Best Time to Go Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorillas don't migrate. The gorilla families habituated for tourism in Volcanoes National Park stay on the slopes of the Virungas all year, so treks run every day. What changes with the seasons is the weather, the state of the trails, and how many other people want a permit for the same day as you.

Rwanda's Seasons at a Glance

• June–September: long dry season. The most popular time to trek, with drier trails, clearer skies and the highest demand for permits and lodges.
• October–November: short rains. Showers return, usually in bursts rather than all day. The forest turns green again and there are fewer visitors.
• December–February: short dry season. A second high season, especially around the holidays, with good conditions and busy dates.
• March–May: long rains. The wettest months, with April usually the heaviest. Expect muddier trails, fewer visitors, and the easiest time to find space.

Weather in the Virungas is never fully predictable. It can rain in the forest even in the dry season, and mornings at the park are cool all year. Pack a rain jacket whatever month you travel.

The Dry Seasons: June–September and December–February

If it's your first trek and you want the easiest conditions, the dry season is the safe choice. Trails are firmer underfoot, views across the volcanoes are clearer, and photography is easier in the forest light.

The trade-off is demand. Only a limited number of permits are issued each day, and in peak months they can sell out well ahead. Lodges near the park and around Lake Kivu fill up too. If you're travelling in these months, book your permit 3–6 months in advance and book your accommodation at the same time.

The Rainy Seasons: March–May and October–November

The rainy seasons get less attention than they deserve. The forest is at its greenest, the park headquarters is quieter, and it's often easier to get the dates and lodges you want.

Some guides find that gorilla families feed lower on the slopes when the rains bring fresh bamboo shoots, which can mean a shorter walk. Nothing is guaranteed, though: every trek depends on where the family moved overnight. Expect mud, wear waterproof boots, and accept that you may get wet.

Permits: Same Price, Different Demand

For international visitors, a Rwanda gorilla trekking permit costs USD 1,500 per person whatever the season. In 2026, Rwanda Development Board has offered promotional rates for Rwandan, East African and other African visitors outside June–October. Prices and promotions change, so always check the current rate when you book. See our guide to gorilla permits for prices and how to book.

Each habituated gorilla family is visited by one small group of up to eight people a day, and you spend one hour with the gorillas. Trekkers must be at least 15 years old.

Planning Around Kwita Izina

Kwita Izina, Rwanda's gorilla naming ceremony, is held each year in Kinigi, usually in September or October. In 2026 it took place on September 4 (read our recap). It's a wonderful time to visit, but it falls in peak season, so permits and rooms near the park and on Lake Kivu go fast. If you want to be there in 2027, start planning now.

Our Recommendation

• First trek, easiest trails: June–September or December–February, booked early.
• Fewer crowds, greener forest: October–November or March–May.
• Kwita Izina: watch for the date announcement and book as soon as it's confirmed.

Want more wildlife? Add a Big Five safari in Akagera National Park, best in the same dry months.

Whatever month you choose, plan a rest day after the trek. Lake Kivu sits lower and warmer than the park, and B&P Ever Retreat Villa in Rubavu is about 1.5 to 2 hours by road from Kinigi. It's the easiest way to follow a hard morning in the forest with a slow afternoon by the water.