An overview of Rwanda’s seasons
Despite its proximity to the Equator, the high altitude cools the climate in Rwanda. It is warm throughout most of the country but cooler in the mountains. Rwanda has a pleasant, tropical-highland climate, with daily temperatures that can average 77°F. Temperatures vary considerably from region to region because of the variations in altitude, ranging between 70-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night. You can expect frost in the high mountains.
During the rainy season, heavy rainfall occurs almost daily, but after this short shower, the rest of the day usually remains sunny. However, it can rain a lot when you are in Volcanoes National Park. This area accounts for almost 90% of the rainfall in Rwanda (which is one reason why farmers have left this area for the gorillas to inhabit).
Best Time To Visit
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- Plan a safari in Akagera National Park, which has more than 500 different bird species!
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- Come close to the highly endangered mountain gorillas during a trek in Volcanoes National Park for a truly extraordinary wilderness experience
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- Head to the Nyungwe National Park for a spot of chimpanzee tracking
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- See an abundance of birdlife at parks such as Akagera and near Lake Kivu
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- Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center museum in the country’s capital to learn about Rwanda’s tragic history
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- This is the ideal time to explore the labyrinth of swamps and lakes, and marvel at the wildlife at Akagera National Park
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- Find yourself sitting face to face with a 160kg silverback in the impenetrable rainforest on a trek in the Virunga Mountains in Volcanoes National Park
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- Enjoy birdwatching, watersports and cruising in Kibuye, an idyllic lakeside town on the shores of Lake Kivu
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- Spend time walking through the busy, colorful market studded with souvenir stalls displaying a wide range of local crafts in the capital city of Kigali
- Kigali also hosts the Rwanda Film Festival in September during which you can watch productions of local filmmakers as well as international filmmakers centering around Africa
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- Explore Nyungwe Forest National Park – in the rainy season, nearly 500 chimpanzees can be spotted!
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- Spend time in Butare – the intellectual capital of Rwanda!
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- Visit Mount Nyiragongo is a volcanic mountain with the largest crater lake in the world, known for its persistent volcanic activity with wildly churning lava
- Hike to the peak of Nyiragongo, through lush rainforests, spotting colobus monkeys, baboons, chimps and smaller game and camp overnight at the mountain peak
Best time to visit Rwanda by season
The climate in Rwanda is characterized by the following seasons:
Long rains: March – May
Long drying time: May – October
Short rains: October – December
Short drying time: December – March
What to Pack
Safari wear should be comfortable and casual. Evenings and early mornings can be chilly so warm sweaters are recommended. Flat, comfortable sports or trekking shoes are most suitable for walking should you intend to join any walking safaris. We recommend you bring warm clothes, including a fleece or a light woolen sweater and socks, apart from typical safari gear. During the day it can get quite hot, so don’t forget your sunglasses and a high SPF sunscreen, as well as a sun hat with a small brim. Some specialist trips, i.e. mountain climbing, require extra items of clothing and footwear. Many hotels, lodges and camps have swimming pools so you are advised to bring swimsuits.
Due to limited space in the vehicle and in light aircraft, we advise you to keep your luggage to the minimum. We suggest you pack your luggage into a small bag of no more than 15 kgs – the luggage limit for local flights issued by the airlines. Almost all safari lodges and camps provide same-day laundry service.
Popular Trips to Rwanda
Be enchanted by some of the most awe-inspiring spectacles on earth on this bespoke Africa safari vacation. Three iconic destinations await you on this trip: the Masai Mara, a vast golden savannah that has inspired classic African safari dreams, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda where you can come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas,…
Follow in the footsteps of Dian Fossey. This short trip takes you deep into the heart of gorilla territory – Volcanos National Park, where half the world’s gorilla population lives! With trekking activities, forest walks and plantation visits on offer, there are few better ways to discover the Rwandan wild.
Hear the call of the wild in this epic adventure of Kenya and Rwanda. This tour takes you gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park and to the wildlife of the Masai Mara and Laikipia. Soak up authentic and contemporary African culture in the cities of Kigali and Nairobi.
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Best Places To Visit
Things To Do
From the forests to volcanoes and endangered mountain gorillas, museums that document the country’s tragic past, and indigenous cultures in its remote villages, there are so many things to see and do in Rwanda. Here’s a list of the top highlights that should definitely be part of your tour!
Safety
Since the 1994 genocide, Rwanda has stabilized greatly. It is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around the country and tourism is on the rise. Enjoy a seamless and stress-free Rwanda vacation with some basic safety guidelines compiled by our team.
Travel Guide
Before you set out on a Rwanda vacation, it is always a good idea to learn more about the country and relevant information on visas, health and safety. To help you better navigate the country, our experts have put together all the details in our Rwanda travel guide.
From the Blog
Here’s our list of the top 10 wildest and most unusual African vacation ideas across eastern and southern Africa.
Traveling with young children on safari? Here are tips for traveling in Africa and where you can take your little ones for their first Africa safari.
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