Hire a Private Jet to Rwanda, East Africa

Rwanda is one of Africa's most remarkable transformation stories: a small, densely populated landlocked country in the Great Lakes region that has rebuilt itself from the devastation of the 1994 genocide into one of the continent's most stable, well-governed and fastest-growing economies, earning comparisons with Singapore for the combination of effective public administration, infrastructure investment, zero-tolerance approach to corruption and a strategic vision for positioning Kigali as a regional hub for finance, technology, conferences and premium tourism. The country has become one of Africa's most sought-after destinations for international business meetings, development finance organisations, conservation investors and a growing base of high-end leisure travellers drawn by the mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park - one of the most exclusive wildlife experiences in the world. Private jet charter flights to Rwanda use Kigali International Airport (KGL / HRYR), located 5 km from the central business district, regularly arranged from London and other UK airports. Kenya (Nairobi, 410 nm) and Uganda (Kampala Entebbe, 184 nm) are the most common extensions for East African regional itineraries, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Goma, 57 nm) is reachable in under 15 minutes by jet.

 

 

Kigali International Airport (KGL / HRYR), also known as Kanombe International Airport, is located approximately 5 km east of Kigali's central business district in the Kanombe sector. The airport has a single runway of 3,500 metres with ILS, accommodating all jet categories, and sits at an elevation of 1,488 metres above sea level. Four FBO and ground handling operators serve private aviation on site. The airport is an Airport of Entry with customs and immigration and operates around the clock. A landing permit may be required for certain private jet operations - we confirm this for every booking. Rwanda operates on Central Africa Time (UTC+2) year-round. A major new international airport is under development at Bugesera, south of Kigali, which will serve as the country's future primary gateway when complete. For your ultimate comfort, we arrange chauffeured transfers from Kigali International Airport to your hotel, to the convention centre, or to any destination across Rwanda including the gorilla trekking lodges near Volcanoes National Park.

Key Information:

• Typical flight time from London to Kigali: around 8 hours 20 minutes;
• Private jet charter prices: from 58000 GBP;
• Airport: Kigali International Airport (KGL / HRYR), 5 km from Kigali CBD;
• Runway: 3,500 m, ILS, suitable for all jet categories;
• Airport elevation: 1,488 m above sea level - high-altitude operations apply;
• Goma, DRC: 57 nm west - 15 minutes by jet;
• Kampala, Uganda: 184 nm north-west;
• Most popular aircraft: Challenger 650, Global 6000 and Gulfstream G450;
• Available departures from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

Rwanda draws private aviation clients from three distinct sectors. International business and development finance organisations - the African Development Bank, the World Bank, USAID, DFID and a growing constellation of impact investors and tech companies - visit Kigali for the Kigali Innovation City, the Rwanda Finance Centre and a government that actively courts international capital and has a reputation for delivering on its commitments. The MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) sector is a second major driver: the Kigali Convention Centre, opened in 2016, is one of the most impressive conference facilities in Africa and has hosted summits of the African Union, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2022) and numerous international conferences. And the premium leisure market - gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, chimpanzee tracking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and the luxury safari lodges that have opened around the country's national parks - generates a small but high-value stream of private aviation bookings from UK and European clients for whom Rwanda's remarkable transformation is as interesting as its extraordinary wildlife.

Private jet charter prices to Rwanda start from approximately 58000 GBP for heavy jets from London on the ~3,570 nautical mile sector. The final charter cost depends on the selected aircraft, departure airport, passenger numbers and any additional services requested.

 

 

Private Jets UK provides access to more than 6500 aircraft worldwide, including light jets, midsize aircraft, heavy jets and ultra long-range business aircraft. Our aviation consultants can recommend suitable aircraft based on passenger numbers, baggage requirements, flight range and budget. Available aircraft include models from Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier, Embraer, Cessna, Pilatus, Beechcraft, Airbus and Boeing.

With more than 15 years of experience in business aviation, we arrange private jet charter flights to Rwanda and across East and Central Africa from airports across the United Kingdom. Our team manages every stage of the journey, including aircraft sourcing, flight planning, ground transportation and concierge services.

 

 

Availability on private jet routes to Kigali is year-round, with demand driven by a mix of business conference schedules, development sector visits and leisure travel to the national parks. The gorilla trekking season runs year-round, with the dry seasons (June to September and December to February) the most popular periods for premium wildlife visits.

 

How long does it take to fly to Rwanda?

The flight time on the private jet:

 

1 route

• London - Kigali (KGL), by private jet Challenger 650
• Aircraft range: 4000 nm, 7408 km | 470 kts, 870 kmh
• Route: LHR | EGLL ⟶ KGL | HRYR
• Distance: 3566 nm / 6605 km
• Flight time: 8:06 h non-stop

 

2 route

• London - Kigali (KGL), by private jet Global 6000
• Aircraft range: 6000 nm, 11112 km | 488 kts, 904 kmh
• Route: LHR | EGLL ⟶ KGL | HRYR
• Distance: 3566 nm / 6605 km
• Flight time: 7:53 h non-stop

 

3 route

• Edinburgh - Kigali (KGL), by private jet Gulfstream G650
• Aircraft range: 7000 nm, 12964 km | 516 kts, 956 kmh
• Route: EDI | EGPH ⟶ KGL | HRYR
• Distance: 3843 nm / 7118 km
• Flight time: 8:02 h non-stop

 

4 route

• Manchester - Kigali (KGL), by private jet Challenger 650
• Aircraft range: 4000 nm, 7408 km | 470 kts, 870 kmh
• Route: MAN | EGCC ⟶ KGL | HRYR
• Distance: 3697 nm / 6846 km
• Flight time: 8:23 h non-stop

 

5 route

• London - Kigali - Nairobi (East Africa circuit), by private jet Challenger 650
• Route: LHR | EGLL ⟶ KGL | HRYR (3566 nm) + KGL ⟶ NBO | HKJK (410 nm, approx. 0:58 h)
• Total flying time approximately 9:09 h covering both Rwanda and Kenya

 

The exact flight time depends on the model of the business jet and wind conditions. Note that Kigali Airport sits at 1,488 metres above sea level - we confirm aircraft performance data for the elevation as part of every booking. Our consultant will calculate the optimal routing for your specific East African itinerary.

 

 

Prices for the private jet flights to Rwanda

At approximately 3,570 nautical miles from London, Kigali is within comfortable non-stop range of the Challenger 650 and all longer-range jets. The sector is comparable in distance to the US Virgin Islands and Guadeloupe, making it one of the more accessible long-haul African destinations without requiring a fuel stop.

The high-altitude environment at Kigali Airport (1,488 metres above sea level) is a relevant planning consideration for certain aircraft and payload combinations, but the long 3,500-metre runway provides excellent margins for all jet categories. We confirm aircraft performance data at the 1,488-metre elevation as part of every booking. This is less operationally constraining than Lesotho's 1,630-metre elevation with its much shorter operating hours, but worth factoring into fuel planning on full-payload flights from Edinburgh or Belfast.

Rwanda has no visa requirement for UK citizens - British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival or through the Rwanda e-visa portal, making it one of the simpler East African destinations for spontaneous or short-notice private jet bookings. Landing permits may be required for certain operator types - we confirm this at booking.

Below are the approximate prices for the flights performed this year:

1. from London to Kigali, 12 passengers, by Challenger 650 - 112000 EUR;
2. from London to Kigali, 13 passengers, by Global 6000 - 126000 EUR;
3. from London Farnborough to Kigali, 12 passengers, by Gulfstream G450 - 118000 EUR;
4. from Manchester to Kigali, 12 passengers, by Challenger 650 - 118000 EUR;
5. from Edinburgh to Kigali, 13 passengers, by Gulfstream G650 - 136000 EUR;
6. from Birmingham to Kigali, 13 passengers, by Global 6000 - 128000 EUR;
7. from London to Kigali then Nairobi (East Africa circuit), Challenger 650 - 130000 EUR;
8. from London to Kigali then Goma DRC, Challenger 650 - 118000 EUR;

We can arrange flights from any UK airport to Rwanda and across East and Central Africa. If you have any questions, please use the form below:

 

 

Prices depending on the type of business jet

We can clearly show the high dependence of the cost of the flight, on the type of aircraft - we have collected approximate data, at the price of 1 flight hour, for various types of business jets:

• Large jet (similar to Legacy 600) - from 4900 to 5800 GBP per flight hour;
• Business liners - from 10300 GBP per flight hour;
• Light jet - from 2100 to 3000 GBP per flight hour;
• Long-haul jet (similar to Global 5000, Gulfstream G550, Falcon 7X, etc.) - from 5800 to 8800 GBP per flight hour;
• Medium-sized jet (identical to Cessna Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP, etc.) - from 3000 to 3700 GBP per flight hour;
• Turboprops - from 850 GBP per flight hour.
• Large medium-class jet (similar to Challenger 300, etc.) - from 4600 to 5500 GBP per flight hour;
• Small jet, from 1700 to 2500 GBP per flight hour;

For the Rwanda route, large jets and super midsize jets in the 4600-5800 GBP per hour range are the most practical category for the ~8 hour non-stop sector from UK airports.

 

 

Recent flights to Rwanda

Rwanda generates an increasingly varied mix of business, conference and premium leisure charters in our East Africa network. Below are a few recent examples.

• London Farnborough to Kigali, Gulfstream G450, 10 passengers - a Commonwealth CHOGM delegation. A government team attending an international summit at the Kigali Convention Centre. We arranged the jet from Farnborough with all clearances coordinated in advance and transfers to the convention centre compound. Charter was around 118,000 EUR.
• Manchester to Kigali, Challenger 650, 10 passengers - a gorilla trekking group. A high-end leisure group heading to Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, staying at one of the luxury lodges in the Virunga foothills. Charter from Manchester with transfers to the park. Charter was around 118,000 EUR.
• London to Kigali then Nairobi, Challenger 650, 11 passengers - an East Africa investment circuit. A private equity team visiting portfolio companies in Rwanda and Kenya, combining Kigali meetings with a Nairobi board session. The 410-nautical-mile Nairobi hop took under an hour. Total for both countries was around 130,000 EUR.
• Birmingham to Kigali, Global 6000, 12 passengers - a development finance mission. A multilateral development bank team visiting Rwanda for project review meetings and a tour of the Kigali Innovation City. Charter from Birmingham was around 128,000 EUR.
• Edinburgh to Kigali then Goma, Gulfstream G650, 10 passengers - humanitarian circuit. A team visiting Rwanda for donor meetings and then crossing to Goma in the DRC, just 57 nm from Kigali, for operational assessments. The Goma hop took under 15 minutes. Total was around 140,000 EUR from Edinburgh.

The examples above are recent indicative charters and are provided for guidance only. Your own quote will depend on the current season, aircraft positioning, passenger numbers and any additional services requested.

 

Online Calculator

If you want to make an urgent calculation of the cost of a private plane flight, use our online calculator. Just fill in all the fields of the form with a note that you are interested in a specific model of the aircraft and get the final price. NB! - the figures are sent to you by email or messenger, please carefully fill in the contact details to get the calculation.

All our calculations are as transparent as possible for you. After receiving the request, we will prepare a beautiful offer - where the costs and the final price will be clearly described. The exact price is agreed in advance and is written in the contract, so you can be sure of the final cost.

 

 

Most Requested Aircraft for Flights to Rwanda

The UK to Kigali sector of approximately 3,570-3,840 nautical miles depending on UK departure airport is within comfortable non-stop range of heavy jets and long-range jets. The Challenger 650 is the most frequently chosen aircraft, handling the sector from London non-stop with good range margin.

 

 

• Challenger 650 - the most popular choice for UK to Kigali, with 4,000 nm range handling the sector non-stop from London and Midlands airports and a large cabin for groups of up to 12 passengers.
• Global 6000 - a long-range jet handling all UK departure airports to Kigali non-stop with ease, offering four-zone cabin comfort.
• Gulfstream G450 - a large-cabin jet well suited to the sector from London and Birmingham airports.
• Gulfstream G650 - selected for the longer sectors from Edinburgh and Belfast, or when maximum speed and cabin space are priorities.
• Falcon 7X - a trijet occasionally chosen for its fuel efficiency on the East African sector.

Private Jets UK provides access to more than 6500 aircraft worldwide. Our aviation advisors will recommend the right aircraft for your group size and departure airport.

 

How to rent a business jet with a crew

5 main stages:

• 

  Sending an application

• 

  Clarification of details and search for options

• 

  Preparation and coordination of optimal options

• 

  Registration of documents. Payment of the invoice.

• 

  Departure on the route.

 

Business aviation airport in Rwanda

Rwanda's current international gateway for private jets is Kigali International Airport. As a rule, all flights use the following:

• Kigali International Airport (KGL) - Kanombe, Kigali, Rwanda (KGL / RW) - 5 km from Kigali CBD
   

Kigali International Airport (IATA: KGL, ICAO: HRYR), also known as Kanombe International Airport, is located approximately 5 km east of Kigali's central business district in the Kanombe sector. The airport has a single runway measuring 3,500 metres with ILS, accommodating all jet categories. Four FBO and ground handling operators serve private aviation, and 24-hour operations are available. The airport sits at an elevation of 1,488 metres above sea level - we confirm aircraft performance data for this elevation as part of every booking. A major new international airport is under development at Bugesera, south of Kigali, which will serve as Rwanda's future primary international gateway when complete, with a longer runway and greater capacity. The current KGL airport will continue to operate during and after the Bugesera development. Kigali has no visa requirement for UK citizens - British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival or via the Rwanda e-visa portal. Landing permits may be required for certain operators - we confirm at booking.

 

 

Main characteristics of the airport:

• The official name is Kigali International Airport (Kanombe International Airport), KGL, Rwanda.
• The airport is located in Kanombe, approximately 5 km east of Kigali CBD.
• FBO and ground handling - yes, 4 operators on site.
• Geolocation of the airport - 1°58′00″S, 30°07′60″E
• Runway - 3,500 m, ILS, suitable for all jet categories.
• Elevation: 1,488 m (4,883 ft) above sea level.
• IATA - KGL. ICAO - HRYR.
• Time Zone: +2.0 (CAT, Central Africa Time, year-round)

The airport's 3,500-metre runway provides excellent margins for all jet categories despite the high-altitude environment. You can get additional information from our consultants.

 

Operational handling at Kigali (KGL)

Kigali International Airport handles private aviation through four FBO and ground handling operators, reflecting Rwanda's growing profile as a conference and business hub. The airport has been significantly upgraded in recent years, including a new apron and improved facilities ahead of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

The high-altitude environment at 1,488 metres means aircraft operators must calculate performance data specific to the elevation, particularly for fuel loading on longer-range inbound flights. The 3,500-metre runway provides generous margins, and the airport's Category 9 fire station (the highest international standard) reflects Rwanda's investment in aviation safety infrastructure. We confirm aircraft performance data for the KGL elevation for every booking.

UK citizens do not require a visa in advance for Rwanda - a visa on arrival or e-visa is available for British passport holders, making Rwanda one of the more accessible African destinations for short-notice private jet bookings. Landing permits may be required for certain operators; we confirm and manage this at the booking stage. UTC+2 year-round (Central Africa Time).

 

Flying to Rwanda with your pet

Pet travel to Rwanda is possible on private jets, with the animal in the cabin throughout the eight-hour journey. Rwanda has its own pet import requirements as an independent state:

• Microchip: ISO-compliant microchip required.
• Rabies vaccination: valid rabies vaccination certificate, with the vaccine given at least 30 days before travel.
• Health certificate: official veterinary health certificate issued and endorsed by the UK competent authority, typically within 10 days of travel.
• Import permit: an import permit from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) may be required - confirm at least 4 weeks before travel.

We advise confirming current Rwanda pet import requirements with the RAB or the Rwanda High Commission in London before booking. Our team can coordinate documentation as part of every pet-inclusive booking.

 

 

Empty Leg Flights to Rwanda

Travellers with flexible schedules may benefit from Empty Leg opportunities on routes between UK airports and Kigali. As Rwanda's conference and business aviation traffic grows, repositioning movements are increasing on this corridor.

• London Farnborough - Kigali | Challenger 650 | 12 passengers | from £34,000;
• Kigali - London | Global 6000 | 13 passengers | from £38,000;
• Nairobi - Kigali | Citation Sovereign | 9 passengers | from £8,200;
• Kigali - Goma | Citation CJ3+ | 6 passengers | from £3,400;
• Manchester - Kigali | Challenger 650 | 12 passengers | from £36,000;

The prices shown above are indicative examples. Actual Empty Leg opportunities depend on aircraft availability, routing and travel dates.

 

 

Helicopter charter

Private Jets UK clients have access to the top private helicopters. From Kigali, helicopters provide fast access to Volcanoes National Park and the gorilla trekking lodges in the Virunga mountains, to Lake Kivu and the western highlands, and to Akagera National Park in the east. The following helicopters are available for booking at the moment:

• Bell 407 (6 seats) - 4 helicopters available
• Agusta Westland 139 (15 seats) - 2 helicopters available
• Eurocopter AS355N (5 seats) - 3 helicopters available
• Eurocopter EC155 (6 seats) - 1 helicopters available
• Bell 407 (6 seats) - 3 helicopters available
• Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil (5 seats) - 2 helicopters available
• McDonnell Douglas MD 600N (5 seats) - 1 helicopters available
• Bell 407GXP (5 seats) - 32 helicopters available
• Bell 429 (6 seats) - 2 helicopters available
• Bell 505 (4 seats) - 4 helicopters available
• Bell 525 (10 seats) - 2 helicopters available

Please contact our aviation consultants for more detailed information on helicopter charter from Rwanda.

 

 

Transfers from Kigali Airport

Ground transfers from Kigali Airport are fast and efficient, reflecting Rwanda's well-maintained road infrastructure.

• Kigali city centre and CBD: around 15-20 minutes by chauffeured car.
• Kigali Convention Centre: around 20-25 minutes by car.
• Volcanoes National Park (gorilla trekking base): around 2.5-3 hours by car to the north-west, or 25-30 minutes by helicopter.
• Akagera National Park (east): around 2.5 hours by car.
• Lake Kivu (Gisenyi/Rubavu): around 2.5-3 hours by car to the west.
• Goma, DRC (by jet): approximately 12-15 minutes from Kigali Airport.

We arrange chauffeured transfers and helicopter connections through local partners. All services are coordinated in advance to match aircraft arrival times.

 

Flights from the UK to Rwanda

The most popular flight routes are London - Kigali and Manchester - Kigali. Our clients regularly combine Rwanda with Kenya (Nairobi, 410 nm), Uganda (Kampala Entebbe, 184 nm) or the Democratic Republic of Congo (Goma, 57 nm) on East and Central African circuits. Due to our experience with East African routing and Rwanda's growing private aviation community, we offer smooth and efficiently managed charter flights to Kigali.

 

Current list of TOP 25 business aviation airports:

 

 

Rwanda - destination overview

Rwanda's transformation since 1994 is one of the most studied and debated stories in modern African development, a country that emerged from one of the 20th century's worst humanitarian catastrophes to become, within a generation, a model of governance, economic growth and physical cleanliness that has few parallels anywhere in the developing world. The comparison with Singapore - a small, resource-poor country that achieved extraordinary prosperity through investment in education, infrastructure and institutional quality - is one that Rwandan President Paul Kagame has actively embraced, and the country's trajectory on metrics from ease of doing business to urban planning to forest cover has been consistently impressive.

Kigali is the most visible expression of this transformation. The capital is the cleanest city in Africa by most assessments, with plastic bags banned since 2008, a monthly community cleaning day (Umuganda) observed by the entire population, and a physical infrastructure of wide roads, new convention facilities and well-maintained public spaces that contrasts sharply with most African capitals. The Kigali Convention Centre, opened in 2016, is a striking copper dome structure that has hosted the African Union summit, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (2022) and numerous international conferences. The Rwanda Finance Centre, Kigali Innovation City and the government's Vision 2050 plan for a services and technology-driven economy have attracted a growing community of international companies, development finance institutions and impact investors.

Volcanoes National Park in the north-west of the country is the primary leisure draw for international premium visitors, home to one of the world's last remaining populations of mountain gorillas. Rwanda has approximately a third of the world's mountain gorilla population, and gorilla trekking permits - limited to a small number per day to protect the animals - are among the most exclusive wildlife experiences available anywhere on earth. The luxury lodges in the Virunga foothills - Singita Kwitonda, One&Only Gorilla's Nest, Bisate Lodge and others - have established Rwanda as one of Africa's premier luxury eco-tourism destinations. Nyungwe Forest National Park in the south-west offers chimpanzee tracking and a canopy walkway, and Akagera National Park in the east has been restocked with lions and rhinos and offers a more traditional big-five safari experience.

 

 

Where to stay in Rwanda - luxury hotels and lodges

Rwanda has developed an exceptional luxury hospitality sector over the past decade, with the best properties split between Kigali city hotels and the extraordinary lodges around Volcanoes National Park. A selection of notable properties:

• Kigali Marriott Hotel - the flagship international hotel in Kigali, a five-star property in the CBD with multiple restaurants, a pool, spa and strong conference facilities. Around 20 minutes from Kigali Airport.
• Radisson Blu Hotel and Convention Centre, Kigali - adjacent to the Kigali Convention Centre, a five-star property well positioned for conference visitors with extensive meeting facilities. Around 25 minutes from the airport.
• One&Only Gorilla's Nest (Volcanoes National Park) - a flagship luxury lodge in the Virunga foothills offering exclusive gorilla trekking with outstanding service and lodge design. Around 2.5 hours from Kigali Airport or 25 minutes by helicopter.
• Singita Kwitonda Lodge (Volcanoes National Park) - Singita's Rwanda property, a spectacular lodge bordering the park with its own private gorilla trekking concession and Singita's signature ultra-luxury standard. Around 2.5 hours from the airport or 25 minutes by helicopter.
• Bisate Lodge (Volcanoes National Park) - an acclaimed eco-luxury lodge with a distinctive architecture of domed suites on the forested slopes, highly regarded for both design and its conservation programme. Around 2.5 hours from the airport.

Our team can coordinate a chauffeured transfer from Kigali Airport to your city hotel and arrange a helicopter connection to the gorilla trekking lodges in Volcanoes National Park.

 

 

Rwanda private jet charter - FAQ

How long is a private jet flight from London to Rwanda?
A non-stop flight from London to Kigali takes around 7 hours 55 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes depending on the aircraft. The Challenger 650 and Global 6000 are the most commonly used aircraft, both capable of the sector non-stop from UK airports.

How much does it cost to charter a private jet to Rwanda?
Prices generally start from around 58000 GBP for heavy jets from London. The ~3,570 nautical mile sector is within non-stop range of the Challenger 650, making it accessible without a fuel stop from most UK departure airports.

Do UK citizens need a visa for Rwanda?
No advance visa is required for UK citizens. British passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Kigali International Airport or apply in advance through the Rwanda e-visa portal (https://irembo.gov.rw). This makes Rwanda one of the more straightforward African destinations for private jet bookings.

Does the high altitude affect private jet operations at Kigali Airport?
Kigali Airport sits at 1,488 metres above sea level, which affects aircraft performance calculations for takeoff and landing. The 3,500-metre runway provides generous margins for all jet categories, but we confirm aircraft performance data for the elevation as part of every booking, particularly for fuel-loaded inbound flights from distant UK departure airports.

Can I combine Rwanda with Kenya or Uganda on one trip?
Yes. Nairobi in Kenya is 410 nautical miles east (around 55-60 minutes by jet), and Kampala Entebbe in Uganda is 184 nautical miles north-west (around 30 minutes). Goma in the DRC is just 57 nm west. We regularly arrange East and Central African circuits combining Rwanda with Kenya, Uganda or DRC on a single connected charter.

Can I travel with my pet to Rwanda?
Pet travel to Rwanda requires advance documentation including a health certificate and an import permit from the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB). We recommend starting the process at least 4 weeks before travel and confirming current requirements. The requirements differ from the EU AHC framework.

When is the best time to fly to Rwanda for gorilla trekking?
Gorilla trekking is available year-round in Volcanoes National Park. The dry seasons - June to September and December to February - are generally considered the best periods, with drier trails and clearer forest conditions. The long rainy season (March to May) and short rains (October to November) are also possible but wetter. Gorilla trekking permits should be secured well in advance regardless of season.