Roundtrip Rwanda

Rwanda generally has dry and wetter periods. The best time to visit depends on your travel plans. Those who mainly want to go hiking and see gorillas or chimpanzees often opt for a drier period. During the wetter months, however, the landscape is particularly lush and there are usually fewer visitors.

Long dry season (June – September): This is one of the most popular times to visit Rwanda. The trails in Volcanoes National Park are generally more accessible, which is ideal for a gorilla trek. Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park are also easily accessible during these months. As this is a popular time to travel, it is advisable to book gorilla permits and accommodation well in advance.

Short rainy season (October – November): In October and November, rain is more frequent, usually in short but heavy showers. The countryside is particularly green during this period and the national parks are generally quieter. For treks, the trails may be slippery and more challenging, but on the other hand, you’ll encounter fewer other travellers in many places.

Short dry season (December – February): This is a pleasant time for a tour of Rwanda. Temperatures are pleasant and there is less rain than in the preceding months. It is a good time to combine visits to Nyungwe Forest, Lake Kivu and Kigali. Treks and safaris are also well worth doing during these months.

Long rainy season (March – May): This is the period when most rain falls. As a result, some roads and walking trails may be more difficult to navigate. At the same time, Rwanda is at its greenest and considerably quieter. For travellers who don’t mind the occasional tropical downpour and prefer to travel outside the busier months, this can actually be an interesting time to visit.

Please note: Due to differences in altitude, the weather can vary considerably from region to region. Around the Virunga volcanoes, it is generally cooler and wetter than in Akagera National Park. For travellers who wish to do a lot of walking or go wildlife spotting, the drier periods are usually the most comfortable.

Rwanda is small, but boasts a remarkable variety of landscapes and nature reserves. Within a few hours, you can travel from rainforest to savannah or from a bustling city to a tranquil lake. It is precisely this variety that makes the country ideal for a tour where nature, wildlife and culture alternate in a logical sequence.

Discover the highlights of Rwanda:

• Volcanoes National Park: Rwanda’s most famous national park and the place where you can go on a guided search for mountain gorillas.
• Kigali: The capital of Rwanda, with excellent restaurants, local markets and the Kigali Genocide Memorial.
• Nyungwe Forest: A large rainforest in the south-west of the country, known for its chimpanzees, other primates and various walking trails.
• Akagera National Park: A nature reserve featuring savannahs, lakes and marshes, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos and antelopes, amongst other wildlife.
• Lake Kivu: A large lake in western Rwanda and a lovely place to spend a few peaceful days whilst exploring the various nature reserves.
• Butare: A town in southern Rwanda with museums, markets and historic buildings.
• Virunga Volcanoes: A mountainous region in northern Rwanda featuring several volcanoes and opportunities for hiking.

Whether you’re coming primarily to see the gorillas, want to go on a safari or wish to combine different parts of the country, Rwanda offers plenty of variety within relatively short distances of one another.

1. Do I need a visa for Rwanda?
Specific entry requirements apply to travellers from the Netherlands and Belgium when visiting Rwanda. Depending on the situation, a visa may be required on arrival or in advance. As regulations are subject to change, we advise you to always check the current requirements for your nationality before departure.

2. What is the best length of stay for Rwanda?
For a tour of Rwanda, a duration of around 7 to 14 days is ideal. This gives you plenty of time for a gorilla trek, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera National Park, Kigali and, if desired, Lake Kivu, without the itinerary becoming too packed. If you’re combining Rwanda with another country, you can also opt for a shorter itinerary.

3. What is the best way to travel around Rwanda?
The most enjoyable way to discover Rwanda is with a private driver and guide. The distances are relatively short, but the landscape is hilly and not all roads are equally fast. With a driver, you’ll travel in comfort and have greater flexibility along the way. In addition, activities, permits and transfers can be carefully coordinated in advance.

4. Can Rwanda be easily combined with another travel destination?
Rwanda combines well with other destinations in East Africa, such as Uganda or Tanzania. A combination can be an interesting option if you wish to combine a gorilla trek with a more extensive safari or a stay on the coast. Which combination suits you best depends mainly on the time you have available and the pace at which you wish to travel.

5. Will I get by with English in Rwanda?
English is one of Rwanda’s official languages and is widely spoken in hotels, lodges and by guides. Kinyarwanda and French are also important languages. During an organised tour, you’ll generally be able to get by just fine with English in most situations.

Our travel specialists are happy to help you with all your questions about a trip to Rwanda.