When to Book Your Rwanda Safari: Month-by-Month Guide
Rwanda is a small country in East Africa and Rwanda is a rich land with mountains, forests, and animals. Many people go there for safari, mainly for gorilla trekking. But when is a good time to go? That question comes for all. Every month gives a different look of land and animals. Some months are dry, some months have rain, and some months are perfect for seeing gorillas or wildlife. This article tells all in easy words, with a month-by-month guide, to help you know when to book your Rwanda safari.
January – Green and Fresh Start
January is the start of the year and a very good time for the Rwanda safari. The rain has been gone since December, and now the dry season has begun. The land is still green, but paths are not so muddy now. Very nice weather for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Chimpanzees in Nyungwe Forest also come out more, not hiding in trees because there is no rain. So you walk easily and see them. Also, Akagera National Park is good for wildlife game drives this time—lions, elephants, and zebras move more.
Why book now:
Clear sky, easy trekking
Less rain, animals easy to spot
January is not as busy as summer.
February – End of Short Dry Season
February is the last of the short dry months. The weather is still good. Little rain may come, but not heavy. Gorilla trekking is still very possible. Forest trails are better than rainy times.
If you love birds, this month is good for birdwatching. Many birds show up after a rainy December. In Akagera Park, you see giraffes and hippos around water places. Chimpanzees are also active.
Why book now:
Fewer tourists
Wildlife is still visible.
Dry but green forest
March – Rain Starts Again
March brings a long rainy season. Trekking gorillas and chimpanzees has become harder now. Trails get slippery, with mud everywhere. But forests become so green and so thick, and many plants and flowers bloom.
You can still go on safari, but it's not the best time. Rain can disturb travel and game drives. But it is a quiet time, no crowds. Prices are also low in some lodges.
Why book now:
For travelers who like low budgets
See the green beauty of Rwanda
Photograph green forest and flowers
April—Rainfall Strong, Forest Deep Green
April is the rainiest month. Gorilla trekking is open, but very hard. So much rain, mud everywhere. Forest deep, wet. But gorillas are still there. You just need a raincoat and good boots.
There are very few tourists. If you want a full private feel, April is okay. Some lodges give discounts. But game drives may be tough. Roads are muddy in Akagera.
Why book now:
Greenest time of year
No crowd
Best time for people who don't mind rain
May—Rain Ends, Life Returns Easy
Rain starts to stop in May. The forest is fresh and full. Still some rain, but less. Trails start to dry again. Gorillas come to the lower side of the forest, which is easier to reach.
Many birds at this time, good for bird lovers. Also chimpanzee trekking gets better in Nyungwe. Wildlife in Akagera moves more because there is no heavy rain now.
Why book now:
Shoulder season—not too busy
Prices lower
Good chance for animal viewing and trekking
June—Dry Season Begins, Best Time
June is the start of a big dry season. One of the best months for a Rwanda safari. Perfect weather. Cool, not hot, no rain. Forest trails are dry and easy.
Gorilla trekking is very popular now. Chimpanzees are less demanding to track. In Akagera, you see lions, panthers, and elephants all moving in the open. The climate is clear for photographs as well.
Why book now:
Peak time for gorilla trekking
Best wildlife view
No rain, dry and cool
July – Peak Safari Time
July is the busiest month for Rwanda safaris. So many people come for gorilla trekking. The weather is perfect. No rain. The forest is dry. Animals move in the open.
If you plan to visit in July, you need to book months before. Permits for gorillas get sold fast. The Akagera game drive is also full. Lodge full. But experience is best.
Why book now:
Top month for all safari
Best gorilla and wildlife spotting
Weather is dry, cool, and perfect.
August—Still Dry and Perfect
August is the same as July. The dry season continues. Gorilla trekking is still great. Chimps are also visible. Trails are dry. Land full of wildlife.
A very good time for a full safari—Volcanoes, Nyungwe, and Akagera all work perfectly this month. But high demand. Prices are high. Need early booking.
Why book now:
Peak time, best weather
Full access to parks
Need early plan, but worth
September—Quiet Return but Still Dry
September is the end of the dry season, but it's still good. Crowds go a little down after August. Trails are still dry. Animals still move around.
Gorilla trekking is still very good. Chimpanzees are active in Nyungwe. Akagera grass is starting to grow again. Good photo time with golden color and green mix.
Why book now:
Fewer tourists
Still dry, clear weather
Little better prices
October – Rain Starts Softly
October brings short rains again. Not heavy like April. Still many dry days. Gorilla trekking is possible, but forests begin to get wet.
Chimpanzees are a little hard to track in the rain. But still possible. In Akagera, animals start to come closer to water spots. Birdwatching again became better.
Why book now:
Quiet time
Rain not too strong
Forests become fresh and green.
November—Wet Trails but Great Views
Final Words
When to book a Rwanda safari depends on what you want. If you want the best gorilla and wildlife, June to August is perfect. But if you want fewer people and low prices, go in May, October or November. Every month is beautiful. Rwanda always welcomes with open arms.
If you plan for gorilla trekking, book at least 3 to 6 months early, because permits are limited. Same for top lodges.
