Rwanda safari in January

Monthly Safari Guide

Rwanda Safari in
January

Short Dry Season 15-27°C 65mm rain 2284 tours
January is one of Rwanda's dry seasons and an excellent time for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. The volcanic slopes are drier, making the steep ascents more manageable. Clear skies offer stunning views of the Virunga volcanoes. Golden monkey tracking in the bamboo zone is equally rewarding. Akagera National Park, Rwanda's savannah reserve, offers good game drives. Rwanda's gorilla permits are the most expensive in Africa at $1,500, but the experience is world-class with well-managed small trekking groups.

Season overview

Short Dry Season in Rwanda

January falls within Rwanda's short dry season, characterised by daytime highs of 27°C and overnight lows of 15°C. Average rainfall is 65mm, making this a moderately wet period.

The dry conditions mean vegetation is thinner, making wildlife easier to spot. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, creating dense and dramatic viewing opportunities. Clear skies provide excellent visibility and photography conditions.

Wildlife & nature

Wildlife Highlights in January

  • ● Excellent gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
  • ● Golden monkey tracking on bamboo slopes
  • ● Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
  • ● Clear views of the Virunga volcanic chain

Where to go

Best Parks in Rwanda for January

★ Volcanoes NP

Top pick this month

Nyungwe Forest

Recommended for January

Akagera

Recommended for January

Planning

Crowds & Pricing in January

Crowd Level

Moderate

Price Level

Shoulder

Average price per person

Budget

$2490

from $160 · 345 tours

Mid-range

$2965

from $80 · 605 tours

Luxury

$4426

from $350 · 103 tours

Ultra-Luxury

$7679

from $1111 · 14 tours

January offers moderate pricing in Rwanda, sitting between the low and high seasons. This represents good value with generally favourable conditions and reasonable availability.

Preparation

What to Pack for January

✓ Sturdy hiking boots
✓ Long sleeves and trousers
✓ Garden gloves
✓ Rain jacket (light showers possible)
✓ Warm fleece for high altitude

With temperatures between 15 and 27 degrees Celsius, layering is essential. Early morning game drives can be cold, while midday is warm. Neutral colours (khaki, olive, brown) are best for safari. Avoid bright whites and dark blues which attract tsetse flies in some areas.

Book your adventure

Top Rwanda Safari Tours

Golden Rwanda Safaris

3-Day Gorilla Trekking and Mountain Biking at Lake Kivu

3 days standard 4.9★

From $3,190

Golden Rwanda Safaris

3-Day Rwanda Gorilla Trekking

3 days standard 4.9★

From $3,630

Golden Rwanda Safaris

4-Day Gorilla Trekking & Golden Monkeys

4 days standard 4.9★

From $4,400

Golden Rwanda Safaris

6-Day Middle Range Chimps & Nyungwe National Forest

6 days standard 4.9★

From $3,960

Golden Rwanda Safaris

5-Day Rwanda Gorillas & Lake Kivu Tour for 4 Nights

5 days standard 4.9★

From $5,500

Golden Rwanda Safaris

1-Day Akagera Private Safari with Lunch and Breakfast

1 days luxury 4.9★

From $550
View all 2284 Rwanda tours →

Frequently asked questions

Rwanda Safari in January FAQ

Is January a good time for a safari in Rwanda?

January falls in Rwanda's short dry season, with temperatures of 15-27 degrees Celsius and 65mm average rainfall. Crowd levels are moderate, and pricing is at shoulder rates. Excellent gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Overall, January is a solid choice for a Rwanda safari.

How much does a Rwanda safari cost in January?

Rwanda safari costs in January vary by comfort level. Budget safaris average $2490/person from $160. Mid-range options average $2965/person. Luxury safaris average $4426/person. Ultra-luxury experiences average $7679/person. Prices are moderate in January. Compare 2284 tours on SafariPicked.

What wildlife can I see in Rwanda in January?

January wildlife highlights in Rwanda include: Excellent gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey tracking on bamboo slopes. Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest. Clear views of the Virunga volcanic chain. The best parks to visit this month are Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera.

What should I pack for a Rwanda safari in January?

Essential packing for a January Rwanda safari: Sturdy hiking boots, Long sleeves and trousers, Garden gloves, Rain jacket (light showers possible), Warm fleece for high altitude. Temperatures range from 15 to 27 degrees Celsius with 65mm rainfall, so layering is key for variable temperatures.

Which parks are best to visit in Rwanda in January?

The top parks in Rwanda for January are Volcanoes NP, Nyungwe Forest, Akagera. During the short dry season, these parks offer the best game viewing conditions. Volcanoes NP is particularly recommended this month. Browse all Rwanda park guides and tour options on SafariPicked.