Although Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris are regarded as a year-round activity, the best time to visit Rwanda for a Rwanda gorilla tour is during the short dry season in Rwanda.

Take note that the gorillas are present all year round, with a great record of sightings that give you chance to interact with these gorillas for about an hour.

The best time for gorilla trekking is, therefore, totally up to you. Often it is more to do with permit availability, as they sell out over a year in advance in peak months.

On the whole, Rwanda has a good weather throughout the year but the dry season is more preferable. The dry season is good because it is easier to view wildlife on your Rwanda wildlife safari, and tracking gorillas on your Rwanda gorilla tour gives you peace to trek gorillas on dry path trails other than in the wet season where they wet and slippery.

However, we still suggest your waterproof clothing even during these drier months, as this Equatorial climate is very unpredictable.

The dry season or period is also a peak season; hence the prices can be higher on things like accommodation, car hire and many more.

On the other hand, some travelers especially those on budget like visiting in the wet season. During this season, hotels have low occupancy and hence give travelers discounted food and sleeping services which is an added advantage.

Also, there is low demand for gorilla permits which guarantee visitors a chance to see these endangered species with no competition.

When Is The High and Low season?

High season

There are normally two dry seasons in Rwanda and they are explained as follows;

June to September: This is the peak season and the longest dry season in Rwanda. It is apparently the best time to see or go for Rwanda gorillas trekking safaris. Getting to the parks is easy because the roads are often dry and the hiking trails are not muddy and slippery as it is in the wet season.

Tourists interested in gorilla tours Rwanda during this time must book their gorilla permits in advance as there is very high demand for permits, so if you book late, you may miss out. However, to book a gorilla permit for you, you are required to pay 30% of the full price of the permit.

December to February: I would also consider this the best time to see gorillas in Rwanda. This is the short dry season in Rwanda also the one of the best time to trek the endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking trails are also easy to access in this period and birding is at its peak because migratory birds are present.

Visiting during the dry season will require carrying sun glasses and sun screens. Binoculars are also advisable for bird lovers.

Low season

Just like the dry seasons, there are also two wet seasons in Rwanda and they are explained as follows;

April – May is the longest rain season in Rwanda. During these months, there are very high chances of rain falling during the trek hence spoiling your entire encounter.

Gorillas can easily be found during this time because they tend to move away from very high mountain temperatures and descend to lower slopes.

October – November: This is when the short rains occur in Rwanda. This period offers great photography opportunities and also turns out to be the best time for birding as plants are flowering.

The wild is simply magical though when rain falls, they often fall at night and the skies are clear by morning.

Tourists visiting mountain gorillas during the rainy season should come along with cotton clothing, water proof hiking boots, garden gloves, insect repellents as mainly insect breed in the rainy season.

A gorilla trekking safari Rwanda permit costs $1500. This price doesn’t change for the low and dry seasons. Your safari accommodation on your Rwanda safari tour while trekking gorillas depends on a tourist’s choice and budget.

There are various accommodation facilities ranging from budget, mid-range and luxury, all providing good quality service to visitors.

Please visit Rwanda and visit the endangered mountain gorillas and also engage in many other tourists’ activities like the canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Rwanda wildlife watching, Mountain hiking safaris, Rwanda birding safaris and so much more.

You can also add another country to your Africa safari itinerary and undertake a holiday in Uganda where you are bound to enjoy a Uganda gorilla trekking safari, Short Uganda wildlife safaris, Uganda chimpanzee trekking safaris, Uganda golden monkey safaris, boat cruises, water rafting, kayaking, horse riding, Uganda birding safaris, Kampala city tours, Jinja city tours and many more depending on your interests.