BEST TIME TO DO GORILLA TREKKING IN RWANDA.

Are you interested in knowing the best time to trek the rare mountain gorillas in Rwanda?

Rwanda is one of the interesting and amazing countries in East Africa neighbouring countries like Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and DR Congo. It is well known as the land of a thousand hills and this is because as you look around while in Rwanda, you will be surrounded by different beautiful hills and mountains leading to be termed as the Switzerland of Africa.

Gorilla trekking is done in volcanoes national park also referred to as parc national des Volcans (PNV). It covers an area of 160 square kilometres and it is comprised of five of eight volcanoes in the Virunga massif and these are Gahinga, Bisoke, Muhabura, Sabinyo and Karisimbi. Gorilla trekking in this park was introduced by Dian Fossey (RIP) who played a big role in saving a big number of gorillas from poachers and again started a research centre in Karisoke.

Volcanoes national park is located in north-western Rwanda in Ruhengeri province and having a rare endangered species, hence the film of a gorilla in the mist originates. It is believed that this park has a total population of 380 gorillas with 10 habituated gorilla families and among others are Susa, Kwitonda, Hirwa, Amahoro and Karisimbi gorilla family.

These gorilla families are open to visitors ready for trekking only what you need is to acquire a gorilla trekking permit in advance to avoid inconvenience. You need to know that gorilla trekking in Rwanda is the most done activity in Rwanda and for the best results or experience; you need to know the time suitable for this activity.

In Rwanda, there are two dry and wet seasons; in June to September which is a long dry season is normally a peak season and tourist flock the country. And this is the best time to enjoy the gorilla trekking experience and this is because it is easy to access the park and the trails in the park seem to be drier. This means that in case you are planning for this great adventure, book your gorilla permit in advance since the permits are in high demand.

In December to February also is the best time but the drier season is shorter just for 3 months and this means that the park is not crowded with tourists compared with June to September period and this means that trails are not muddy and slippery.

The rain season is from April to May and this is a long rain season and this means that there is a high chance of rains during gorilla trekking activity and this will spoil your entire adventure of the day. Although during this season, it is easy to locate the gorillas since they move from a high altitude to a lower altitude.

Also from October to November where the short rains occur and mean it’s when vegetation tend to be greener and good for photographs. In these two rainy seasons, the trails are slippery and the roads tend to be impassable to access the park. During this time, the gorilla permits tend to reduce in percentage and they are less demanded. This means that this season favours the low budget tourists.

Therefore, in case you're trying to visit the gorillas in the wet season, you are advised to pack cotton clothing for warmth, waterproof hiking shoes like gumboots to overcome the muddy areas, raincoats to protect you from rains, insect repellent since it’s time for most insects to breed like mosquitos among others.

Whereas, as you plan to take a gorilla trekking activity in dry seasons, you are advised to pack sunglasses to protect you from direct sunlight, enough drinking water to keep you fresh, light clothing due to sunshine, a hut, insect repellent to protect you from biting insects like mosquitos, tsetse flies among others.

In case you want to take part in this gorilla trekking adventure in Rwanda, we are ready to plan the best Rwanda gorilla safari and all you need to do is to contact  our experienced team today.