Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in May –Rwanda Gorilla Safaris

Curious if May is a good time for Rwanda gorilla trekking tours? While most attention goes to the dry season, trekking mountain gorillas in May is not only possible, but also rewarding. Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in May can be successfully organized and enjoyed. Want to enjoy discounted offers on Rwanda gorilla safaris? Then plan and book Rwanda gorilla trekking tours in May to Volcanoes National Park.

Below is a detailed guide to planning your trip, including the ideal destination, May weather, travel logistics, accommodation, packing advice, and how to book your memorable experience.

All About Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in May -Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park (Parc Des Volcans), located in Northwestern Rwanda and created in 1925, is the oldest park. Spanning 160 sq. km, it is home to 13 habituated mountain gorilla groups, each visited by a maximum of 8 people.

During gorilla trekking tours and safaris in Volcanoes National Park, expect to visit gorilla families such as the Amahoro group, the Hirwa group, Susa A, the Ugenda gorilla group, the Umubano family, the Kwitonda, Agashya, Susa B, Noheli, Muhoza, and more.

Treks with any of these families begin from the Kinigi area. The Kinigi section is the briefing spot before any gorilla trekking session starts in Volcanoes National Park.

Gorilla treks in Volcanoes National Park can last for 2-6 hours, and visitors are guaranteed a maximum of 1 hour dedicated purposely for learning more about gorillas. The most memorable part of your Rwanda gorilla trekking session in Volcanoes is enjoying up close with the gorillas and taking pictures.

Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours in May, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda Safaris

What else should you expect to find in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park?

Volcanoes National Park is an exceptional destination, home to more than gorillas. This Park also shelters other animals, including bush pigs, African buffaloes, black-fronted duikers, golden monkeys, spotted hyenas, harnessed bushbucks, colobus monkeys, to mention but a few.

Over 200 species of birds have been documented in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. They include African grey hornbill, Rwenzori turacos, African fish eagles, giant kingfishers, olive-bellied sunbirds, African marsh harrier, Kivu ground thrush, grey-headed bushrike, African swamphen, palm-nut vultures, Narina trogon, brown-backed honey birds, crested barbets, red-chested sunbirds, and many others.

What is the Weather like in Volcanoes National Park, Musanze, in May?

Volcanoes National Park enjoys a tropical climate and weather conditions. May marks the end of the wet or rainy season, and the average rainfall received is 168mm. The rainy season often extends from March to the end of May.

Visiting gorillas in Rwanda in this month is a little challenging considering the heavy rains that cause disruption during the guide trek to see gorillas.

Early preparation is crucial for you to enjoy a successful gorilla safari in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. This should involve packing the right gear like robust and waterproof hiking boots, a waterproof daypack, long-sleeved shirts, Visas, a rain jacket, and many others.

Where to Stay on Gorilla Trekking Tours in May

Visiting Rwanda mainly for gorilla trekking tours in May and you aren’t certain about places to stay? Explore the various accommodation options in and around Volcanoes as compiled by Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd.

The checklist below comprises luxury, midrange, and budget lodges. Top luxury accommodation choices to book include Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, and Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge.

Top midrange options include Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Gorillas Volcanoes Hotel, and others.

Getting to Volcanoes National Park for Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tours

The best way to reach Volcanoes National Park is by road, and you can take just 2-3 hours. A 4×4 tourist vehicle is most preferable for road connectivity to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze.

There is also an alternative of traveling by air, and tourists can take the daily helicopter flights to Musanze Airstrip. Even visitors in Uganda can cross to Volcanoes National Park to get involved in the trek with the Rwanda gorillas in May.

Rwanda Gorilla Permits in May

Even if it is in May, valid gorilla permits are required for you to indulge in the Rwanda gorilla trekking tours and safari. The cost of a Rwanda gorilla permit has not yet changed and remains at USD 1500 per person.

Visitors can secure a permit for gorilla trekking through the tour operator on the ground. Talk to the expert at Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd to book in advance a valid permit in Rwanda. Securing a gorilla permit in Rwanda is easier through our expert. Contact us to book a slot before the actual date of visiting a gorilla group.

Best Rwanda Gorilla Safaris & Tour Packages 2026