Best Time To Visit Nyungwe National Park
Akagera national park is located in the southwest side of Rwanda. Nyungwe national park is one of the Africa’s oldest and biologically rich montane rainforests. The national park is known for its dense canopy, rare primates and vibrant birdlife. The national park is a home to 13 primate species including chimpanzees, over 300 bird species and a network of trails that wind through the mist covered mountains and verdant valleys.
For tourists planning to visit Nyungwe always have the question of when is the best time to visit Nyungwe national park. Here is the answer to the question.
Nyungwe is a year round destination but the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are generally considered the best times to visit because fewer rains interruptions as well as better trail conditions.
Nyungwe has two dry seasons and two wet seasons.
DRY SEASONS
DRY SEASON (JUNE TO SEPTEMBER) LONG DRY SEASON.
The seasons of June to September are considered to be the best time to visit Nyungwe most especially for chimpanzee trekking and hiking. During that season the temperatures are 150C to 250C ( 590F to 770F), rainfall is minimal and the humidity is moderate and less oppressive than in the wet season.
Activities to take part during this season are: chimpanzee tracking in Cyamudongo
Canopy walkway safaris with amazing views from the top
Hikes within the trails such as imbaraga, Igishigishigi, umuyove, and kamiranzovu among others.
Forest photography with little rains.
The season of June to September is the best time as you can combine Nyungwe with Akagera national park for a savannah and rainforest combo safari.
DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY (SHORT DRY SEASON)
For tourists who can’t make it during the mid-dry season, this period offers another amazing window for the forest adventures.
The weather in Nyungwe national park is as follows. The temperature in the forest is 150C to 260C (590F to 790F) with low to moderate rainfall. There is good visibility and mild weather especially in January.
Activities that tourists can embark on are chimpanzee trekking, canopy walks and hiking.
WET SEASONS
MARCH TO MAY (LONG RAIN SEASONS)
The months of March to May are the wettest time of the year in Nyungwe. This season is not that famous but it has its perks as well most especially for birders.
The temperatures in Nyungwe national park is 140C to 200C (570F 680F) and the humidity is high and the rainfall is high most especially in April.
Tourists can embark on safari activities such as prime bird watching mostly albertine rift endemics and breeding birds which are more active, photography among others while on a Rwanda safari.
SEPTEMBER TO MID DECEMBER (SHORT WET SEASON)
The short season may not be the most favoured time for tourists but this season offers its own set of remarkable benefits most especially for bird watchers, nature photographers and off the beaten path adventures.
Rather than being a travel deterrent, the rains breathe new life into the rainforest. The forest flourishes with lush foliage, bursting biodiversity and heightened wildlife safari activity thus creating a rich, immersive experience that’s different from the drier months.
The weather condition within Nyungwe forest is characterised with moderate to heavy rainfall and short afternoon showers most especially in November. The humidity is high but tolerable and this is credited to Nyungwe’s altitude. The trail conditions are slippery and muddy in places especially after consistent rainfall.
Tourists while on a Rwanda safari should expect misty mornings and dramatic cloud formations over the forest canopy. Rain usually falls in brief, intense bursts most especially in the afternoon or early evenings thus leaving much of the day for safari activities.
- Best time for bird watching enthusiasts
For the birders while on a Rwanda safari, the best time of the year to visit Nyungwe national park is the short wet season of September to mid-December. The national park has over 310 bird species including 29 albertine rift endemics such as Ruwenzori Turaco, handsome francolin, grauer’s swamp warbler and red collared mountain babbler among others
During this season migratory species arrive in the park adding to the diversity of the national park. Colourful plumages of breeding birds make it exceptional photography. The gisakura and Kamiranzovu areas are hotspots for rare sightings while on the Rwanda safari. Hiring a local bird guide enhances your chances of spotting elusive species.
Primate trekking in the wet season is challenging but in can still be possible during the short rains but challenging as well. Chimpanzees range deeper into the forest and move faster through the dense vegetation thus making sightings a bit less predictable than in the dry months.
However, the best period to have the chimpanzee trekking while on a Rwanda safari is the dry season in the months of June to September.
Hiking is best done in the dry season but challenging in the wet season. The park has a 130 kilometre trails that range from gentle walks to strenuous climbs. While on a safari in Rwanda, tourists can hike the Igishigishigi trail which takes you to the canopy walk, imbaraga trail which is challenging and karamba trail which is the best during the wet weather. The canopy walkway remains open year round and is spectacular after a rain when mist clings to the treetops and light beams cut through the fog.
Photography; nature photography during the wet season can be phenomenal. This is because you will find vivid greens and rich textures throughout the forest, misty backdrops perfect for atmospheric wildlife and landscape shots as well as increased wildlife activity especially birds and monkeys. Photographers during the rainy season are encouraged to pack a waterproof camera to cover or bag because morning light between 7am and 10am offers the best contrast with post rain freshness while on a Rwanda birding safari
WHAT TO PACK BASED ON SEASON
All seasons
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Insect repellent
- Long sleeves and trousers for protection against forest insects.
- Binoculars for the birders
- camera
Rainy season
- Rain sweater or water proof jacket
- Quick dry clothing
- Gaiters or leg protection for muddy trails
Dry season
Sunscreen and hat
Sunglasses
Lightweight backpack for daily hikes.