When to See Gorillas in Rwanda.
When to see gorillas in Rwanda is a frequently asked question by travellers planning to see mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park. This article will discuss the different seasons the park experiences, and it will guide you on when to visit the park. Gorilla trekking is one of the best safari activities that offers extraordinary experiences to travellers. The trek is done in Volcanoes National Park, situated in the northwestern region of the country, bordering Mgahinga National Park and Virunga National Park. It’s one of the most loved safari destinations by travellers, famous for hosting the endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.
Volcanoes National Park has a mix of natural systems like grasslands, swamps, tropical rainforests, and bamboo zones, which provide habitat to various wildlife and bird species that call this amazing park home. The park’s rich biodiversity supports the diverse tourist activities, such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, hiking, nature walks, bird watching and cultural encounters. Nature lovers and primatologists can see gorillas in Rwanda at any time of the year. The country receives two seasons, the dry season and the wet season, which both provide equal chances of encountering our closest relatives in their natural habitats.
When to See Gorillas in Rwanda.
Dry Season.
Visitors can see gorillas in the dry season, which takes place from June to September and December to February. This period is commonly known as the peak season the park receives many travellers who want to see these awesome creatures in their natural habitats. During these months, the park receives little to no rainfall, the park is less slippery and muddy, making it easy to hike through the steep slopes in search of the endangered mountain gorillas. The vegetation over is short and scattered, which makes it easy to pass through it, and it provides clear views and good shots. Travellers visiting this period should book their gorilla trekking permits early, at least 3 to 6 months in advance, since permits are always in high demand, and to avoid disappointment with the gorilla permits.
The Wet season.
Nature lovers and primatologists can also see gorillas in Rwanda in the wet season, which is commonly referred to as the low season and in this period, the park receives few visitors. The wet season is from March to May and October to November. During this period, the park receives enough rainfall, making it muddy and slippery. This period makes searching for the endangered mountain gorillas challenging since the park is wet. The vegetation cover is tall and dense, which creates unclear views and shots. Travellers should note that it’s easy to get gorilla permits since there are fewer guests visiting the park, and this period favours budget travellers since travel agencies and hotels offer discounts in this period.
