When to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.

When to see mountain gorillas in Rwanda is the most asked question by travellers planning their gorilla trekking safaris in Volcanoes National Park. This blog will guide you on choosing the best time to visit the country. Seeing gorillas in Rwanda is one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife experiences, and timing your visit well can make it even more rewarding. The park is located in the northern part of the country, bordering DR Congo and Uganda. It’s one of the most visited national parks in Rwanda, attracting thousands of visitors to come and have a close encounter with our closest relatives on earth. It hosts up to 30% of the world’s total population of mountain gorillas, giving visitors 80% chances of encountering these gentle giants. Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park takes place year-round, and the best time is determined by an individual’s preferences. The park receives two seasons, the dry season and the wet season, both of which provide unforgettable trekking experiences.

When to See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda.

Dry Season.

According to feedback from past travellers, the dry season is the best time to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda for travellers visiting Volcanoes National Park. This is known as the peak season, which runs from June to September and December to February. During this period, the park receives little to no rainfall, and the park is less muddy and slippery, making it easy to search for these gentle giants. The vegetation cover is short and scattered, which provides clear views of gorillas and clear shots. Since it’s a peak season, travellers should book gorilla permits early, at least 3 to 6 months before travelling, to avoid disappointments. Gorilla permits are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis.

Wet Season.

Travellers can also see mountain gorillas in Rwanda during the wet season, which runs from October to November and March to May. This is commonly referred to as the low season, with few travellers visiting the park. During this period its easy to get gorilla permits since few visitors visit the park to do gorilla trekking. This season favours last-minute bookers since there are fewer people visiting and permits are always available in this season. Travellers should be aware that this season, the park receives enough rainfall, and it’s always muddy and slippery, making it challenging to penetrate the park. The vegetation cover is dense and tall, creating an obstruction to penetrating the park and viewing the gentle giants in their natural habitats. It might be challenging to take pictures since it rains at any time of the day, and the tall vegetation cover creates unclear views. However, this season favours budget travellers as most lodges and travel agencies offer discounts in this period.