With gorilla tracking in mind, the best time to visit Rwanda has to be during the dry season of June to September. Although you may experience some rain, especially in the mountains where they live, their tracks are much easier to navigate after a drizzle. This is also generally considered to be the best time to head out on wildlife safari trips across East Africa, since the lack of water brings animals to the few remaining waterholes, thereby offering travelers a chance to spot them easily. However, it is better not to carry out chimpanzee tracking during the wettest parts of the year, as rains might interrupt your hikes through forests.

Tiny by African standards, Rwanda is a great option for those flying to Africa for a long weekend. If you are looking forward to a gorilla trekking experience, then three days are all you need. Go for a week-long jaunt if you are looking forward to diving into the history and culture of this intriguing nation.

Having spent at least a day in the capital city, you can then head to Akagera for a two-day safari before concluding your journey after having encountered enigmatic gorillas. With a ten-day itinerary, you can easily cover the rugged shoreline and hidden sandy coves of Lake Kivu. Learn more.

Volcanoes National Park is at the top of any visits to Rwanda, while Nyungwe Forest National Park, yet another must-see destination, offers the chance to spot chimps. Take in the tranquil atmosphere of Gisakura, where hills after hills are swathed in tea leaves, and give a day or two to Kigali, the cleanest and greenest of Africa’s capitals with a thriving art scene and several thought-provoking sites linked to this country’s sometimes troubled past.