinating creatures and 15 trails open for hiking, giving visitors an immersive experience where you can discover the stunning forests the park has to offer.

Guests to Nyungwe Forest can do tea plantations tours, cycling, practicing archery, helicopter flights and chimpanzee trekking.

Temperatures in Nyungwe Forest National Park range from 77 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit, still it is recommended that visitors come during the dry season, June to September, or from mid-December to mid-February. During this time of the year, rainfall temporarily ceases and conditions are more comfortable, enhancing the trekking experience and accentuating the extraordinary forms of wildlife within the forest.

Volcanoes National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Africa and one of the best places to go gorilla trekking. Located in the northwest of Rwanda, the park protects misty forests, mountain ranges, rugged landscapes and mountain gorillas.

The ecosystem of Volcanoes National Park features an evergreen bamboo forest, open grasslands and swampy terrain. The main attraction in the park is the endangered mountain gorillas.

Dry season occurs from June to August and offers keen opportunities to view other wildlife such as golden monkeys, forest elephants, insects and 178 bird species among others. Day time temperatures average 61 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and a chilly 43 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Because June and July are the driest months of the year, hiking is highly recommended, however gorilla trekking permits are limited.

As part of the conservation efforts to protect and preserve the wildlife in the region, only 96 trekking permits are allowed each day-with groups of 8 individuals visiting the 12 habituated gorilla families daily within the park. With the wide variety of accommodation options available in the area, the options are not yet enough to accommodate the demand, thus booking well in advance is required to secure your spot on the mountain during peak season.

For the guests that are not as sensitive to weather can have a fantastic experience trekking in the off season, as the availability of permits is not as competitive and light rain bring tremendous value to the photography of the mountain gorillas. The moisture brings out the vibrant colors of the forest and accentuates the textures of the gorillas’ fur. Also, many hotels and lodges provide wonderful waterproofing gear for travelers to fend off any showers that may interrupt your hikes.

Situated along the border of Rwanda with Tanzania, Akagera National Park is the largest protected wetland in Africa and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda. The park is characterized by vast open plains, low rising mountains, woodlands and swamps.

Because of the varied terrain dominated by savannah grasslands, the park is home to abundant wildlife including zebras, lions, elephants and giraffes. Also there are hundreds of bird species and a huge population of hippos and crocodiles in the south of the park.

Akagera National Park experiences cold, mild, warm weather which making exploring the park possible at any time of the year, average temperatures are relatively consistent over the year. Akagera’s largely open expanses is ideal for game viewing, visitors can also boat safaris on Lake Ihema and bird watching.

The dry season in Akagera National Park starts from June to September, the park has two rainy seasons. The short rains from October to December and the long rains from March to May.

In conclusion: Rwanda has long delighted travelers thanks to its vast greenery and tremendous wildlife. With moderate day temperatures, pleasurable conditions and nearly non-existent rainfall during the summer months of June to September.