Rwanda is located almost directly on the equator and has a tropical climate. Gishwati Mukura is located in the Kivu Belt in western of the Rwanda and receives more rainfall than the central and the eastern parts of the country. Therefore, the country’s rainforests can be found here. Even though Gishwati Mukura is in the tropics, the elevation keeps the temperature at a constant pleasant with temperatures around 25°C during the day and 15-20°C during the night.
Raining seasons
There are two distinct raining seasons in the Kivu Belt, one longer and one shorter, though rain falls throughout the year. The long raining season occurs between March and May. Expect daily heavy showers and thunderstorms during this time of year and some full days of rain, but also some sunshine during the day is not uncommon. The shorter raining season from October to December has less rainfall, but heavy thunderstorms are common almost every day. It is common for days to start of sunny in the morning, even during the raining season and then get progressively more cloudy until rain falls in the afternoon and night.
Short Dry Season
The period between the raining seasons in January and February has some rainfall, often quick thunderstorms in the afternoon which pass quickly but several days without rain is also common. This is a good time to visit as there is less rain and also less visitors during this meaning lower prices at hotels and lodges.
Long Dry Season
June, July, August and September are the driest months in the Kivu Belt. Some rainfall still fall during this time of year and a few afternoon thunderstorms are to be expected. This is the best time to visit, but also when most visitors come. Rwanda’s mayor holiday season is during this time of year meaning many locals come to the Kivu Belt. Hotels and parks are generally more booked during this time of the year.
When is the best time to visit Gishwati Mukura National Park Rwanda?
Safaris in Gishwati Mukura have no specific time -this is an all-year-round destination. The park gates are open to all tourists at any time, although the best time or the most favorable time is during the dry season.
The dry season -the best time to visit Gishwati-Mukura N/Park
Throughout the year, there are 2 dry seasons and Rwanda safari tourists can choose to travel to Gishwati-Mukura National Park during the long dry season or short dry months. The long dry season or months of the year to plan Gishwati-Mukura National Park safaris- June, July, August, September while the shortest dry months/season is experienced from December, January to February.
Why visit Gishwati Mukura National Park during the dry season?
Visiting Gishwati Mukura N/Park during the dry season has many advantages. The dry season is usually the period when there is little or completely low rainfall at this park and the ground is kept drier. Because the trails remain drier, it becomes easier walking through them as you search for the different primates, birds, and other species.
The dry season is generally the best for primate tracking especially chimpanzee tracking; guided nature walk/hiking, etc. For memorable Rwanda safaris, consider visiting Gishwati-Mukura during the two dry spells/seasons- the short and long.
Visiting Gishwati Mukura during the wet season
The wet or rainy season is another significant season that any traveler with plans to visit Gishwati-Mukura National Park should put into consideration. Intrepid travelers with plans to visit this park is during the wet or rainy season/low season can arrange their holiday around the short or long wet/rainy months. The short-wet months in Gishwati Mukura are recorded starting October to November while March, April, May are the long rain months of the year.
During the wet season, Gishwati-Mukura N/Park features unmatched beauty. The heavy rains support growth of vegetation, the main source of forage for several primates, and other wildlife to depend on. This means, abundance of food for primates and other park’s wildlife to enjoy, and this makes it easier to explore the park on chimpanzee trekking.
The disadvantage about the wet or rainy season is that there is plenty of rainfall and this means, there are higher chances for the ground to be muddy or slippery. To transverse through the tropical rain-forest of Gishwati-Mukura National Park during the wet or rainy season can be challenging given the conditions. This is the period when the park has dense vegetation cover besides the muddy trails.
Weather/climatic conditions
Daytime temperatures at Gishwati-Mukura NP range from 25 to 27 degrees Celsius and they often drop down at night from 13.5 to 16 degrees Celsius. Important things to pack for a safari in Gishwati Mukura include waterproof hiking or walking boots or shoes, cameras, daypack, long pants, safari hat, trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, rain jackets, insect repellent, first aid kit, etc.