About Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.
Nestled beneath the towering, forested Virunga range, and perfectly placed for gorilla trekking, the lodge is aptly named. The setting, the friendly atmosphere and the best value for money in the area combine to give this lodge enduring appeal.
First up are the sizeable grounds on the slopes of the extinct Mount Sabyinyo, the trees alive with birds and monkeys, and views at almost every turn.
Dotted around the site, 40 large, rather rustic cottages constructed of stone and thatch offer plenty of privacy. Comfortable yet simply furnished, if rather old-fashioned, they have plain plastered walls, a sleeping area raised slightly above the lounge, and a colourful bathroom.
To offset the chill of mountain evenings, there’s a fireplace in each room and in the main area, whose burnt-red walls, patterned rugs and zebra-print sofas afford a somewhat eclectic charm.
Its setting aside, the hotel’s entire raison d’être is its proximity to Rwanda’s habituated mountain gorilla families. Just a 15-minute drive brings you to the start of the trek in Volcanoes National Park, while seeking out golden monkeys, hiking or even canoeing are also on the agenda.
Then, come the evening, settle down on the lawn to watch traditional Rwandan Intore dancing before drinks around the firepit and a homely dinner to round off the day.
Our view
We really like Mountain Gorilla View Lodge. With spacious cottages, friendly staff and a great location, it has something of the flavour of an old-style ski lodge. Don’t come here expecting luxury, but if you are looking for a relaxed lodge that won't break the bank, it's a good choice.
Accommodation
40 cottages
Children
Fine for children of all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Traveller reviews of Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
121 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 22 Mar 2025, 2 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Jan 2025, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 12 Jan 2025, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 20 Sep 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 15 Aug 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 29 Jun 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 19 Jun 2024, 2 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 29 Jan 2024, 3 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Average
Arrived 2 Jan 2024, 2 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Poor
Arrived 15 Oct 2023, 4 nights
"Mountain Gorilla View Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent




















Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 44 pictures of Mountain Gorilla View to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Mountain Gorilla View
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Mountain Gorilla Safari
5 days • 2 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Staying in great-value lodges, with a private driver-guide and 4WD, this adventure includes two treks to get up close with groups of mountain gorillas.
Visiting Volcanoes, Kigali
US$6,120 - US$6,120 per person


Golden Monkey Safari
12 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Combine four key areas of Rwanda on this excellent-value trip, for a true wildlife and cultural experience. The perfect itinerary for those who want to see all the highlights of Rwanda.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 3 other areas
US$11,010 - US$12,170 per person


L'Hoest's Monkey Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
Meet three iconic primates – gorillas, chimps and golden monkeys – and explore Rwanda's fascinating culture on this excellent value privately guided adventure.
Visiting Volcanoes, Lake Kivu and 1 other area
US$6,320 - US$6,830 per person


Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
Visiting Kigali, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas
US$14,310 - US$15,540 per person


Gorillas and Maasai Mara Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This trip combines two of Africa's most unforgettable wildlife experiences – Rwanda's mountain gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Visiting Kigali, Volcanoes and 1 other area
US$11,390 - US$13,510 per person


The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations • 5 country
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
Visiting Cape Town, Okavango Delta and 5 other areas
US$16,380 - US$19,790 per person
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: Our full report
On the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has beautiful views of the surrounding volcanoes.
The mid-range hotel, previously called Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, is set in spacious grounds, and is only a 15-minute drive from the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, which is the starting point for gorilla trekking.
Mountain Gorilla View is the sister property of Kivu Lodge near Kibuye, on the shores of Lake Kivu, and also Flame Tree Village in Kigali. While none of these hotels offer high-end luxury, they are all very comfortable with reasonably good food and friendly service.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has undergone multiple changes over the past few years, including construction of new cottages and the addition of external doors at each end of the main building, which helps to reduce draughts in the evening. They have also installed mains power throughout, albeit with a much-needed back-up generator.
Constructed of brick and tile, the 40 individual cottages at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge are well spaced out and provide lots of privacy. They’re very big inside, too, with plain plastered walls, and simple but comfortable furnishings. The sleeping area is slightly raised above the height of the lounge, and on our last visit in 2019 we were pleased to see new wooden laminate flooring here. The en-suite bathroom is fully plumbed and comes with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Do be aware that the floors of the colourfully decorated showers can become slippery when wet, so please take extra care.
Each cottage has a fireplace, that can be set by the staff with a log fire in the evenings - a good idea as gets very chilly at night at this altitude. However, on our last visit, the fireplace was set with glowing charcoal. While this might appeal for warmth, there are no carbon monoxide detectors, so we strongly advise you turn down this offer.
The central area has a basic bar and restaurant, serving generally good home-cooked fare, and a large lounge that is split into three seating areas. With low reed ceilings, burnt-red walls, a fireplace and patterned rugs on the floor, each of these felt quite warm and cosy. If the new jazzy zebra-print sofas don’t entirely fit in with their surroundings, the eclectic style almost adds to the overall charm.
Outside, there’s a veranda with soft seating, and a small firepit where guests can gather in the evening to share stories about the day’s trekking.
The lodge grounds are very well maintained and afford fantastic views of the volcanoes and surrounding area. Every evening a local dance group gathers to perform traditional Intore dancing on the lawn. Take a stroll around the gardens and you are likely to see a lot of wildlife, from numerous species of birds to monkeys jumping between the trees.
The main attraction for guests to Mountain Gorilla View is of course the trek to see the mountain gorillas. There are currently 12 habituated gorilla families in Rwanda that visitors can visit, ranging in distance from a short 30-minute trek to a longer hike lasting several hours. Conditions in the Virunga Mountains can become quite muddy, but the lodge can provide guests with gloves and gaiters if needed; they also provide a complimentary boot cleaning service once you return.
In addition to the mountain gorillas, a number of alternative activities are possible in and around Volcanoes National Park. Many people choose to spend a morning tracking the golden monkeys that also call the Virungas home – an excursion that also helps with acclimatisation. For those looking for a little more physical exertion you can arrange to trek up to the grave of Dian Fossey or even to summit Mount Karisimbi and peer down into the huge caldera below. It is also possible to go canoeing near the twin lakes of Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo; chat to us for more details.
Geographics
- Location
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- Four nights/three full days is a good amount of time to spend in this area, although that will depend on how many times you would like to visit the mountain gorillas.
- Directions
- From Kigali you will drive north for around 2-3 hours to reach the Volcanoes National Park. Mountain Gorilla View is about a 15-minute drive from the park headquarters.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- On our last visit the food at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge was certainly tasty, and the portion sizes were substantial, but do not expect haute cuisine. Depending on the occupancy, dining can be either a buffet or à la carte.
We enjoyed a breakfast buffet which included a range of breads, fruit and cereal. There were also a number of hot dishes as well as an egg station with eggs cooked to order.
For lunch we chose from an à la carte menu. Our tasty vegetable quiche was served with potato croquettes, buttered carrots, green beans and a side salad; this was followed by a large slice of apple pie and ice cream.
Dinner consisted of a three-course buffet. We started with pumpkin soup, then for our main course we had grilled chicken accompanied by rice and a traditional Rwandan vegetable stew. The selection of tempting puddings included small cakes, tropical fruit and chocolate profiteroles.
We were a little unimpressed with the wine, which appeared to come from a box rather than a bottle. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service can be arranged in advance.
- Drinks included
- One soft drink per meal is included. Additional drinks cost from around 2,000 Rwandan francs (US$2.5) for a soft drink, to around 5,000 Rwandan francs (US$6) for a glass of wine.
Bottled water is provided.
Special interests
- Cultural Experiences
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge has strong ties with the surrounding communities and supports a local 'Intore' dance troop who perform at the lodge each afternoon. The word 'Intore' means warrior and bands of sisal on headbands portray dancers as fearsome lions.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Rwanda
- Walking
- Gorilla Mountain View Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is a good-value base from which to take guided walks into the park's rainforests to see the golden monkeys and the mountain gorillas.
- See ideas for Walking in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Children need to be over the age of 15 in order to trek to see the mountain gorillas.
- Equipment
- Cots are available on request.
- Generally recommended for children
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge is fine for children, but note that they need to be over the age of 15 in order to trek to see the mountain gorillas.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mountain Gorilla View
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

100% success

28% success

0% success

0% success

0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- On our last visit, there were frequent power cuts, so the lodge is still fairly reliant on their back-up generator.
- Communications
- Wi-Fi is available in the central area. We understand that there are plans to install telephones in all the cottages, but these were not in place at the time of our last visit.
- Water supply
- Mains
- Water supply notes
- The bathrooms in all cottages are fully plumbed.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff have first-aid training, and there is a hospital in Musanze which is a 20-minute drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- Moderate Risk
- Security measures
- Security guards patrol the property 24 hours a day.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the central areas, and there is one fire hose for every three cottages.
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Extras
- Disabled access
- In Place
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available at an additional cost of around 1,500 Rwandan francs (US$2) per item.
- Money
- There is an electronic safe in the main office, which we advise that guests use.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge accepts cash payments in US dollars, euros and Rwandan francs. They also accept Mastercard and Visa, but not accept American Express.
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Mountain Gorilla View Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mountain Gorilla View.
Excursions from Mountain Gorilla View
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Mountain Gorilla View. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.

Canoeing in Rwanda
Half day - approx. 3 hours on the water
This half-day adventure takes place through lush farmland, on the meandering Mukungwa River near Musanze town. Discovering Rwanda’s countryside in a canoe is great fun: the launch spot is just half an hour from Volcanoes National Park and you'll be guided along the shallow waterway by an expert local canoeist. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers and introduce you to your canoe group and guide.
More about Canoeing
Golden Monkey Trekking
Half day; one hour with the monkeys
Spend a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys in the Volcanoes National Park. These endangered monkeys are endemic to the Albertine Rift area and are characterised by their golden-orange fur. You’ll be able to enjoy an hour watching them jump through the bamboo and hunker down to chew bamboo leaves, curiously watching you, as you watch them. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Golden Monkey Trekking
Gorilla Trekking Safari
Half day: one hour with the gorillas
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a magical experience, transcending any other wildlife encounter we know. Meeting a gorilla family in their forest home, led by a dominant male silverback and a cluster of females and young, is a natural adventure that fully repays the cost in unforgettable memories and images. Your driver-guide from Kigali will operate your transfers to the park headquarters and introduce you to your trekking group and parks guide.
More about Gorilla Trekking
Mount Bisoke Trek
Full day
For something a little different, set out on a one-day hike to the summit of Mt Bisoke in the Volcanoes National Park, home to Rwanda’s famous mountain gorillas. Discover the beautiful scenery of the Virunga Mountains, spot birds and wildlife, and enjoy spectacular views from the crater lake.
More about Mount Bisoke Trek
Mount Karisimbi Trek - 2 day trek
Two days - overnight on Mt Karisimbi
Set out on a two-day hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi, which at over 4,507m is one of the highest in Africa. This is a challenge for the adventurous! With a local guide, you’ll traverse bamboo forests and rugged terrain, then camp on the slopes of this dormant volcano before enjoying sunrise from the summit.
More about Mount Karisimbi Trek
Trek to Dian Fossey’s Grave
Half day, usually five hours
Dian Fossey is best known for her research and conservation work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. She dedicated her life to researching and protecting these ‘gentle giants’ from harm, however she was tragically found murdered at her research camp in 1985. Today visitors can join a local guide to trek through the tropical forest to visit her grave, and learn about the impact of her work.
More about Dian Fossey TrekOther lodges in Volcanoes National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Sabyinyo Silverback
In a fine location close to Volcanoes National Park, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge is a very comfortable lodge with wonderful views.

Virunga Lodge
Virunga Lodge is a consciously environmental lodge in a stunning location, about an hour's drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.

Gorilla's Nest
Gorilla's Nest is a very high-end lodge in a great location near the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, from where all gorilla trips start.

Bisate Lodge
The exclusive and luxurious Bisate Lodge, close to Volcanoes National Park, is one of the best places to stay in the area.

Bishops House
In the town of Musanze, a half-hour drive from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, Bishop's House is well placed for gorilla trekking.

Kwitonda Lodge
Close to the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the luxurious Kwitonda Lodge opened in 2019. Ask your Expert Africa specialist for the latest news.

Tiloreza Eco Lodge
Five Volcanoes offers mid-range hotel accommodation around 15 minutes' drive from Volcanoes National Park headquarters.
When to go to Volcanoes National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mountain Gorilla View in Volcanoes National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rwanda in January
January falls into the shorter dry season in Rwanda and conditions can be good, however expect some showers during your stay. Christmas and New Year can be a very popular time of year to travel and lodges book up early. The high demand and favourable conditions lead to high prices for the more luxurious lodges.
Travellers spending at least two nights in another of Rwanda’s national parks, in addition to the Volcanoes National Park, can take advantage of lower prices for one gorilla permit. This makes it great-value to do a longer trip to Rwanda, taking time to explore Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. January can be fantastic for birding too, with plenty of migrant species found in the forests.
- Generally good weather although with some rainy spells.
- Popular time of year to travel, particularly around New Year.
- Advance booking advised, particularly for high-end trips.
- Good for birding with migrant species present.
- Special offers are great for exploring the other national parks.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in January
Rwanda in February
As February progresses the likelihood of more rain increases as Rwanda heads towards the heavy rains in March and April. This can still be a good time of year to visit, particularly at the start of the month, and you are a likely to experience a mix of dry days and rainy spells. Your days are likely to be warm, however as with the rest of the year nights can be cold. This is particularly true of the Volcanoes National Park which is at higher altitude.
February can be a good time of year to combine gorilla trekking in Rwanda with seeing the wildebeest migration in Tanzania as the vast herds gather in February on the southern Serengeti plains for the calving season.
- Transitional month, with the chance of rain increasing towards March.
- Warm days and cold nights, particularly in Volcanoes NP.
- High-end lodges are expensive, although demand is lower.
- Migrant birds present with great birding to be had.
- Good time of year to combine with the wildebeest migration.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Rwanda in March
The heavy rains typically start in March, often continuing through to early May. This is generally not a great time to visit Rwanda and conditions are likely to be fairly wet and muddy underfoot. Many people still visit at this time, taking advantage of lower prices at the more luxurious lodges and good availability of gorilla permits. The rain clears the air and it is likely to be far less hazy at this time, making it very good for photography.
The green season can be particularly good for bird watching with many migrant species visiting Rwanda at this time. This can also be a good time of year for chimpanzee trekking, as their food is plentiful in March and troops are not likely to travel as far.
- Heavy rains make gorilla trekking conditions not ideal.
- Lower prices and good availability for gorilla permits.
- Good for bird watching with plenty of migrant species present.
- Typically shorter distances to walk for chimpanzee trekking.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in March
Rwanda in April
April is typically one of the wettest months in Rwanda, with an average rainfall of around 150mm. It is still possible to visit during April, however be prepared for heavy rain and muddy conditions in the mountains. April is the low season for high-end lodges and prices can be significantly cheaper at this time.
Comparatively few people choose to visit during April, meaning that it is likely to be fairly quiet and relatively easy to secure gorilla permits. The 7th of April marks ‘Kwibuka’, an annual ceremony which begins three months of remembrance for the victims of the genocide. During this time the whole nation enters a period of reflection, with a number of events being held in commemoration.
- Expect heavy rains throughout the month.
- Few visitors means it is fairly easy to secure gorilla permits.
- It is the green season for luxury lodges, with much lower prices.
- Good time of year for birding.
- Kwibuka remembrance ceremony on 7th April.
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Rwanda in May
May is often a transitional season in Rwanda, following on from the rains in April. Heavy bursts of rain can be expected at times, however it will often start to dry up as the month progresses. Any rainy spells are likely to last a few hours rather than all day. With the heavy rain earlier in the year it can often remain muddy underfoot when trekking the gorillas and chimpanzees and it’s advisable to wear gaiters.
Following the rains the air can be clear, without any haziness, and this leads to great photographic opportunities at this time of year. For many of the high-end lodges May is classed as the low season, which can make this month great value for money, with fairly good weather and comparatively low prices.
- Weather can be variable, mostly dry with some rainy spells.
- Be prepared for muddy conditions when trekking the gorillas.
- Good air clarity leads to great photographic opportunities.
- Can be good value for money if you’re looking at a high-end trip.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Rwanda in June
The weather in June can be fantastic and this is one of the best times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the start of the main dry season in Rwanda and the rainfall in June typically averages only around 20mm. It is likely to be warm and dry during the day, however the odd rainy shower remains possible. Conditions for gorilla trekking can be very good, although you are still likely to experience mud underfoot in parts.
This is the peak season for the high-end lodges and prices rise significantly. Rwanda is exceptionally popular between June and September and the luxurious lodges regularly fill up well over a year in advance, so we advise planning early.
- Dry weather can lead to excellent conditions for gorilla trekking.
- High-end lodges increase their prices and trips can be costly.
- Very popular time of year, advance booking is strongly recommended.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Rwanda in July
July is a great time of year to visit Rwanda, this is in the middle of the longer dry period and conditions for gorilla trekking can be excellent. Expect long dry days, although always with the off-chance of rain at some point during your stay. As with the rest of the year, temperatures are likely to average around 20-25ºC during the day, though nights can be chilly.
July is a very popular time of year to travel to Rwanda and we advise booking at least 12 months ahead, particularly if you’re looking for a high-end trip. Prices at the top end of the market can be very high in July, however many of the mid-range lodges have the same prices throughout the year, making these options great value at this time.
- Excellent conditions with dry weather for much of the month.
- Very popular time to travel with a limited number of gorilla permits.
- Advance booking is required to for the best choice of accommodation.
- High-end trips can be expensive at this time of year.
- Many mid-range lodges have the same price throughout the year.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Rwanda in August
August is one of the most popular times of year to visit Rwanda. This is the middle of the longer dry season and conditions can be very good. While it can still be muddy underfoot this is unlikely to impact your trek. Our top advice for travel in August is to plan early as many of the more popular lodges will regularly book up well over a year in advance at this time.
Many people visiting Rwanda will choose to combine this with a safari in the Serengeti and August is one of the best months for this. The wildebeest migration is in full swing, with the vast herds being up near the Mara River and river crossings likely.
- Fantastic time to visit with dry weather and great conditions.
- Very popular time to travel, we advise booking early.
- Lodges book up and gorilla permits can be hard to secure.
- Higher prices for the top-end lodges.
- Great time of year to combine with a safari in the Serengeti.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Rwanda in September
The dry season comes to an end in September, with the rains increasing towards the end of the month. For the most part you are likely to experience dry conditions, but be prepared for rainy showers and cold nights. September remains a popular time to travel, especially for those combining the gorillas with the wildebeest migration.
The Kwita Izina festival (the official naming ceremony for all baby gorillas born in the past year) takes place ever year, usually in September. It’s a time of celebration for everyone involved in their conservation. The exact date varies. Chat to us if you’d like to plan your trip around this event.
- Conditions typically good but expect some rain.
- Popular time to travel and early booking is advised.
- Great time of year to combine gorillas and the wildebeest migration.
- The Kwita Izina festival, usually in September, names baby gorillas.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
Rwanda in October
The short rains have typically started by October with the month’s rainfall averaging around 110mm. This rain normally falls in short, heavy bursts and you’re likely to have plenty of dry spells too. As with the rest of the year, days can be warm, although nights can be cold, and this is especially true around the Volcanoes National Park where lodges set log fires to keep you warm in the evening.
Lots of people choose to visit Rwanda at this time and prices remain high for the top-end lodges. Booking early is recommended, particularly if you plan to stay at one of the smaller, more exclusive lodges around the Volcanoes park.
- Good time of year to travel although with an increased amount of rain.
- Days are warm however nights can get cold.
- October is popular, particularly for the high-end lodges.
- Prices remain high at the top end of the spectrum.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in October
Rwanda in November
The rains typically continue into November and this can be one of the wetter months of the year. This can still be a good time to travel, as there are still likely to be plenty of dry periods and the gorillas can still be trekked. However, expect quite a bit of mud. The high-end lodges drop their prices in November, making it much more affordable for luxury accommodation.
Between November and April there is also a special offer from the parks authorities, providing a discount on your first gorilla permit if you spend at least two nights in one other national park. This special offer combined with lower prices for luxury lodges makes Rwanda great value for money in November.
- One of the wetter months however gorilla trekking is still possible.
- Far less busy, making it easier to secure gorilla permits.
- Reduced prices for high-end accommodation.
- Special offers to encourage travel to multiple national parks.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Rwanda in December
Rwanda has a second short dry season which typically runs from December to January. Conditions at this time can typically be fairly good, although not as ideal as June – August, and you can still expect rain at this time. Many of the forest tracks can be muddy and nights can be cold.
Many people choose to travel to Rwanda over Christmas and New Year and we advise booking early, particularly if you have preferred lodges in mind. The special offer for a your first gorilla permit at a reduced price remains in place for all travellers spending at least two nights in another park, making Rwanda excellent value for money in December.
- Short dry season, however rain is still possible.
- Conditions for gorilla trekking can be good, but expect mud.
- Cold at night, warm clothes are recommended.
- Very popular over Christmas and New Year, early booking advised.
- Special offers make December good value for money.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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