Gorilla trekking is the main reason why most nature lovers travel to Rwanda for a safari holiday. Rwanda is an all-year-round gorilla safari destination; however it is wise to know which is the best season to visit Rwanda’s gorilla hub – Volcanoes National park.
Dry season is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is suitably located in an area that enjoys conducive weather / climatic conditions. Each year, there are two dry seasons that Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park experiences – long and short dry seasons.
The long dry season in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park usually kick-starts in June, July, August up to September. The short dry season of the year in Volcanoes NP runs from December to February. During the two phases of dry season, there is low or no rain with travelers enjoying easier hikes through Volcanoes National Park to meet their booked gorilla families.
Peak season.
The peak season/months of the year in Rwanda occurs from June to September. These the longest dry months of the year and notably the best for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. It is easier navigating through Volcanoes N/Park during these long drier months than during the long rainy season. The beauty about is that there are minimal chances for it to rain and even if it does, it will for a short while then it stops with possibility for activities to resume.
December to February- the short dry season of the year also the best time to visit Volcanoes National Park to view mountain gorillas in the wild. The short dry season like the long dry spell attract a significant number of tourists who come to enjoy gorilla trekking. However, during the dry season, mountain gorillas find challenges to find what to feed on due to scarcity in food supply in the habitat. As a result, they move for long distances looking for areas with plenty of forage.
Low season.
The longest rainy / wet months of the year in Volcanoes National Park run from March to May. These are the months when there is absolutely heavy rainfall and navigating through the dense vegetation can be challenging as the ground be muddy and rugged terrains become more slippery.
October to November- short rains are experienced in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park. During the rainy season, Volcanoes National Park can really be greenish and the vegetation grows a little high. However, it is a budget-friendly season as some accommodation reduce on their rates due to low turn up and trying to attract more travelers.
About Volcanoes National Park.
Located in the heart of Africa is a splendid Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri, one of the outstanding primate destinations worth visiting to see mountain gorillas. It is in Volcanoes National Park where Dian Fossey one of the world’s renowned primatologists set her research center and conducted research about these unique apes.
Volcanoes National Park is positioned in the far Northwestern Rwanda within the Virunga region. The park takes its name from the chain of Virunga Volcanoes, five of which extend to Rwanda including Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Gorilla trekking is Volcanoes National Park’s top safari highlights and tourists have 11 gorilla families to interact with. These include Hirwa, Umubano, Sabyinyo, Amahoro, Susa A, Kwitonda, Agashya, Karisimbi, Titus, Pablo, Muhoza gorilla group, Bwenge, and others.
Other activities to engage in while on a tour in Volcanoes National Park Ruhengeri include golden monkey tracking and permits are available at US Dollars100, Volcano hiking- best done in stunning volcanoes such as Karisimbi (4507m), Bisoke / Visoke; cave exploration- at Musanze caves close to the park, birding, twin lakes tour, cultural encounter in Ibyiwachu village.
Size and history of Volcanoes National park.
Volcanoes National Park (Park National des Vulcans) was officially crowned a National Park in 1925, extending to other popular African safari parks, it also covers about 160sq.kms of land area. The park lies in the Virunga Region, Musanze/Ruhengeri area Northwestern Rwanda about 2-3 hours’ drive when traveling from Kigali capital and 3-4 hours from Kisoro/Kabale.
What to carry for gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
Once you have understood when best to visit or to go for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, next is to sort out which items or gear to carry. The list is long but you have to pack lightly and the “must-haves” include gardening gloves, insect repellents, long sleeved shirts, long pants, sweater / heavy jacket, camera, lightweight and waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, gorilla permit, snacks, pair of socks, hat and so much more as you’ll be advised by your tour agent.
