Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour in August | Premium Africa Safaris

August is an excellent time for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Proper planning and timing are essential for a successful visit. August, nearing the end of the peak season, provides prime conditions for gorilla encounters. The generally favorable weather makes it ideal to explore Volcanoes National Park and see gorillas.

Why Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour in August?

Choosing August for a Rwanda gorilla trekking tour lets you enjoy the extended dry season. Minimal rainfall in Volcanoes National Park ensures easier trekking conditions and increases your chances of seeing gorillas up close without weather disruptions.

Good visibility awaits you during the gorilla trekking session in August.

The vegetation cover in August tends to be thinner and drier, with guests having a chance to spot mountain gorillas. August is an excellent month of the year to have clear views of gorillas, plus many other wildlife and birds.

Enjoy a combined gorilla and wildlife tour.

There is a higher possibility of embarking on both the gorilla and wildlife tour. August is a peak month and visitors can embark on a journey to explore the wonders of Akagera National Park –especially the Big 5 game.

At Akagera National Park, expect to have an incredible treat to diverse encounters of savanna wildlife and birds. The different wildlife to visit in Akagera National Park include African bush elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, zebras, the Maasai giraffes, and a diversity of antelope families.

On a game viewing tour, expect to spot a variety of antelopes in the wild, such as klipspringers, waterbucks, sitatungas, oribis, duikers, bush bucks, impalas, elands, topis, Bohor reedbucks, and roan antelopes.

An estimate of about 520 species of birds survive in the different regions of Akagera. The diverse bird population to explore here includes the red-faced barbets, African fish eagles, Souza’s shrikes, papyrus gonoleks, white-winged swamp warblers, booted eagles, Shelley’s francolins, and others.

While on Akagera National Park safari, expect to enjoy the best of boat safaris, guided game drives, nature walks, helicopter tours, and other experiences.

The best time to get to Akagera to witness the breeding season of birds is from February to July –this is the best time to find colonial water birds. The migratory species can be spotted from November to April, and the songbird season often starts from September to November.

Visit Nyungwe National Park, a rainforest dominated destination and a rich primate destination with over 13 primate species and an estimated population of 310 species of birds.

The different primates to explore on a Rwanda safari tour in August, in addition to gorilla trekking, include golden monkeys, chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, Angolan colobus monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, l’hoest monkeys, and Dent’s Mona monkeys. Other primates to sight include Hamlyn’s monkeys, bush babies, grey-cheeked mangabeys, and others.

The Cons of Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Tour in August

Peak month with high demand.

August falls in the extended peak season, and this means the demand for permits, transportation, and accommodation options often rises. The huge visitor turn up translates into a high demand for tourism amenities, including gorilla permits.

Scarcity of permits –

The competition for gorilla permits increases by day in August. The favorable conditions attract many tourists to take part in the gorilla trekking experience. In Rwanda, there are slightly limited gorilla permits to book, and out of the 13 gorilla families, about 104 permits can be available for booking.

Currently, visitors on gorilla trek tour in August get a chance to visit groups such as Ugenda, Muhoza gorilla family group, Hirwa group, Kwitonda group, Umubano gorilla family, Agashya, Amahoro family, Karisimbi family, and Susa A. You can also visit the Susa B –Karisimbi gorilla group, Bwenge, and others. A total of 8 (eight) guests get a chance to travel to track a single gorilla group in Rwanda.

Quick Guide to Volcanoes National Park

In August, there is only one place to visit to see mountain gorillas. That is Volcanoes National Park, which is located in the Musanze Province, Northwestern Rwanda. This Park covers 160 sq. km and was gazetted in 1925, ranking it as the oldest National Park on the African continent. At Volcanoes National Park, expect more than gorillas.

The Park also supports a range of other features, including the golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, forest elephants, spotted hyenas, black-fronted duikers, and more.

Birds of interest in Rwanda’s Volcanoes include black cuckoo shrikes, African swamphen, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori-double collared sunbird, Grey headed bush shrikes, white collared oliveback, bat hawks, brown backed honeybirds, and strange weaver birds.

Extra experiences in Volcanoes National Park

Golden monkey tracking. Embark on the primate adventure to witness the habituated golden monkey troops. A section of the golden monkeys resides in the Sabyinyo slopes and other habitats in Volcanoes National Park.

Iby’Iwacu Cultural Experience. Visit the Iby’Iwacu village located in the adjacent Volcanoes National Park. In the Iby’Iwacu village, you can explore more about the cultures, traditions, and also enjoy amazing dances/musical performances.

Volcano hiking/climbing in Rwanda. Embark on the hike to conquer some of the scenic volcanoes, including the Bisoke and Karisimbi Mountains. The standard hike to the summits of Karisimbi can run for two days, with the first day mainly targeting ascent and the following day for descent.

Birding or bird-watching. Volcanoes National Park alone provides refuge to a variety of birds that make this park an important bird areas. The park mainly has the resident and Albertine rift endemic species. During the birding tour, you can be led by a professional guide with vast experience in the bird species in this park.

Adjacent to Volcanoes National Park

Additional places or experiences to enjoy include touring Musanze caves, Twin Lakes, Lake Kivu, and many others. The Twin Lakes comprise Lake Ruhondo and Lake Burera, the most scenic lakes found in Rwanda.

Explore the Buhanga Eco Park. Expect to embark on a guided hike through the Buhanga eco-park and explore varied trees and other species. The site is popular for nature walks and birding excursions.

Where to stay during the Rwanda gorilla trekking tour in August

Pick the right lodge to stay, from budget, midrange, to luxury. The best places to stay include Wilderness Bisate Lodge, Sambora Kinigi Guesthouse, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Kwitonda Lodge, etc.

What to pack for the August gorilla trek tour in Rwanda

The useful items to carry for the August gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda include long trousers, fast-drying long-sleeved shirts which should be matching the natural environment, a pair of binoculars, a first aid kit, insect repellents, and a camera. Visitors should also have waterproof walking or hiking boots, snacks, a rain coat or jacket, gardening gloves, toiletries, a safari hat, a daypack, gaiters, socks, toiletries, sunscreen, and others.

How to reach Volcanoes for the August gorilla trekking tour

Drive in just 2-3 hours from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park. A 4×4 safari car is suitable for road connectivity to and from Volcanoes, and at Flawless Adventure Planners Ltd, we have a wide selection of rental vehicles plus professional drivers. Book with us your August gorilla trekking tours and explore mountain gorillas and other attractions in Volcanoes National Park and beyond.