About Bisate Lodge
Bisate Lodge, is a luxury lodge nestled close to the Volcanoes National Park, providing a high-end base to ...
... visit the famous mountain gorillas as well as the lesser-known, but very beautiful, golden monkeys.
Bisate Lodge is an exclusive place to stay near the Volcanoes National Park, conveniently close to the park's HQ and with beautiful views. The engaging and impressive managers are focused on a high level of personalised service. Our high expectations for Bisate have certainly been met: it is clearly one of Rwanda’s top lodges.
Our view
Bisate Lodge is an exclusive place to stay near the Volcanoes National Park, conveniently close to the park's HQ and with beautiful views. The engaging and impressive managers are focused on a high level of personalised service. Our high expectations for Bisate have certainly been met: it is clearly one of Rwanda’s top lodges.
Rwanda expert
Accommodation
6 forest villas
Children
Best for 15+
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Traveller reviews of Bisate Lodge
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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 30 pictures of Bisate Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Bisate Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Gorillas and Migration Safari
9 days • 3 locations • 2 country
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences: trekking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
Visiting Serengeti, Volcanoes and 1 other area
US$19,360 - US$25,280 per person
Bisate Lodge: Our full report
Bisate Lodge, is a luxury lodge nestled close to the Volcanoes National Park, providing a high-end base to ...
... visit the famous mountain gorillas as well as the lesser-known, but very beautiful, golden monkeys.
Bisate Lodge is a lavish sanctuary, with six forest villas in a secluded location, just outside the southern border of Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is close to the town of Musanze, and just a 20-minute drive from the park headquarters, putting Bisate in a great position for trekking access.
As the lodge faces Bisoke Volcano, it offers some remarkable views. Some of the villas also have a view of two other prominent volcanoes, Mikeno and Karisimbi. The lodge itself is actually situated within a very small volcanic cone of its own - which thankfully has been extinct for a long time - the word 'bisate' means 'pieces' in English.
The lodge has been built within a 43-hectare plot of former farmland. The team at Bisate have worked very hard on a reforestation project, involving the removal of invasive species to regenerate the area with indigenous plants. This was in full swing when we stayed in December 2019, and fantastic to see. A tree nursery has also been developed and over 20,000 trees have been planted. Guests are welcome to visit the nursery with the in-house agronomist and learn more about the project.
The reforestation project should, in time, attract several types of small antelope and numerous bird species to the area. There are two short nature trails on the property which guests can walk without a guide. These follow the eroded crater rim and from here it is definitely worth getting up early to watch the sunrise.
The unique design of the lodge is inspired by the King's Palace in Butare, with beautiful thatched pods that we found reminiscent of the weaver bird nests found beside many Rwandese rivers. Unusually, the thatch is synthetic, using recycled plastic. This is apparently more durable than traditional grass thatch, and also has very good insulating qualities - beneficial at this altitude during the cold winter months. We don't know of another lodge in Africa using synthetic thatch quite like this.
Each of the six forest villas at Bisate Lodge has a small cloakroom in which to leave your boots (inevitably muddy after a morning trekking!), before opening into a spacious lounge and bedroom area. The rooms are very modern in design, and have a large double or twin beds, plus a seating area which can be used as a daybed, and a big fireplace. There is a mini bar and tea/coffee station, a writing desk and a tablet loaded with lodge information, and details on local community projects, the resident gorilla groups; Rwanda in general; the country's history; and bird and local wildlife species checklists.
The spacious en-suite bathrooms each have twin sinks, a shower and a freestanding bath tub, as well as many of the extra little touches you'd expect from such a high-end lodge, including bathrobes, slippers and Africology toiletries. Each villa has an outside balcony seating area. In-room massages can be provided, and may be welcome after trekking!
The main area of Bisate is built in the same thatched style, with three large 'nests', featuring a restaurant on one side, a lounge bar to the other and a reception in the centre. In the reception area guests are able to learn about the lodge's involvement in local projects and initiatives, and also about the local flora and fauna. Here you will also find a small selection of souvenirs and curios for sale, all locally made and sourced.
The restaurant area has an indoor and outdoor seating area. A wine cellar has been built beneath the restaurant, with wine tastings an additional feature of the lodge. There is a library with one of the world’s largest private collections of primate reference books. In the library there is also a television, which is used for showing nature documentaries.
Many of the staff at Bisate are from the local community and have been involved in the lodge since the building process. Over the years, we have found Wilderness to have a strong focus on sustainability and conservation, and this is no different at Bisate. The lodge has been planned to be as sustainable as possible, including the collection of rainwater, which is filtered then used as grey water for toilets and showers. Water for drinking is pumped from the mountain springs, then purified and filtered, with guests offered reusable drinking bottles so as to reduce the wastage of plastic water bottles.
Elsewhere in Africa, Wilderness divides its camps into three broad "categories": Adventure; Classic and Premier. Bisate is a Premier camp – thus in the most luxurious category – which means that it's aiming to deliver very high standards. (Their other Premier camps include Vumbura Plains, Mombo Camp and Little Kulala.)
Luxurious accommodation aside, the main draw for visitors to Bisate Lodge will undoubtedly be the gorillas that inhabit the neighbouring Volcanoes National Park. Activities from the lodge therefore concentrate on morning treks up the Virunga Mountains, where more than half of the world's population of mountain gorillas live. Guests are able to rent trekking equipment from the lodge should they need it. Your first full day is usually spent with a morning trekking to find the golden monkeys, which helps with acclimatisation, then the next one or two mornings may be spent gorilla trekking. The permit costs are not included in the accommodation rates, so for more information, including details on the costs of the trekking permits, please see our page on gorilla-trekking safaris.
Geographics
- Location
- Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
- Ideal length of stay
- We would recommend a stay or three or four nights at Bisate, though this will depend on how many times you wish to trek to see the mountain gorillas.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- From our experience, the food at Bisate is of a very high standard, wonderful flavours, a variety choice and well presented.
There are no strict set meal times, and guests are encouraged to be as relaxed as they wish, although meals largely follow the standard 'trekking times' of the Volcanoes area.–
An early continental buffet breakfast, will accommodate trekkers, and packed snacks will be provided for trekking days if guests wish.
If you are not trekking and have time for a more leisurely breakfast you can choose from a selection of hot dishes cooked to order, from the à la carte menu.
Lunch is usually à la carte and is served between midday and 3.00pm, but this will be flexible, again to accommodate trekkers, as the length of treks can vary greatly.
Dinner is a three-course affair and is also chosen from an à la carte menu, with a couple of options for each course. During our stay we enjoyed a blue cheese salad, a delicately flavored pea risotto and bread and butter pudding.
Vegetarian options are readily available, and with advance notice special diets and requests can be catered. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, with the exception of premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- For a luxurious honeymoon in Rwanda Bisate is fantastic option. Trek the mountain gorillas in the morning then retreat to the privacy of your luxurious forest villas. Indulge in an in room massage and watch the sunset over the volcanoes.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Rwanda
- Photography holidays
- Bisate has a scenic setting with wonderful views over Mount Bisoke and the surrounding volcanoes. Small antelopes and numerous species of birds can be seen from the nature trail and the golden evening light can produce wonderful photos.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Rwanda
- Cultural Experiences
- Bisate works very closely with the local community and complimentary village walks are offered to all guests, this is a good way to get a feel for the rural way of life in Rwanda. Many of the staff come from the local area and Bisate has invested in a number of community projects.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Rwanda
- Walking safaris
- Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is a must for most visitors, and would be the highlight of a stay at Bisate Lodge. Other primates, such as golden monkeys and colobus monkeys, can also be seen during the walking safaris.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Rwanda
- Luxury
- Bisate Lodge has been designed as an excellent base for gorilla trekking, offering its guests an unforgettable experience. There are just six sumptuous forest villas, each with its own viewing deck, fire place and cosy lounge area. A stay here promises the best in pure luxury.
- See ideas for Luxury in Rwanda
Children
- Attitude towards children
- This is a very smart lodge, with a mature atmosphere, and the focus is on catering to adults.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12+ on request
- Generally recommended for children
- Bisate has no family rooms, and is clearly aiming for a mature, adult market: there are no concessions at all for children. Because gorilla trekking is only possible for children over the age of 15 years, we’d generally recommend staying here only with children over 15.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Bisate Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Bisate 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
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There’s a generator as back-up.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in each forest villa, though not in the main area.
There is limited cellphone reception, but a phone is available at reception if guests need it.
Each villa is provided with an iPad, filled with documentaries, extra info on the gorillas, the groups, other wildlife, birds and wildlife species checklists, as well as any additional guest information.
Each villa is also provided with a handheld radio to communicate with management if necessary. - Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water for the lodge is pumped from the mountains and filtered on site.
A reverse osmosis filtration & water purification system is in place for drinking water. Rainwater is collected and filtered, then used for the toilets and showers, to conserve the amount of water used at the lodge.
Sustainability
Bisate’s indigenous reforestation project
The team at Bisate are aiming to foster a mutually beneficial partnership with the local Volcanoes community.
As part of this partnership, during construction of the lodge 172 previously abandoned or unused plots of land were purchased from local community members – giving a significant monetary boost to the community in the process. A reforestation project is underway to rejuvenate an initial 42-hectares of this land. 15,000 indigenous species of trees were planted by the Bisate team, in sections of bamboo and forest woodland, to mimic and follow the existing natural vegetation zones. It is hoped that this reforested area will allow for a natural re-colonisation by various bird, insect and mammal species, and the results are already promising - Rwenzori chameleon and admiral butterflies have already been sighted in the forested area, as well as spoor from side-striped jackal and genets.
Eucalyptus trees have been planted, to create a sustainable firewood supply for the lodge. Space has also been set aside for the planting of pyrethrum, a local cash crop used locally to make insecticide, which will help fund the conservation efforts.
This reforested land will add to the existing ‘buffer zone’ between the Volcanoes National Park, where families of mountain gorillas live, and nearby agricultural land. This zone strengthens the protection of the gorillas’ habitat, and enlarges the space that they can use without encroaching on nearby farmland, thus helping to mitigate any conflict between the gorillas and the human population living close to the park.
Guests to the lodge can also contribute directly to the project by taking part in tree-planting during their stay.
See more great sustainability projects in Rwanda
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- We’re promised (and would expect) that a qualified first aider will be on site at all times. A doctor will be available on Skype, and there is a helipad if necessary for medical evacuations.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guards are on site 24-7 and the lodge has trained up local community members for much of their security work.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all villas and around camp. All staff have been trained to use them. Carbon monoxide detectors are located in each room that houses a log fire.
Activities
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Helicopter
Primate trekking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Same day laundry service is included.
- Money
- A personal safe is provided in each villa.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted; Amex is not. Cash payments may be made in US dollars, UK pounds, ZAR, Euro and Rwandan francs.
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Bisate Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Bisate Lodge.
Excursions from Bisate Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Bisate Lodge. 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.
Mountain Gorilla View
With superb views of the volcanoes, the relaxed Mountain Gorilla View Lodge on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo is well-placed for gorilla trekking.
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.
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 Bisate Lodge 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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