Rwanda in August: Dry Trails, Clear Volcano Views and the Busiest Gorilla Month

Mornings are cool and bright, days are warm in the sun and rain is uncommon, which makes August the most comfortable month for hiking and for road journeys between parks.

Its popularity means planning ahead is essential, and this guide shows how to make the most of the month beyond the gorillas.

This guide is part of our Uganda month-by-month and seasonal guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Overview

Dry Trails and Clear Views

August falls within the long dry season, which runs roughly from June to September. Paths in Volcanoes National Park are firmer, vegetation is less sodden and the volcanic peaks are more likely to appear against blue sky. Mornings can be chilly, so wear layers, but by mid-morning the sun makes trekking pleasant. This is often considered the most comfortable time for gorilla trekking, though the forest is still high-altitude and weather can change quickly. Read the Volcanoes National Park best-time guide for more detail.

Permit

Permit Demand and Booking

Because conditions are favourable and many travellers take summer holidays, gorilla permits are in highest demand in August. Book months ahead, and have flexible dates if possible. Your operator can explain allocation by gorilla family and fitness level; see gorilla families and trekking groups and permit and trekking rules. Consider adding golden monkey tracking for variety; see golden monkey tracking. If permits are unavailable, alternatives such as the Karisoke hike may be possible; see Dian Fossey grave and Karisoke hike.

Akagera

Akagera at Its Best

As the dry season deepens, animals concentrate around lakes and rivers in Akagera, which makes game drives and boat trips productive. Visitors look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, buffalo, antelopes and a good range of birds, and Akagera is also known for its Big Five reintroductions. Dry conditions give wide views, and dusty tracks are generally reliable. Read Akagera best time and Akagera wildlife guide to see what to expect.

Chimps

Chimps, Canopy and Forest Walks

Nyungwe is a rainforest, so some rain can still occur, but August offers drier trails and better visibility for chimpanzee tracking and the canopy walk. Early starts are rewarded with active primates and birds. The canopy walk and forest trails page explains options, and Nyungwe versus Kibale helps if you are comparing countries.

Culture

Culture, Events and Lake Kivu

Rwanda's harvest celebration, Umuganura, is normally observed on the first Friday of August and is a day for family, food and gratitude. Traditional dance, craft markets and community tourism make August a good month to engage with culture; see Rwanda culture and etiquette and coffee and tea tours. The annual gorilla naming ceremony, Kwita Izina, is traditionally held in September, so ask your operator about current dates. Lake Kivu is a sunny place to rest after trekking.

Kigali

Kigali and Itinerary Ideas

Kigali is mild and sunny, and its museums, cafes and craft shops are pleasant to explore; see the Kigali travel guide. A classic August route is Kigali, Volcanoes for gorillas, Lake Kivu for rest and Nyungwe for chimps, finishing with a short stay in Akagera. Look at Rwanda safari itineraries and compare with Rwanda in April. If you are combining countries, see Uganda in August.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team