Volcanoes National Park is the highlight of a typical Rwandan safari, it is strategically located a few hours about 2 hour’s drive from the Kigali International Airport, the national park was one of the first biodiverse ecosystems to be gazette in the world it has many physical features including 5 peaks of the 8 series of the Virunga volcanic mountain region (mountain Muhabura, mountain Bisoke, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Gahinga) some of these are shared with the neighbouring countries of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The conservation area is best known for mountain Gorillas living along the slopes of the mountain, the primates are a subspecies of the eastern Gorilla Beringei, and they are a critically endangered type hence involve great policies thanks to the Rwandan government there have been a rise in gorilla numbers.
The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, between December -February and June -September, weather conditions during this time are mostly dry with less rainfall but with cold evenings, these are also referred to as tourism peak seasons as most travellers get the chance to travel in the same similar months.in the conservation areas, for example, the Volcanoes National Park, it is the best time to go on the adventure of gorilla trekking, the trails are less slippery and accessible although most of these parks are situated in tropical rain forests hence it is possible to have showers even during the dry season. one should be cautioned it considering to buy gorilla permits for a Rwandan safari to make the purchase earlier as they easily get sold out in the dry season.
Hiking volcanic mountains is best done in June, July and August it is a beautiful time of the year as these times experience warm weather conditions, and the trails of the park tend to be dry hence visitors have a more comfortable hike to the summit, the most hiked volcanic mountain of the volcanoes national park is mountain Karisimbi raising to 4,570 meters above sea level. Golden monkey tracking in the conservation area falls within the same period to have the best experiences, that said does not rule out that these activities visitors can’t be done during the wet season.
The wet season lasts in March, April, May, October, and November there is more rainfall but it can also be sun on some days, the park is green at this time it is a fruiting season which brings about many birds, the best time to go birding in the volcanoes national park is to choose a time when there are migratory species as well, this season comes with discounts too, accommodation facilities offer places to stay at discounted rates, sometimes discounted permits, for one not to miss out much, it is wise to choose a month towards the end of the dry season, for example, October, September and March.
What to pack for a Rwanda safari includes warm clothes, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, hand gloves, gaiters, and any other important items of personal nature.