Christmas & New Year Safaris in Rwanda
Spending Christmas and New Year in Rwanda on safari offers a unique and memorable festive season, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with cultural experiences and luxurious relaxation. While it falls within a short rainy season, the festive atmosphere and special offerings make it a popular choice for many travelers.
Why Christmas & New Year in Rwanda?
- Festive Atmosphere:
- Hotels & Lodges: Luxury lodges and hotels often decorate extensively for the holidays, creating a festive atmosphere. They may offer special Christmas Eve dinners, Christmas Day lunches, and New Year’s Eve gala events with entertainment.
- Community Spirit: While not overtly commercial, there’s a strong sense of community and celebration in Rwanda during this period.
- Unique Wildlife Encounters:
- Gorilla Trekking: This remains the absolute highlight. Spending Christmas or New Year’s Day trekking to see mountain gorillas is an unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Permits are always in high demand.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Nyungwe Forest offers excellent chimpanzee trekking.
- Akagera Safari: Game drives in Akagera National Park provide opportunities to see the “Big Five” and other savanna wildlife.
- Lush Green Landscapes:
- This period falls within Rwanda’s short rainy season (November to mid-December) and the start of the longer dry season (late December into early January). This means the landscapes are typically lush and green, making for beautiful scenery and excellent photography.
- Baby Animals: The green season often coincides with the birthing season for many animals, so you might see more young wildlife.
- Cultural Immersion:
- Beyond wildlife, you can explore Kigali’s vibrant art scene, visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, or engage in community tours.
- Some lodges may incorporate local traditions or performances into their festive celebrations.
Considerations for a Christmas & New Year Safari:
- Weather (Short Rains):
- Pros: The “short rains” are generally lighter and less consistent than the long rains (March-May). You can expect scattered showers, often in the afternoon, but plenty of sunshine. The rain keeps the dust down and the air clear.
- Cons: Trails for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking can be muddy and slippery, making the treks more challenging. Waterproof gear is essential.
- Impact on Safari: In Akagera, the lush vegetation might make spotting some animals a bit harder, but the park is still very rewarding.
- High Demand & Pricing:
- Peak Season: Christmas and New Year are considered peak travel times globally.
- Gorilla Permits: Gorilla permits for Volcanoes National Park are exceptionally high in demand during this period and sell out months (sometimes a year) in advance. Book these first!
- Accommodation: Luxury lodges and hotels will be fully booked and often implement peak season pricing, including compulsory gala dinner fees for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
- Flights: International flights to Kigali will also be more expensive and fill up quickly.
Tips for Planning:
- Book Early, Especially Gorilla Permits: This cannot be stressed enough. Secure your gorilla permits as soon as your travel dates are firm.
- Flexible Itinerary: Be prepared for potential rain, and pack accordingly (waterproof hiking boots, rain jacket, gaiters for trekking).
- Embrace the Green: Enjoy the vibrant landscapes and the freshness that the rain brings.
- Consider a Mix: Combine wildlife safaris with cultural experiences, relaxation at Lake Kivu, or a visit to Nyungwe Forest.
A Christmas and New Year safari in Rwanda offers a truly special and enriching way to celebrate the festive season, providing unforgettable memories of wildlife, nature, and Rwandan hospitality.