Also referred by the locals to as “The land of a thousand hills”, Rwanda is just over 10,000square miles with 11 million human populations making it the most densely populated country in Africa.
“In the heart of Central Africa, so high up that you shiver more than you sweat are great, old volcanoes towering up almost 15,000 feet and nearly covered with rich, green rainforest – the Virungas”. Primatologist Dian Fossey once wrote while she studied the renowned “Gorillas in the mist” at Volcanoes National Park situated at Rwanda’s western border with Congo.
Rwanda is home to diverse wildlife species including, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, crocodiles, hippos and more than 600 bird species.
Gahinga, Muhabura,Sabinyo, Bisoke and Karisimbia are a string of dormant volcanoes which make up the Virunga Massif from which Volcanoes National Park derives its name.
Latest count shows that there are approximately 1000 mountain gorillas in the wild with 604 living in Virunga Massif.
The volcanic range spanning Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. An encounter with a gigantic silverback in its natural habitat is a unique, unforgettable opportunity.
Rwanda has appreciably more to offer than one would imagine. Lake Kivu, a beautiful breadth of water hedged in Rwanda’s slopes offers wonderful chimp trekking, canoeing and kayaking opportunities. This country is the most accessible and easy gorilla trekking destination in Africa.
A gorilla safari fits in well with Kenya and other East African destinations. Cryptic Safaris puts together the perfect safari program to let you enjoy and explore what both Kenya and Rwanda have to offer leaving you with most cherish able memories of your life.
Climate & Weather
Rwanda has a temperate tropical highland climate, with lower temperatures than are typical for equatorial countries due to its high elevation. Kigali, in the center of the country, has a typical daily temperature range between 12 °C (54 °F) and 27 °C (81 °F), with little variation through the year.
Rwanda has four climatic seasons during which the long rainy (March-April-May) and short rainy (September-October-November) seasons alternate with long dry (June-July-August) and short dry seasons (December-January-February).
When to go
June to September is the best period to visit Rwanda. These are dry months mostly and the weather is mostly stable this time of the year making it conducive for gorilla sighting and easy great outdoors explorations.
What to wear
What do you wear to a gorilla trek in Rwanda?
- Wear Long Sleeved Shirts – Long Trousers.
- Wear Waterproof Hiking Sturdy Boots.
- Sturdy Gardening Gloves come in handy for supporting yourself on vines and branches.
- A Rain Jacket.
- Wear a Hat.
- Wear enough Insect Repellent.
- A Warm Sweater.
Safari Activities
- Gorilla trekking.
- Wildlife viewing.
- Chimpanzee trekking.
- Cultural tours.