Best Off Season Safari Experiences in Rwanda

Is Rwanda worth visiting during off-season? Rwanda like Uganda is an all-year-round travel destination. Two seasons are experienced in Rwanda –the short and long dry season; short & long wet season. The dry season/peak season is regarded as the favorite season for Rwanda safaris due to its ideal weather and climatic conditions.

However, the off-season is also open for tourists to explore and experience the Land of a Thousand Hills. The off-season is ideal for budget or backpackers and other travelers, especially if you are interested in a holiday free of crowds. Low visitor turn up is often registered across Rwanda National Parks during the low/wet seasons.

When should I visit to enjoy the best off season safari experiences in Rwanda?

The best off-seasons occur twice a year –from March, April, to May (for long wet season) & October to November (short rainy/wet season). During these months, Rwanda’s landscapes are green with cool weather.

During the off-seasons, guests can enjoy available low-season discount offers. It is possible to encounter newborn wildlife in places such as Akagera National Park, Nyungwe Forest National Park and other destinations.

Best peak months/dry season to visit Rwanda

Visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking this 2023? The favorite months to consider traveling to encounter mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park are from June, July, August, September, December, January to February. These are the best months for gorilla trekking, the forest trails are passable, and the vegetation is clear for game viewing in Akagera National Park, etc.

What you should pack

Depending on the safari experiences to engage in, here are some of the must-pack items for primate tours, especially gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking or chimpanzee trekking. Your packing list: waterproof hiking boots, long-sleeved shirt, trousers, daypack, insect repellent, camera, toiletries, valid gorilla permit, gardening gloves, sweater, rain jacket and more.

The best National Parks in Rwanda

With an idea at the back of your mind on when to visit Rwanda, choosing the right destination also matters for memorable experiences. Rwanda is a compact landlocked country and has only 4 National Parks including game viewing and primate trekking parks.

Only one savanna park for big 5 game encounter exists in Rwanda that is Akagera National Park and the other 3 safari parks offer primate adventures –Volcanoes National Park (mountain gorilla trekking), for chimpanzee tracking tours –book a trip to Gishwati-Mukura National Park and Nyungwe Forest National Park.

How fit should you be for gorilla trekking during off-season?

Certain level of fitness is needed for a successful gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. The day trek with Rwanda mountain gorillas is entirely unpredictable and it can go for long as 2-6 hours but includes an hour of close encounter and taking pictures.

Note, Rwanda isn’t big as Tanzania and considering its compact size, it is possible to combine a variety of experiences from all its National Parks in a single safari of 9-10 days or more. You can incorporate gorilla safaris with other primate adventures, volcano hiking, Kigali city tours, wildlife viewing in Akagera or cultural tours.