Rwanda’s Geography & Climate – Land of Hills, Volcanoes & Mild Weather

Learning about the geography and climate of Rwanda is crucial to planning a successful trip.

Before visiting any country, tourists are often concerned about the weather and the physical features they will see. We are here to guide you on the best places to visit and the best time to travel.

Rwanda has two main seasons: the wet season and the dry season. Each season has its own benefits and challenges.

However, both support many natural features, including the high-altitude forests of the Virunga Volcano Mountains in the northern part of the country. These forests are home to the endangered mountain gorillas, one of the most admired animals in the primate family.

Rwanda is home to five volcanoes, many rivers, and twenty-three lakes, some of which feed into the Nile River. The land is covered with greenery and attracts many visitors from around the world, who are warmly welcomed by the friendly people of Rwanda.

After getting some rest, you can take part in cultural experiences such as learning a few Kinyarwanda words or watching traditional dances.

The “Land of a Thousand Hills” is located in East-Central Africa. It is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Burundi to the south, Uganda to the north, and Tanzania to the east.

Rwanda lies 121 kilometers south of the equator, stretches 75 miles from the equator, and reaches 1,416 kilometers into the Tropic of Capricorn.

It also sits 777 miles east of the Atlantic Ocean. Rwanda has a temperate climate with two rainy seasons: one from February to April and the other from November to January. The average temperature ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius.

Volcanoes and thick forests cover the northern part of the country, while other areas are made up of gentle hills, valleys, calm lakes, many rivers, and grassy plains.

Despite its tragic past—the 1994 genocide where many lives were lost, including children and the elderly—Rwanda has continued to grow and welcome visitors.

Some of the top national parks in Rwanda include:

• Nyungwe Forest National Park
• Akagera National Park
• Gishwati-Mukura National Park
• Volcanoes National Park

If you want to tailor your tour by adding more days or destinations, please reach out to us through our main contact page using the button below.