Land of a thousand hills; Rwanda is one of the top travel destinations in the world; popular for its large concentration of the rare endangered mountain Gorillas, golden monkeys, and chimpanzees. It is a landlocked country situated astride the Great Rift Valley, in great lakes region of East Africa, neighbored by Uganda to the north, Burundi to the south, the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west and Tanzania to the east. As you plan your adventures, its very important that you know the best time to Visit Rwanda
In order not to miss out on the primary reason for a safari, travel time is a very essential ingredient in making your trip worth memorable, either when considering traveling for it, catching up with the activities or just relaxing. This is the reason why we bring to you a guide about the best time of visiting, the activities and destinations in Rwanda.
Rwanda experiences two main seasons; rainy season and dry season. The type of activity you intend to do dictates the best time to visit the country because land borders are open to everyone from across the world all year round. Below are the activities and favorable period / month to carry out that respective activity;
Kigali City Tour (All year round).
Kigali city is Rwanda’s main capital city, ranked among the cleanest and safest in the world. In it are magnificent buildings, buzzing streets, and classic accommodations, and business centers, historical and cultural attractions. But what can one do in this place? Visiting the Genocide memorial site; a place where 250,000 innocent people who died during the Tutsi and Hutu rebellion were buried. Visitors pay tribute to the deceased and are taught more about Genocide.
The Other destinations include the City Museum, where historical and cultural treasures have been preserved, the local markets to purchase some souvenirs and learn how the locals’ trade and the Kigali convention center.
If you intend to tour Kigali city, then any time of the year may work, but with the exceptions of Sundays, since it finds when most places have been shut.
Primate trekking (June – October and December – February).
Rwanda is one of the finest primate trekking destinations in the world, in her lush forest of Nyungwe forest national park. Over 13 primate species have been records there, with chimpanzees dominating. Chimps are humans’ closest relatives; with over 98% DNA. They feed, and play like humans, with the only difference seen in the residents.
Though it is possible to track these creatures at any time of the year, March to May is the best month. Yes, these are months of rain but does remove the fact that they are also very ideal for tracking. Though the ground tends to be slippery and the abrupt rain inconvenience tourists, the chimpanzees can be easily seen. The figs and fruits in the forest ripen, thus attracting them to feed on the ground that is exposed to the tourists. None the less, that can’t stop you from visiting from May to June.
Mountain Gorilla trekking and Golden monkey trekking (June to Mid-October).
Want to Track the Gorillas and Golden monkeys? Mid-May to late October is the most ideal time. It is a long dry season, where most of these Apes get exposed as they move from one territory to another in search of feeds. The ground is not slippery, thus favoring trekking in all directions. Gorilla trekking permits are sold at 1500 USD.
Wildlife safari, Hiking and Birding (December to February and June to October).
Though overshadowed by Gorilla trekking and chimpanzee trekking, Rwanda also prides in her wide range of wildlife species such as birds, rare plants and mammals. Game drives are done in Akagera national park, which inhabits all Africa’s big 5 mammals (lions, leopards, Rhinos, elephants, and Cape Buffaloes).
Picking the Best Time to Visit Rwanda is the start of your unforgettable safari holiday. It might seem unessential, but those who follow our advice never regret it. What to wear is guided by your activity and time for the trip.
