First time on safari in Rwanda – Preparing for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National park – Game drives and boat trip in Akagera National park – Lake Kivu – Genocide Memorial site.
First time on safari in Rwanda – Rwanda is a small country located in the heart of Africa, Rwanda does not have extreme variations in the weather patterns from one region to another nor from one season to another, and it is cooler than most of the East African countries around it. You will likely find that the mountainous regions of the north and west are cooler than those in the centre and east; they typically experience more rainfall, as well. When planning your first time tour in this fascinating and renewed nation, you will find the expertise of Great Adventure Safaris consultants a resourceful guide to creating an unforgettable trip itinerary for Rwanda.
Located just 2 degrees below the equator line, you might expect it to have a hot, tropical climate. Since the country sits at an elevation and has a hilly topography, giving it the name “The Land of a Thousand Hills,” it actually boasts a pleasant, temperate climate that is perfect for vacationing at most times of the year depending on your adventurous grit and preference.
Night-time minimum temperatures in these seasons remain between 13C and 16C (55F to 61F) degrees. But if you have chosen to spend time in the Volcanoes National Park or Nyungwe Forest National Park, you will likely encounter slightly cooler temperatures and may wish to carry some warm clothing for evening and early morning wear, such as a light jacket or fleece pullover, with you.
The months from April through to July are cool, but August begins to slightly warm up, and the weather stays that way right up to mid-November. Like the rest of the continent, Rwanda has its share of changing weather patterns. Great Adventure Safaris maintains close contact with tour guides, rangers, camps, and other ground personnel, who provide us with up-to-date information on the weather conditions. So you can rest assured that your consultants will be able to advise you on up-to-date climatic conditions and plan your trip accordingly.
Be sure not to neglect Rwanda’s two wet seasons when timing your trip. The long rains begin to fall around the middle of February and last through to May, while the short rains start in October and can last until the middle of December. Even during the rains, you can expect that there will be spells when the sky is clear and the sun shining. Rain can also be restricted to certain areas during the day while others remain dry.
Understanding the seasons in Rwanda is an integral part of planning your travel. Gorilla tours, Chimpanzee treks and wildlife viewing in the three reserves of Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park, and Nyungwe National Park are typically undertaken during the dry seasons to avoid muddy excursions, mostly on foot. Adventure-seeking guests who don’t mind the rain might opt to plan their trips in north-western Rwanda during the wet season to visit the rare Mountain Gorillas that inhabit Volcanoes National Park.
