Anyone who has camped before will agree that it is one of the few outdoor activities that gives you a real connection with nature because you watch it all sleep and wake up.
Camping is beneficial for physical and mental health because it allows you to build relationships, learn new skills, unplug from screens, connect with nature, increase physical fitness, and reduce stress.
Activities such as nature walks on your Rwanda camping trip will enhance your mood and focus, increase your attention and cognitive capacity. Luckily, Rwanda has very good camping sites in national parks but you can only enjoy the experience if you travel in months that are not really rainy.
Because of its altitude and proximity to the Equator, Rwanda has an acceptable Tropical climate characterized by rain and sunshine. Seasons vary and because rain has a tendency of ruining the whole experience, we elaborate the best months you can camp in Rwanda without much inconvenience .
June to September
This long dry season coincides with summer and obviously the best period to visit Rwanda and engage in outdoor recreational activities like camping. The temperatures range between 16⁰C-27⁰C and rain is rare but if it happens, it is just 33MM/1.3IN.
The clouds covering the forests are light, the skies blue and the temperatures are pleasant. There is less malaria risk during this season. Since forests are dry, forest treks are made more accessible, there is less risk of getting stuck in the mud or having your camping tent filled with water or get blown away by the wind.
Vegetation is thinner and shorter so it is easy to view more animals and it is the perfect time to encounter gorillas at the Volcanoes National Park. It is also the best time to find gorillas and golden monkeys hidden within the Virunga Mountains of Volcanoes National Park, or spend a day at Lake Kivu.
Keep in mind that the rainforest regions in Rwanda always have higher than average rainfall, but the dry season means that it’s slightly less rain. September is a special month to visit Rwanda to experience Kwita Izina, a naming ceremony for new-born gorillas.
The disadvantage of traveling to Rwanda during the these months is encountering larger tourist crowds and many accommodations/camping sites and activities get easily booked out because of high demand.
Attractions like Volcanoes National Park limit the number of daily gorilla permits to visitors to 96, so there’s significantly more competition for the park passes in peak season.
Mid December to February
If you’re looking for an alternative time to visit Rwanda outside of the long dry season, the short dry season is just a few months away to enjoy many of the same climate perks that the season brings. This season coincides with winter and most of the effects of this season in Rwanda are in the central and eastern regions of the country.
Camping destinations in Akagera National park have a brief break from although places like with higher elevation in the western region maintain a wet climate. Travelers that want to escape cold winter often opt for these months since temperatures in Rwanda remain warm, although a jacket is recommended during the night when it’s slightly cooler than the long dry season.
Keep an eye out for the weather because there are occasional short-day showers. It is also the perfect time to spot primates before they relocate for the long dry season. . Plan a trek in December, right after the rain, when you can easily spot primates before they relocate for the dry season.
March to May
These months are considered to be the wettest months of year with the rains really heavy and persistent. To some people, this is the worst time to camp in Rwanda but others may consider it a perfect opportunity.
This is maybe because there are less tourist crowds. This is also the best time to enjoy discounts on services like accommodation, transportation and dining because demand is very low.
Also during these months, gorillas move to the lower altitudes of the mountains because they are a bit warmer and it makes trekking a little easier because the gorillas will be easier to find.
Should you choose to camp during these months, ensure to get a 4×4 car with high ground clearance to manoeuvre the muddy and slippery roads in camping destinations. You’re also encouraged to check your tent for any leakages and fix them in advance.
The camping experience largely depends on weather so with the above elaboration, choose months that are best suitable for you.
