The Virunga Massif features volcanoes and swathes of rainforest, with Lake Kivu nearby. Akagera National Park, situated in eastern Rwanda, comprises some of the most scenic savannah in East Africa – open plains, woodlands, lakes, swamp, and grassy low mountains. Wildlife is now thriving there and it is home to one of Africa’s highest hippo densities, some very large crocodiles, the secretive sitatunga and shoebill stork. The Albertine Rift is perhaps the richest location in Africa for both mammal and bird diversity and endemism. 

Guidelines On Climate

The best time to visit Rwanda for a gorilla trek is during the short dry season from mid-December to early February or over the long dry season months of June to September. These periods offer by far the easiest hiking conditions and the lowest malaria risk. You can visit Rwanda and trek gorillas outside these optimum times of year but bear in mind that the going will be more difficult in the rain as paths are steep and maybe muddy. It pays to be as fit as possible before you commence your trek. The best time to go to Rwanda for chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe, however, is during the two rainy seasons - mid-February to early June and mid-September to mid-December - as the apes are easier to locate. Food is harder to find in the dry seasons and the chimp families often range far into the forest interior.