Mount Karisimbi Hike in Rwanda: Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano in the Virunga Mountains on the boundary between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is presently inactive. Karisimbi, at 4,507 meters, is the highest of the mountain range’s eight major peaks, which are part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. On the other side of the rift valley, Karisimbi is surrounded by Mikeno, Bisoke, and Nyiragongo Mountains. Karisimbi is Africa’s 11th tallest peak.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda is an unforgettable experience. Karisimbi derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word Amasimbi, which means “snow.” Snow is usually seen on the Volcano’s summit during the dry season of June, July, and August. Dian Fossey created the Karisoke study facility between Karisimbi and Bisoke in order to view the mountain gorillas that live in the region.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda.
Hiking to the summit of Mt Karisimbi is one of the numerous tourism activities you should not miss when visiting Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano that rises at an elevation of roughly 4507m above sea level. It is the tallest of the eight major volcanoes of the Virunga area and the fifth highest in Africa. It runs along the western branch of the African Rift Valley between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. The Karisimbi lavas show that the volcano is extremely young.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi is an active yet rewarding activity that is usually done in conjunction with gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park. This walk begins early in the morning and lasts 6 hours through the Bisoke side before reaching at the first halting point at 3700m for an overnight camping trip before continuing the adventure the next day.
You will also need strong health and energy to trek across the treacherous slopes to the peak, which is white-capped due to hail and sleet that occurs in the upper elevations due to its regular storms. This also implies that hiring a porter for $20 per day to assist with carrying your gear and hiking equipment may be necessary.
The Karisimbi volcano is adjacent to the Karisoke research facility, which houses the burial of mountain gorilla environmentalist Dian Fossey. This also implies that one gets the opportunity to visit the cemetery as well as follow golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
Many tourists on Rwanda Safaris have expressed an interest in hiking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda. The walk to and descend from Mount Kirisimbi takes two days, beginning extremely early in the morning at 7:00 a.m. Hikers must register at the headquarters and get a briefing from the park guides and guides. The hikers are taken to the starting location at the foot of Mount Bisoke after being briefed. The ascent to the peak takes no more than 7 hours, and hikers must rest for the night at an altitude of 3,700m.
The camp is always set up where dinner is made and served; you will relax here while waiting for the next climb the following day. Hikers should feel refreshed after sleeping and eating breakfast the next morning before beginning the hour-long ascent to the peak. The route from the camp to the top becomes steeper and more difficult to maneuver as the mud thickens, the winds pick up, and the fog thickens.
The vista is stunning and wonderful to see as you reach the summit. Hikers should be able to see the Muhabura volcano, Nyiragongo, and Nyamulagira volcanoes, as well as the vast woods and greenery of the Virunga mountains and the Congolese border. Hikers should prepare for the 6-hour descent down to the starting point and then to the park headquarters after admiring the beautiful scenery and vistas.
What to pack for your Mount Karisimbi Hike in Rwanda?
The following items are recommended for trekking Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda: decent-looking shoes, a sweater, and warm clothes, a waterproof heavy jacket, a hat, and a walking stick. A tent for overnight camping, a sleeping bag, prepared food for the night stay before reaching the summit, porters to carry the backpack, tents, cameras, and other equipment, and porters to carry the rucksack, tents, cameras, and other equipment.
How to book your permit for Mount Karisimbi Hike in Rwanda?
Hiking permits can be obtained from the park headquarters. The permits may be obtained on the day of the trek; however, it is advised that you book ahead of time to ensure that they are expecting you. Mount Karisimbi hike in Rwanda costs $400 per person. A tour operator can help you plan the complete trip by arranging transportation, lodging, and hiking permits.
How to get to Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes National Park?
There are two methods to get to Volcanoes National Park: by road and by air. The most popular and often utilized mode of transportation to Volcanoes National Park is via road.
By Road
If you have booked your gorilla safari in Volcanoes with a tour operator, you will be booked into a private car that will drive you from Kigali to the park. The journey from Kigali to Volcanoes in Musanze is so fascinating, it passes through undulating hills and beautiful landscapes that give tourists magnificent and stunning views of the countryside.
The journey from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park takes around 3 hours drive, depending on the stopovers. We have highly customized private cars of many types at Explore Rwanda Tours, including extended 4*4-wheel safari vehicles, Jeeps, Land cruisers, and Rav 4 vehicles.
By Air
The shortest way to get to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali is by air; there are daily helicopter flights from Kigali International Airport to Volcanoes in Musanze; these helicopter flights to Musanze Airstrip are handled by Akagera Aviation. The flight is only 30 minutes long, but it provides passengers with the most unique and spectacular transportation experience.
