What Is The Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
(And What Each Season Has to Offer for Gorilla Trekking)
When is the best time to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda?
It’s one of the most common questions our guests ask — and with good reason.
Planning a journey into Volcanoes National Park is more than just picking a date. It’s about choosing the right feeling for your safari: lush and misty, or dry and golden. Quiet and green, or buzzing with life.
At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, we welcome travellers all year round — and every month brings something unique to the forest. Here's what you need to know to choose your perfect moment.
🗓️ Rwanda’s Seasons at a Glance
Rwanda’s climate is mild and pleasant, thanks to its altitude — even the “hot season” feels fresh in Musanze.
There are two main dry seasons and two rainy seasons:
☀️ Dry Season (Peak Trekking)
June to mid-September
Mid-December to February
🌧️ Rainy Season (Green & Quiet)
March to May
Mid-September to mid-December
Each has its charm. Each tells a different story in the forest.
☀️ Dry Season: Clear Trails, Crisp Views, Unforgettable Treks
If you're looking for the classic gorilla trekking experience — dry paths, crisp air, and great visibility — the dry season is ideal.
• Trails are easier to walk
• Photography is fantastic (clear skies, soft sunlight)
• Less mud = more comfort
• Gorilla families are often easier to locate
This is also the most popular time to visit Rwanda for a safari and gorilla trekking combo — so permits go fast, and lodges (like ours) fill quickly.
💡 Travel tip:
June–August is perfect for combining gorillas with dry‒season game viewing in Akagera National Park or nearby Uganda.
🌿 Rainy Season: Misty Forests, Fewer Crowds, Magical Mornings
The rainy season brings a different kind of beauty — quieter trails, lusher forest, and that feeling of having it almost to yourself.
• The forest is at its greenest
• Fewer travellers = more availability
• Soft light for atmospheric photography
• Gorilla families stay lower on the slopes (shorter hikes!)
• Easier to find last-minute permits
Expect early morning rain followed by glowing skies and birdsong. The air smells like earth and leaves. And the experience feels intimate.
💡 Travel tip:
Pack waterproof boots and layers. And don’t worry — gorilla trekking happens rain or shine.
📸 What About Photography?
You’ll find incredible light all year — but it depends on your style.
• Dry season = sharp contrasts, rich detail
• Rainy season = mist, mood, softness (perfect for storytelling)
If you’re a nature photographer or filmmaker, March–May and October–November offer that cinematic forest glow.
❤️ So... When Should You Go?
It depends on what moves you.
• Want easier hikes and crisp conditions?
→ Go June–September or December–February
→ Clear trails, beautiful skies, classic trekking feel.
• Want fewer people, greener views, and quiet romance?
→ Try March–May or October–November
→ Misty forests, soft light, and that rare sense of being completely away from the world.
Whatever you choose, one thing is certain:
Seeing a mountain gorilla in the wild is unforgettable — no matter the weather.
🏡 Stay Close to the Forest, All Year Long
At Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, we’re open year-round — and each season brings something new to our garden, to the mountain views, to the stories our guests carry home.
We’ll help you:
• Pick the right season for your preferences
• Arrange everything from airport transfer to warm breakfast on trek day
• Enjoy comfort, calm and character — no matter the month
🦍 Ready to plan your visit?
Inquire availability of our cosy rooms now – and let us help you prepare for the experience of a lifetime.
Want to make your dream trip even more affordable?
🦍 Smart Traveler Tip: Save 30% on Gorilla Permits!
Travel from May to November and pay only $1,050 (instead of $1,500) for your permit when you also stay either
- two nights in Akagera or Nyungwe National Park
- OR one night in Akagera and one night in Nyungwe (consecutively, with activities in each park)
Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
✅ Save $450 on your gorilla permit
✅ Enjoy lush, green landscapes and dramatic skies
✅ Experience fewer crowds and more exclusive treks
✅ Combine your trip with safari or rainforest adventures
✅ Flexible, custom itineraries designed just for you
Want to know if you qualify?
⚡ Permits sell out quickly — especially when combined with this special offer.
Don’t miss out: Check your travel dates with us now!