Best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda

The dry season is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda can be done at any time of the year. A country like Rwanda, which is so close to the equator, experiences a tropical type of climate annually. Thus, Rwanda is marked by only 2 distinct climatic seasons, the wet and dry seasons. But the dry season offers plenty of favorable factors for gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Why is the dry season the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

One factor that contributes to making the dry season suitable for gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the warm and dry atmosphere. A vast majority of travelers who would love to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda prefer such conditions. This is because the forest floor becomes drier during this time of the year. Therefore, the gorilla trails are not as muddy or slippery in the dry season as in the wet season. You can then enjoy an easy hike to encounter the gorillas.

When the atmosphere is dry, it implies that the humidity in the forest is relatively low compared to the wet season. This atmospheric condition is suitable to prevent excessive sweating while hiking. This is important to avoid dehydration and exhaustion, thus meeting the gorillas with plenty of energy and excitement. This also makes you much more comfortable during the gorilla trekking adventure in the forest.

Another important factor is that the dry season is characterized by reduced patterns or frequencies of rainfall. Biologically, forest cover tends to coincide with the amount of rainfall received. When rainfall is much reduced, the density of vegetation in the forest is also low. Therefore, when vegetation cover and undergrowth are scattered, movement in the forest is much easier. This also makes it easier to get clear views of the mountain gorillas during a trek.

Where to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done only in Volcanoes National Park. This biodiverse destination is found in the northwestern part of Rwanda. In Volcanoes National Park, around 12 gorilla families have been habituated for gorilla trekking. Only 15-year-olds and above are fit for gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park. But you must also have a gorilla permit to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

How is gorilla trekking done in Rwanda?

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda starts at around 8:00 a.m. Make sure you arrive at the park before that time. This is because briefing is mandatory before heading into the thick forest to look for gorillas. During the briefing, the park rangers offer crucial advice regarding what to do and what not to do during the captivating adventure. Then, you will be allowed to enter the forest to locate a habituated gorilla family. Experienced trackers and armed rangers will lead you.

On finding the gorilla family, you will stand at a safe distance of at least 7 meters from the primates. You will enjoy the time observing the gorillas as well as taking photos. While trekking gorillas, you will also glance at other bird, primate, or mammal species. These include vervet monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, bush buffaloes, and bush elephants, etc. After seeing the gorillas, you will return to the starting point.

What other activities can to do in Rwanda?

Chimpanzee trekking

This is generally done in Nyungwe National Park, located in the southwest of Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking adventure in Nyungwe National Park is a complementary tour to gorilla trekking in Rwanda. While trekking with chimpanzees, you also enjoy a walk through nature. There are also endless possibilities of glancing at vervet monkeys, L’hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, and black and white colobus monkeys, etc.

Game drive

This is for viewing the Big 5 and other wildlife in Akagera National Park, situated in the eastern part of Rwanda. Besides the lion, African elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, and rhino, you will see the topi, Masai giraffe, and zebra, etc. The savannah landscape is also breathtakingly beautiful, and you will have a unique experience during a game drive. A game drive is best done on a pop-up roof safari car, driven by a knowledgeable guide.

Hiking tour

Rwanda offers some of the most exciting places to hike. In Volcanoes National Park alone, you can hike on the Mountains Karisimbi and Bisoke. Hiking to the Dian Fossey tomb is another option in Volcanoes National Park. A Mount. Kigali hike is another thrilling adventure to go for in Rwanda’s capital city. Hiking tours are not only complimentary activities you can enjoy besides the gorilla trek; they are good for your physical fitness.

Boat cruise

Before or after your gorilla trekking in Rwanda, do not miss out on the calm boat cruises. Lake Ihema in Akagera National Park and Lake Kivu offer boat cruises. Well-maintained motorboats are available to ensure that you explore the beauty of Rwanda while floating on water. You can see wild animals like hippos and crocodiles enjoying themselves. Plenty of aquatic birds are available for you to see as well.

Sándor Jakubinyi

14:31 22 Feb 24

2019 megigazulás

12:45 21 Feb 24

We went on a two-week trip with my family, organised by Coleb from Standard Safaris.

I had my concerns about organised trips, but this one didn’t justify any of those. Everything went very smoothly, even when some problems arose with one of the cars it got fixed by next morning, the accomodations were clean and comfortable, the programs were exciting and well-balanced - everything was done to a truly high standard.

If you plan to visit Uganda and are looking for a guide, I warmly recommend Coleb and his team. In case you have a choice of drivers, go for Godwin, his presence made this trip even more enjoyable - cheerful, helpful, good sense of humour, generally a great person. Just look for the guy with a big smile and big heart:)

Bert Simoens

09:38 08 Jan 24

We recently embarked on a safari adventure with Standard Safaris in Uganda, which was truly exceptional. Our guide, Yonah, was outstanding - his kindness, knowledge, and discretion significantly enhanced our experience. He was the heart of our trip.

The local company's planning was offering a tailor-made journey that matched our interests. We saw an array of wildlife in Murchison, enjoyed rafting at Jinja, and experienced mountain biking at Sipi. A visit to Kidepo National Park was a highlight and comes highly recommended.

The vehicle provided was comfortable and reliable. We highly recommend Standard Safaris for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari in Uganda. Their professionalism and the exceptional guidance of staff like Yonah make them an great choice.

Michał Kostrzewa

00:41 15 Nov 23

We are all extremely grateful Standard Safaris for an incredible East Africa experience. I recently booked a custom trip for group of 8 people, including an 8-year-old boy, from Kampala through Queen Elizabeth National Park and on to Rwanda and Burundi. Coleb delivered on everything that was discussed and agreed upon beforehand.

The car provided was in great condition and our driver Meddy went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, informed, and had the best possible time. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. All local services were inlcuded in (reasonable) price that we agreed, so there was no need to worry about payments during the 6 day trip. Also Standard Safaris agreed took care about safety and security by helping us organize armed ranger while in the park.

The whole trip was hassle-free and smooth. We saw amazing wildlife in Queen Elizabeth NP, took in the sights of Rwanda and Burundi, and made lifelong memories.

I would happily book with Standard Safaris again in a heartbeat and recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone looking for the best East Africa trip. They provide top-notch service while ensuring you have an incredible, customized experience. If you want a hassle-free, flawlessly organized African adventure, Standard Safaris is the tour operator to book with.

Ivan Nammanda

18:31 27 Oct 23

Very organized travel operator who chose awesome guide to make our trip wonderful.

We booked a nine days trip with Standard Safaris and all was perfect from start to finish. Coleb was very prompt at replying and easy to liaise with ahead of the trip. We had done a lot of research and had an itinerary in mind and Coleb helped us to put everything together to make this happen for a very reasonable price.  On the trip we had a private vehicle for the whole tour which was exactly what we wanted. Bryan was our driver and an amazing guide - really friendly and knowledgable, working hard to find the things that we wanted to see and quickly understanding what was of interest to us/how much information to give.

Would highly recommend a trip to Uganda with Standard Safaris. We are definitely coming back soon!

MUGAIGA KENNETH

18:01 27 Oct 23

The company has very courteous tour guides with wide knowledge of fauna and frola in the whole of East Africa.
The choice of safari Lodges is good with first class treatment.
Game drive security is assured.
Almost The whole of September I was traversing through DRC, Uganda,and Rwanda on a gorilla tour and wildlife expedition.
Everything was arranged and booked perfectly by Standard Safaris.
The owner, Coleb was always helpful whenever we needed to ask questions about this gorilla safari in Uganda and beyond.
It was a complex expedition but Standard safaris and Coleb made it look amazingly easy.
I’ll recommend Standard safaris 200%, for all gorilla safaris in Uganda, Rwanda and wildlife tours in east africa.

travel uganda

16:35 27 Oct 23

This is so far the best gorilla trekking company in Uganda, and africa, by far. I had a wonderful time with Standard Safaris as a solo traveler.
My guide was excellent and our safari planner, Coleb was quick with responses and the prices were very friendly.
I’ll definitely book with Standard safaris on my next gorilla tour in Rwanda and Uganda.