Searching for authentic Mount Bisoke climbing tours? Mount Bisoke, also known as Bisoke, is among the eight volcanoes of the Virunga range shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is located on the border of Rwanda and Congo, with its peak situated in Rwanda. Hiking on Mount Bisoke is primarily done in Rwanda.

The slopes of Mount Bisoke are home to endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and several other primates and birds. Tourists might have a chance encounter with a gorilla family or a golden monkey troop along the way, but they will only be given 10 minutes to observe from a distance because the family or troop they encounter might not be habituated. See some of our Mount Bisoke hiking tours below.

Ultimate Guide for Hiking Bisoke Mountain

If hiking is your activity or your dream adventure experience, then a visit to Mount Bisoke for volcano climbing is worthy of your Rwanda trip.

Also well-known as Mt. Visoke, Mt. Bisoke is among the 8 spectacular Virunga Mountain ranges.

It forms part of the Virunga region which extends across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Bisoke Volcano (3,711m) is a dormant volcano, and while it is shared between D.R. Congo and Rwanda, the largest portion of it lies on the Rwanda side.

This includes its scenic Crater Lakes and summits.

The Visoke Mountain features the alpine vegetation, including the Hagenia Forest, hence defining its scenic beauty.

Its vegetation also shelters incredible species of wildlife, including the world’s rare mountain gorillas, over 30 bird species, golden monkeys, buffaloes, and elephants.

Mt. Bisoke derives its name from the Swahili word ‘Bisoke,’ meaning water, specifically referring to the 2 Crater Lakes on its summits.

One of the Crater Lakes has a diameter of 400m and a depth of 100m, lying exactly on the Bisoke’s summit.

The other Crater Lake, which is Lake Ngezi, lies halfway to Visoke’s summit.

Geology of Mount Bisoke

2 Days Mount Bisoke Climbing Safari

Mount. Bisoke, just like other peaks within the Virunga Massifs, is a beautiful volcano formed as a result of rift action.

This can be traced during the formation of the divergent boundary of the East African rift that is gradually bisecting the African plate.

So far, it has had 2 eruptions that have occurred between 1891 and 1957.

The recent eruption on Bisoke volcano occurred 11kms North of its summit and led to the formation of 2 magnificent small cones on the Northern side.

This dormant volcano also features 2 scenic Crater Lakes, with one occupying the larger area.

Location of Bisoke Mountain

1 Day Mount Bisoke Hiking Safari

Rising at an elevation of up to 3711m, Bisoke Volcano is a dormant volcano within the chain of Virunga Mountains along the Albertine rift.

It is set on the Western branch of the East African Rift Valley, occupying the border area between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

However, Visoke Volcano’s summit is largely on the Rwanda side.

From Goma on the North-East and just close to Lake Kivu, Bisoke Volcano is about 35kms away.

This volcano lies within the Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, Northwestern part of the country, and just adjacent to the Congo Virunga National Park, which forms part of the Virunga Conservation Area (VCA).

Along the steep slopes of Bisoke Volcano, the dense Equatorial rain-forest and alpine meadows can easily be spotted, which makes this volcano one of the scenic places.

Its summit doesn’t collect snow, although it is usually covered in some fog.

Unlike other volcanoes, Bisoke Volcano is one of the unique features, notably known to host a section of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas.

It also lies in an area where the Karisoke Research Center is found, which Dian Fossey established along the valley to the West.

History of Mountain Bisoke

Mount Bisoke

The Mount Bisoke Volcano Mountain

Mount Bisoke formed as a result of rift action, which is gradually dividing East African boundaries and the African plate.

Since its formation, Bisoke Volcano has had 2 eruptions, with the first ever recorded in 1891 and the second eruption occurring in 1957, resulting in the formation of its largest Crater Lake on its summits.

The recently recorded eruption took place 11kms north of Bisoke Volcano, and it resulted in the formation of 2 distinct cones.

Bisoke Volcano is among the 5 beautiful Virunga Volcanoes worth exploring while on a Rwanda safari in the Volcanoes National Park.

The other 4 include Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Muhabura Volcanoes.

These form part of the 8 Virunga Massifs that straddle the 3 East African states; Uganda, Rwanda, and the D.R. Congo.

Hiking Bisoke Volcano

History of Mount Bisoke

When it comes to volcano hiking experiences, there is no better place to experience such exhilarating adventure that leaves you thrilled forever than Mount Bisoke.

Climbing to the summits of Mount Bisoke involves exploring its magnificent Crater Lakes and beautiful surrounding areas.

A normal hike to the top of Mt. Bisoke lasts for about half a day, and this includes 2 hours for you to make a return journey to the briefing point.

How long you spend hiking may depend on your speed of hiking, and usually, seasoned climbers spend 3 hours.

Hiking Bisoke isn’t as demanding as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Rwenzori, or Karisimbi Volcano, but you should be fit enough.

Your hike to the summits comes with a magnificent view of the lush surrounding vegetation, and you have the opportunity to sight some other species along the way.

All treks to Bisoke Volcano summits commence with a briefing at Kinigi, and an experienced park guide is assigned to a group of hikers.

It is during the briefing that your valid biking permit is required, plus a passport for verification purposes.

Areas of interest you shouldn’t miss on a hike to Bisoke Volcano summit include its Crater Lakes, which also let you enjoy an excellent view of Sabyinyo Volcano and other surrounding areas.

Hiking permit fees

Best Time to Climb Bisoke Mountain

A valid hiking permit is a must-have for anyone who is interested in exploring Bisoke Volcano on a Rwanda safari holiday.

Bisoke volcano climbing permits are available for purchase at $75.

The cost of your hiking permit is exclusive of hikers’ accommodation, meals, the cost of transportation, plus other additional activities.

Entry fees

Entry fees to Volcanoes National Park differ according to visitor categories.

Foreign non-residents on Bisoke hiking tours pay US Dollars 75 to obtain a permit; foreign residents pay US Dollars 60, Rwandans pay US Dollars 55 to hike Bisoke.

Hiking permits for Bisoke can be obtained at Kinigi where Volcanoes National Park offices are located.

The fees for hiking permit exclude porter fees, snacks, water, and hiking stick, among other items.

Bisoke Hiking Tips

Tips for Bisoke hiking experience as a first-time traveler.

As a first-time hiker on a Bisoke hiking safari holiday, hiring a porter is of great help. The porters do assist hikers in carrying luggage, and you have ample time to enjoy your hike with no stress of a heavy load.

Porters are available for hire at Kinigi where briefing will be conducted.

A hiking stick should be a must-have to ensure you get support while hiking to the summits or while sloping down to where you started your trek.

Dress appropriately, considering waterproof hiking boots/shoes, lightweight clothes, carry a waterproof daypack, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, headgear, and other items.

A trek to the summit of Bisoke Volcano takes a good amount of time, and you need to have some level of physical fitness. To boost your energy, don’t forget to carry some energy-giving snacks and a bottle of drinking water.

Bisoke hiking experience can be combined with other interesting activities in Volcanoes National Park, a home to the world’s endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Some of the interesting activities to include on your Bisoke hiking tour package include gorilla trekking, birding, golden monkey tracking, nature walk, trek to Dian Fossey’s tomb site, visit to Gorilla Guardians Village, visit to the Twin Lakes (Lake Ruhondo and Burera), climbing Mount Karisimbi, and others.

What to carry – Packing List

Essential Gear and Equipment for Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Packing List

Preparing for your Mount Bisoke hiking safari is essential, whether as a first-time hiker or a repeat climber.

When packing for Bisoke hiking adventure, you should be selective and consider essential items first.

They should include, among others, a walking stick, a bottle of drinking water, headgear, lightweight long-sleeved shirts, hand gloves, camera, socks, hiking books (waterproof and lightweight), a rain jacket, a first aid kit, and insect repellent.

Best time to hike Bisoke Mountain

Backpacking Essentials for Gorilla Trekking | The Complete Guide

The dry months are considerably the best if you plan to go explore and experience Mount Bisoke on a Rwanda safari.

There are 2 phases of the dry season to consider for your hiking safari on Mt. Bisoke.

The first phase, which begins in June, July, August, September, and the second phase to mark on your calendar begins in December, January, and February.

They are the best months considering the fact that it is the period when Volcanoes National Park generally records less or completely no rain.

As a result, the hiking trails remain drier, unlike if you traveled during the wet/rainy season when heavy rains are recorded (from March to May and October to November).

Getting to Mount Bisoke

Accessing Mount. Bisoke for volcano climbing involves traveling from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park.

This park lies in the Northwest, Ruhengeri area of Rwanda, and from Kigali, you need 2-3 hours of driving.

There is also an option of connecting from Kabale/Kisoro Southwestern Uganda, and this includes crossing through Katuna or Cyanika border to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Your journey may cover approximately 3-4 hours if you are using a well-serviced rental car for your road trip.

Accommodation

Where to Stay – Accommodation Options for Rwanda

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

The available accommodation options in and around Volcanoes National Park range from Budget, Mid-range to Luxury.

Choosing the right one that suits your budget matters a lot while on a Bisoke hiking tour.

The lodges you may have a night before or after your adventure on Mount Bisoke include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and Mountain Gorilla View Lodge for hikers who are interested in luxury accommodation.

Hotel La Palme, Da Vinci Lodge, and Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge if you need mid-range lodging options, and budget holidaymakers can book Kinigi Guesthouse & Muhabura Hotel.

You can see the: Budget lodges in Volcanoes National Park, Mid-range lodges in Volcanoes National Park, and Luxury lodges in Volcanoes National Park

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Searching for authentic Mount Karisimbi climbing tours? As everyone thinks of national parks, lucky are you, a reader of this article, exploring to know more about mountains, a lonely world above congestion, dust, and noise, but rather a free space for wonder and imagination.

Out of several mountains in the planet world, it is not by mistake that the name Mountain Karisimbi appears in the brochures, websites, and several tour packages. You are in the right place. Being the tallest of the 8 Virunga volcano mountains, hiking this mountain comes with great views and adventure. See some of our Mount Karisimbi hiking tours below.

Ultimate Guide for Hiking Karisimbi Mountain

Beginning with, here are some of the facts you must know.

Gorillas on the foothills and a crater lake on top; what a perfect combination in one scene, masked around a jungle, of one of the world’s most exciting safari destinations: Volcanoes National Park in the Republic of Rwanda.

Talking about Rwanda; this is one of the most beautiful countries in the east of the continent of Africa, though one of the tiniest and landlocked countries.

It is neighbored by Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More about Rwanda: visitors land at Kigali International Airport, explore the clean Kigali city, and freely interact with the local natives.

Volcanoes National Park; home to Mountain Karisimbi is located in the northwestern part of Rwanda, a 2-3 hour scenic drive, with the sight of rolling hills, plantations, and scattered homesteads.

Mountain Karisimbi is a dormant mountain and the eleventh tallest mountain in the continent of Africa; the very first being the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.

However, it is the tallest of the Virunga Volcano Mountains, a stratovolcano, with the summit covered by snow and a crater lake.

The other mountains in the Virunga chain of mountains, where Karisimbi tops in height, are Mount Muhabura, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Mikeno, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Bisoke; these combined have roots in three countries in East and Central Africa, namely Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About Mount Karisimbi

A Detailed Guide about Mount Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi is a stratovolcano, standing at 4,507 meters above sea level; surrounded by lush forest cover, Sub-Mountains, and valleys, among other features.

Its name is derived from a local Kinyarwanda word: “Amasimbi,” meaning “snow.”

This is because it was something unique for locals to see snow throughout the year on the mountain top.

Around the mountain are compact forest cover, giant Lobelia, bamboo zone, giant groundsel, and the volcanic bases at the mountain peak.

Viewing the mountain from the bottom is a real experience, yet watching the land from the mountain peak is an unforgettable experience.

Mountain Karisimbi borders Mount Nyiragongo; one of the most active mountains, in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Mount Bisoke to the east, and Mount Mikeno to the north.

Unfortunately, in 1908, up to about 20 porters returning from Branca crater lost their lives due to an abrupt hailstorm and snowstorm.

However, such incidents have not been recorded in recent years, confirming the safety of hiking to the summit.

On the other hand, records reveal that Mount Karisimbi’s lavas are estimated to be between 0.24 ma to 0.10 ma, meaning the volcano is still young.

New trailheads are being created to simplify the hike to the mountain summit since everyone deserves to make a victory story and not otherwise.

4 Days Mount Karisimbi Volcano Hike & Gorilla Trekking Tour

The Karisimbi Mountain, Rwanda

Hiking is a notable activity here, with ascending and descending taking only two days.

Porters, security escorts, and park guides are present to offer company to the summit, meaning you can also consider it for your honeymoon experience, a date, family day out, a weekend experience, a hiking escape, or research, among other purposes.

Knowing the Virunga chain of mountains is one of the most eye-catching groups of mountains in the continent of Africa.

You will need to seize any opportunity that comes your way for mountain hiking.

Though taking only a day, the hike requires that one be fit and in good health because it is strenuous.

There are several attractions to encounter enough the mountain summit, not limited to birds, unique plant species, primates, rolling hills through an aerial view, and many more.

On the hiking day, you will start your day with a hearty breakfast meal at the lodge and then drive to the hiking trailhead at the foot of Mount Bisoke for registration, briefing, and the actual hike that commences at about 7:00 am, early morning, local time.

Depending on your hiking speed, arriving at the peak may take about 6-8 hours, with a stopover at about 3,700m (midway up the mountain) for some acclimatization and dinner.

Worry not because lunch will be provided during the hike; however, note that nights are spent in tents. Do you love tents?

The second day starts very early in the morning with a hearty breakfast meal and then proceeds to the mountain peak.

The last quarter of the journey is a bit challenging, with a change in temperature and the entire atmosphere, the summit covered with fog, and muddy terrain in case of rainfall, though it is very possible.

At the summit, you will take photos of the breathtaking landscape; watch the snow and Crater Lake.

After exploring the mountain summit, you will spend six hours descending to the bottom of the mountain, where you will meet your driver-guide for a departure journey.

A certificate is issued as recognition for a successful hike.

Some facts about hiking are that all members must keep time, stay together, cooperate, and obey all instructions issued by the guides and security personnel.

This is the only activity where you arrive as an individual but return as a family, with amazing photos, stories, and a wealth of experience.

Packing list for a Karisimbi hiking tour

Essential Gear and Equipment for Gorilla Trekking – The Ultimate Packing List

As you consider hiking, here are some of the stuff you need to carry along.

We don’t encourage over-packing since it leads to extra charges and causes divided attention as one will be thinking about luggage safety.

Documents include a visa, passport, yellow fever vaccine certificate, and several others.

Gadgets include a professional camera for photography, binoculars to spot distant objects, an extra memory card for storage, and many more.

Garments and personal items such as warm clothes, a hat to protect your head from heat, good hiking boots to make the experience easy, a sleeping bag for an overnight stay, a rain jacket, and a first aid kit.

Note that there are porters who help in carrying luggage to and from the summit at a cost.

Mount Karisimbi entrance fee

As earlier said, Mount Karisimbi is situated in the heart of Volcanoes National Park, meaning getting to it comes at a cost, as well as hiking it.

The park entrance and hiking costs are separate charges, though pocket-friendly.

At Volcanoes, the activity you intend to engage in determines the park entrance fee you will be charged.

Also, prices are attached to one’s geographical location, meaning they differ.

Hiking permit fees are as follows: 200 USD for Rwandan citizens, 300 USD for the East African Community, 400 USD for foreign non-residents, and 250 USD for foreign residents and expatriates.

Interestingly, the hiking permit cost covers both accommodation and meals, except for the day of arrival, in case of additional time.

Besides hiking Mount Karisimbi, we also advise engaging in birding experiences where the sounds and sights of rare bird species are experienced, mountain gorilla trekking; Rwanda’s prime safari offer at Volcanoes National Park, hiking to the late Dian Fossey’s graveyard, enjoying a guided nature walk, and visiting the local communities for a cultural experience.

Best Time to hike Karisimbi Mountain

A Brief about Mount Karisimbi

The time you choose for your Karisimbi hike is very important because any time without dry land and no rains might not make it a memorable adventure.

What is true is that you need to choose the dry months of Rwanda because rains tend to make the ground muddy and slippery, thus endangering the lives of the hiker.

Dry months run from June to early October and December to February.

However, that does not mean rain can’t fall.

The importance of picking a dry season is that the ground is dry, camping is possible, and there is no activity interference.

Glad that you now know more about Mountain Karisimbi; Africa’s eleventh-highest mountain, Nothing makes more sense than including it in your bucket list for the next destination option.

The mountain is located in a very safe destination, decorated by undulating hills and a variety of vegetation cover.

At a very pocket-friendly cost, you can have your passion for hiking come true.

Accommodation

Where to Stay – Accommodation Options for Rwanda

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda

Spending nights in comfortable accommodation facilities affects the quality of your safari experience, especially as you have a strenuous activity like mountain hiking.

For that purpose, the management of the park, where Mountain Karisimbi is located, has ensured a quality accommodation site at about 3,700 meters as you ascend the mountain.

This is always a tented shelter used on the first day of the hiking experience.

Before and after hiking, you can spend your nights in the lodges, campsites, and hotels, ranging from budget to luxury, in and around the park.

Some of those facilities up for grabs include Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Garr Hotel, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Bisate Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, and Best View Lodge, among others.

See budget accommodation in Volcanoes National Park here

See mid-range accommodation in Volcanoes National Park here

See luxury accommodation in Volcanoes National Park here

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After all the adventurous experiences in the three national parks of volcanoes national park, Akagera national park and Nyungwe national park of Rwanda, an enroute relaxation tour at Lake Kivu is one of the most fascinating activities that one shouldn’t miss on their safari in Rwanda.

Lake Kivu is located in western Rwanda bordering Democratic Republic of Congo. This is the largest lake in Rwanda with an area of 2700 sq.km, a length of 70km and a width of 50km approximately.

It is also among the African great lakes located in the Albertine rift on the western side of Rwanda. This lake pours its fresh waters southwards into River Ruzizi in Burundi that also empties into Lake Tanganyika of Tanzania.

This lake is well known for its stable tide and diverse attractions that have enabled a number of economic activities to take place around and on the lake. Lake Kivu is neighbored by the towns of Kibuye, Cyangugu, Gisenyi in Rwanda and Bukavu, Goma, Sake, Kalehe and Kabera for Democratic republic of Congo.

Lake Kivu is an ideal place for relaxation and contemplation for tourists on a Rwanda safari, for it is engaged with numerous fun activities and attractions that anyone can enjoy.

Attractions and things to do at and nearby the lake include the following; –

Idjwi Island: This is the tenth largest island in the world and the second largest in Africa. This Island is the sub Kivu Island in the territories of Democratic republic of Congo. It is found in the Virunga ranges, a boat trip to this island and an interaction with the local fishermen is truly worth an encounter on every Rwanda safari.

Imbabazi orphanage: This orphanage was established in 1994 by an American woman called Rosamond Carr. This was constructed predominantly to accommodate the orphans that survived the Rwanda genocide, but later other orphans were admitted. It is a home to over 100 orphans, the Imbabazi orphanage take care of the children and it also helps to reunite them with their family members. A visit to this home of hope can surely be humbling and rewarding.

Kibuye genocide memorial center: This memorial site is near a church in Kibuye where a great massacre slaughter took place during the genocide time. This place has a number of physical presentations of the remains of people during the genocide era. A tour around this place gives a lifetime experience as one gets to know about the Rwanda history.

Napoleon Island: Interestingly, this island was named after Napoleon Bonaparte because the island is shaped like the hat of Bonaparte. This island has numerous fauna for example the African giant millipedes, Colony of bats and numerous water birds.

Hot springs: Lake Kivu neighbors a number of hot springs that a traveler can visit and see, for example Kinigi hot springs, Cyangugu hot springs, Nyamumba hot springs and Gisenyi hot springs. Besides historical attractions at Lake Kivu, there are number of adventurous activities one can enjoy while on their tour around the land of thousand hills. These include; –

Swimming: The fact that Lake Kivu is a fresh water body with clear water and free from dangerous animal creatures, this makes it ideal for swimmers to enjoy a drop in the smooth clear waters of Lake Kivu.

Boat cruise: A boat cruise on Lake Kivu is another fanatic activity that one enjoys while on the waves of this lake. This cruise gives an opportunity to view Rwanda’s aquatic beauty. A chat with the fishermen and visiting the different islands on the lake can be rewarding.

Hiking and biking: Lake Kivu has beautiful white sand shore and engaging surroundings that are ideal for a hike and biking around the lake shores of Kivu.

Sport fishing: This is another interesting activity at Lake Kivu with a huge number of fish species that can be caught, this is a joyous activity. Fish species that can be got include the long fin tilapia, Nile tilapia, blue spotted tilapia, Redbreast tilapia and many more.

Birding: For bird lovers, Lake Kivu is a good place for bird watching with numerous bird species, for example the African wood pecker, African kingfisher, yellow billed stock, speckled pigeons, ashy fly cater, scared ibis, knobs billed duck and so much more.

With the beautiful diverse attractions in Rwanda, Lake Kivu is among the must see on your Rwanda safari for a relaxing and rewinding experience like no other, especially during a Lake Kivu Boat Safari.

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