When is the Best Time to Visit Volcanoes National Park

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is during the dry season between the month of June and September of every year. Also in the second shorter dry period of December through to the middle of February before March strikes in.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda and golden monkey trekking experiences are the most popular here in Volcanoes National Park. June -September temperatures range between 25C and 27C (77F to 81F) degrees during the day and fall to between 13.5C and 15C (56F to 59F) at night. Quite cold mornings and evenings, travellers are advised to bring warm clothes during their discovery. Book Now

Volcanoes National Park. This borders the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rwanda, the Volcanoes National Park is best known as a sanctuary for the region’s rare mountain gorillas. Visitors flock here to experience a face-to-face encounter with these intriguing creatures. The park is set high on the jungle-covered slopes of the volcanic Virunga Mountains. Highly regulated treks through the reserve allow visitors to spend an hour at a time with these incredible primates in their natural habitat. While the gorillas are without a doubt the main drawcard, visitors can also look forward to exploring a network of scenic hiking trails, visiting the tomb of the world-famous Dian Fossey and the Karisoke Research Centre, and enjoying a beautiful day hike to the Crater Lake on Mount Bisoke.

Note: All year round is a good time to visit Volcanoes National Park. However, from March, April, and May and from October and November through to mid-December, these are wet months characterised by heavy downpours. The tails are socky and filled with mud and challenging to trek as opposed to the dry months.

Some of the popular experiences to explore in Volcanoes National park include: –

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park. 

This offers visitors the unique opportunity of discovering the 10 families of gorillas that live within the national park. Visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee before the trek starts and will be separated into groups of 8 depending on their physical abilities. Each group is guided by a guide and two scouts who are well-trained in emergency situations. The amount of time set aside per trek is different depending on where the gorilla family is situated. Some trips may take as little as half an hour and some take the better part of the day.

Golden Monkey Tracking.

Golden monkey trekking offers visitors a unique experience of catching a glimpse of the endangered Golden Monkey. These striking primates with their bright orange fur contrasting the green rainforests of the Virunga Mountains are a photographer’s dream. The Golden Monkey can be found in very few places outside of Volcanoes National Park, and their vibrant colours, energetic demeanour, and sizeable troupes of up to 30 individuals are indeed a sight to behold.

Regardless of which time of the year you choose to visit Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking in Rwanda, you are guaranteed to encounter the gentle gentle giants in a seamless way. You can also make an extension to Nyungwe forests, home to Chimpanzees in Rwanda and Colobus monkeys. You will find Rwanda amazing to explore during the months of June through to September in a long dry season.