Best time to visit Rwanda - Rwanda Safaris

Rwanda has a fairly temperate temperature that favours travel throughout the year.The country is near  the equator at a high altitude,which gives it a natural highland atmosphere and consistent temperature.Variations in the countries climate is due to the difference in the altitude or seasons but not regions.

One of Rwanda's hills

The northeast of Rwanda experiences more rainfall compared to other parts of the country.This is the area with most highlands including the Volcanoes.In other areas, climate does not fluctuate frequently month to month and this makes it steady all year around.

Rwanda has mainly 4 seasons that a visitor should know before planning a visit to this wonderful country.The highland areas are cooler than other areas that have a temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius,during daytime.
The capital city of Rwanda (Kigali) has an average temperature that is about 21 degrees Celsius.

Activities between March and Mid May
This is the time when Rwanda experiences a long rainy season which is unrelenting.This season is so serious in the highland areas.Gorilla Safaris during this season is not suitable but chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe area can workout.During this season chimp tracking is possible because the fruits in the forest ripen and the chimpanzees come out in large numbers to eat them.

Activities between  mid May and Mid October
During this period,it is always a dry season in Rwanda and it is the best time for gorilla trackers to visit the country.Gorilla tracking during this time is easy and it is mainly carried out in Volcanoes National Park.
Game viewing is also recommended during this time because wild animals converge at the water sources during day so as to take water.Some of the animals to see in Rwanda at this Time include;Buffaloes,golden monkeys,mountain gorillas and elephants.After taking water ( in the evening),the animals go back to their respective places where they stay and gorillas go back to the rainforest.

Activities between Mid October and November
A short rain period is experienced during this period and it is also known as a birding period.Most trees and plants flower during this period and so different birds gather to eat the fresh seeds.
A birding Safari is advisable during this period.Another activity that can be done during this season is taking photographs at the beautiful hills covered by flowers.The scenery at the highlands is magnificent.

Activities between December and February
This is a short dry season and it is also a suitable period for game viewing.Hiking safaris are also at a peak during this period plus mountain climbing.

Volcanoes National Park - Rwanda Safaris

Where is the park located?

Volcanoes National Park is found in the northwest of Rwanda,bordering Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda.
Also termed as the home for mountain gorillas,Volcanoes National Park has 5 of the 8 volcanoes of Virunga Mountains including;Bisoke,Gahinga,Sabinyo,Muhabura and Karisibi.

Brief history about the Park
Volcanoes National Park was first gazetted in 1925 and it started as a small park.This was the first National Park to be created in Africa.
The park kept on expanding and by 1929,it had expanded into the Belgian Congo for about 8090 sq.km.
The Park lost its glory during the Rwanda civil war in 1992 and its headquarters were destroyed.However in 1999,after the civil war,the park resumed and it has greatly improved.

Flora and Fauna at the Park
Fauna

A gorilla at the Park

Volcanoes National Park is well known for the hard-to find Mountain Gorillas.These gorillas are a key to the increasing number of visitors that visit the Park leading to an increase in Gorilla Safaris in Rwanda.On top of the gorillas,there are other mammals including the golden monkeys,black-fronted duiker,buffaloes,spotted Hyena and Bushbucks.
On rare occasions,a visitor may also see the elephants in the park.

The park is also a paradise for bird watching with a recorded 178 bird species.Among these,there are 13 species and 16 subspecies that are endemic to the Virunga and Rwenzori Mountains.

Flora
The park is blessed with a stunning collection of vegetation that varies considerably due to the large altitudinal range within the park.There is a montane forest that covers about 30% of the park.
The forest has rare tree species and it is one of the largest Hagenia Abyssinica forests.
The vegetation of Volcanoes National Park covers an area between 3500 to 4200 maters.and it is mainly on the humid slopes in the west and south of the park.

What are some of the activities at the park?
A visitor to Volcanoes National Park is exposed to numerous activities and these include; Gorilla tracking,Golden monkey visits,Mountain Climbing,Tour of Lakes and Caves,Visiting the tomb of Dian Fossey,Nature walks,Cultural walks,Game drives and Birding.

What are some of the accommodations at the Park?
Accommodations at Volcanoes National Park include:

-Mountain Gorilla Lodge:This Lodge is situated at the base of Mountain Sabinyo (the Virunga Mountains range),at a place known as Kinigi.The Lodge has 36 cottages and they all have en-suit bathrooms and fireplaces.The rooms are comfortable with hot water.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

-Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge:Located in the foothills of Virunga,this Lodge has modern facilities that offer comfort.There are 2 guest suites,1 family complex and 5 cottages.All guest rooms and suites are strategicaly located to offer a wide view of the park.

-Virunga Lodge:This is an additional to the Volcanoes' eco-lodge and it is found on the stunning hillside offering great views of the park. The Lodge has 8 individual chalets that are strategically located to enable Lake and Volcano views.