VOLCANO HIKING IN RWANDA
Volcano Hiking in Rwanda, Volcanoes; Karisimbi – Bisoke – Muhabura Climbing in Volcanoes National Park…
Rwanda boasts of a “lions” share of the eight (08) Virunga Volcanoes shared between the three (03) neighboring countries of Uganda, Rwanda and the DR. Congo. Five(05) out of the eight (08) volcanoes are located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. These include; Muhabura, Gahinga, Sabinyo, Bisoke, and Karisimbi.
Volcano Hiking adventures are available on each of these Five (05) volcanoes apart from Mt. Sabinyo which has so many craters and thus has been declared dangerous to climb, for now. It is however available for hiking from the Ugandan side and presents arguably the best views of the Virunga volcanoes chain.
Besides Gorilla and Golden Monkey trekking, and or bird watching, Volcano Hiking in Rwanda is yet another thing to do in Volcanoes National Park. there up to three Volcanoes readily available for travelers wishing to go Climbing Volcanoes in Rwanda.
VOLCANO HIKING IN RWANDA – ” choose your trail“
NGEZI LAKE TRAIL
The Ngezi Lake trail is the shortest trail in the Volcanoes National park and leads to a small scenic lake nestled in a volcanic depression at the foot of Mount Bisoke. The hike to this lake requires about 3 hours since it is steep from the start point to reach the summit but is, however, less physically demanding. The walk around the lake is also usually suggested and in total, one would have to plan about 07 hours for a round trip along the Ngezi Lake Trail.
The trail offers scenic views over the Congolese parts of the Virunga range where the forests are much larger. The lake is small, shallow and the easiest hike in the park. The fee for the Ngezi Lake Trail trek is currently USD$ 55 per person, and hiking Permits can be purchased at the Park headquarters at Kinigi at 07:00am on the day of the excursion and no advance booking is necessary. From Kinigi visitors are driven to the trek start site in the forest. Porters can as well be hired for the trek.
CLIMBING MOUNT BISOKE / VISOKE
Mount Bisoke / Visoke stands at a height of 3700meters ASL, and is shared between two countries; Rwanda & DR. Congo, with a crater (only on the Rwandan Side) at the top awaiting only successful hikers. Hiking – climbing – Trekking – mount Bisoke / Visoke is relatively less challenging for the average trekker, but however, some people may find it a little challenging because of its height above sea level.
The climb up Mount Bisoke / Visoke is a full guide escorted experience that lasts 3 hours and up to 5 hours on a round trip. Local porters to help carry your backpack and also help you with the tough-to-climb spots are readily available at an EXTRA charge – make it a point to take one with you as a way of supporting the local communities and that promoting responsible tourism – they hardly cost USD20.
For your trek – hike – Mount Bisoke / Visoke we recommend having; Good hiking boots, long sleeved shirt & trousers, gloves, trekking poles (some traditional ones are available at no cost), Raincoat, hat, 02 liters of water, waterproof daypack, and of course a camera and binoculars.
CLIMBING MOUNT MUHABURA / MUHAVURA
Mount Muhabura / Muhavura is an extinct Volcano in the Virunga Mountains and is shared between volcanoes National Park and Mgahinga National Park in Rwanda & Uganda respectively.
Climbing – hiking – trekking – Mount Muhabura can be done on either border of Uganda and Rwanda. Climbing Mount Muhabura / Muhavura is slightly taxing and therefore requires reasonable fitness.
Bringing the right Climbing – hiking equipment like; good hiking boots, long sleeved shirt & trousers, a raincoat, a hat, gloves, trekking poles, a waterproof daypack, and of course a camera & Binoculars will make your Mount Muhabura trekking experience a lot easier. Local porters are available for hire at the start of your trek – we recommend taking one for your trek.
CLIMBING MOUNT KARISIMBI
Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the eight (08) major mountains of the Virunga chain and features snow -in-Africa at the top – a reward for successful climbers.
The name Karisimbi comes from the word ‘amasimbi‘ in the local Rwandan language, Kinyarwanda, which means snow. Snow can mostly be found during the dry season in June, July, and August on the top of the volcano.
Between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke is the popular Karisoke Research Center, which was founded by Dian Fossey in order to observe the mountain gorillas living in this area.
Climbing Mount Karisimbi is a 02 Day Rwanda Hiking Experience that starts with a six (06) hours trek through to 3700 meters ASL where you pitch camp ( Food – Camping – Hiking equipment is needed, don’t underestimate this as it does get really cold up there).
One day two (02), you then continue to the top of the splendid Mount Karisimbi – nothing like this gets served in just two (02) days.
