Mountain Bisoke is a dormant Volcano rising at 3711 meters above sea level located at the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The mountain is one of the series of volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountain Range which sprawls along the borders of Rwanda, Uganda & the Democratic Republic of Congo. Whereas the volcano is shared between Rwanda and DRC, the biggest part, including the peak & two stunning crater lakes, lies on Rwanda’s side, in Volcanoes National Park. The summit of Mount Bisoke rewards you with magnificent rare natural beauty of the Crater Lake, mountain vegetation, dropping clouds, cloudy peaks of Mountains Karisimbi and Mikeno in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is so beautiful to see and experience! You have to do it once in your life. Enriching experience, nature is breathtaking but before the climb, you must be prepared!
Hiking time
It takes about 3.5 / 4 hours for the climb and about 2.5 / 3 hours for the descent but worth every effort. Hiking becomes more difficult in rainy season when if it’s wet and slippery. Trails become very wet, muddy and skiddy that one can easily have multiple slips and falls if you lose focus- especially on your way down. Travelers are therefore advised if possible to avoid hiking during the wet season. Hiking Mount Bisoke requires good endurance, so please do not attempt if your fitness is not up to scratch. You will definitely feel some mild altitude sickness for a couple of hours after descent but don’t let that put you off the hike. If you’re lucky, you may even see gorillas!
What to pack for Hiking Mt Bisoke
You are remind to pack the right things if you want to have a peaceful, stress free and a more exciting hiking experience. Carry waterproof hiking boots to ease your hiking, long trousers or getters are advised as it gets muddy and slippery. Hand gloves are also advised, as there are many stinging nettles in the forest. Carry a warm sweater to deal with the cold weather at the summit. It normally gets cloudy and cold at the top
Cost of Hiking Mount Bisoke
Hiking Mount Bisoke costs $80 per person. This is inclusive of park (Volcanoes National Park) entrance fees, ranger fees, government taxes and conservation fee. You are reminded to book in advance to avoid confusion at the last minute. Africa Adventure Safaris can help you book and secure your Mt Bisoke hiking permit at a small fee. Alternatively, you book directly with Rwanda Development Board.
Will I see gorillas during the hike?
Whereas it’s not a guarantee, travelers hiking Mt Bisoke have high chances of seeing and meeting with the endangered mountain gorillas. The lower slopes of the Volcano are covered by forests, which shelter the endangered gorillas and other primates in Volcanoes National Park. However, travelers are discouraged from taking pictures of mountain gorillas incase they meet them during Mt Bisoke hike.
What else do I need for hiking Mt Bisoke?
Having your travel bag packed and your hiking permit secured? You are 90% ready for the adventure! The other thing you might need for this tour is porters who will help you carry the bags to and from the mountain summit. Porters also help to hold your hands in case of slippery mountain slopes, which at times make hiking so difficult. Hiring a porter is a good practice, an indirect way of supporting local people some of whom were former poachers. Porters earn a living to help them support their families and improve their standards of living.
Other Virunga Volcanoes
Besides Mt Bisoke, the Virunga Conservation Area comprise of other 7 volcanoes, which together make chain of Virunga Mountains. The other volcanoes are Mt Karisimbi, the tallest Volcano (4,507m) above sea level located in Volcanoes National park on Rwanda’s border with Democratic Republic of Congo. Mt Nyiragongo (3,480m) and Mt Nyamuragira (3,058m) both located in Virunga National park Congo, Mt Mikeno (1,190m) in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The other Volcanoes are Mt Muhabura (4,127m) in the border of Uganda and Rwanda, Mt Gahinga (3,474 m) located in the borders of Rwanda and Uganda and then Mt Sabyinyo (3,668 m) shared between Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However despite sharing borders, Mt Sabyinyo is hiked from the Uganda side. Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are the only active volcanoes among the eight.
Conclusively, Mt Bisoke hiking is an adventure. Book a 1 Day Mt Bisoke hiking tour; experience the Crater Lake at the summit and enjoy scenic views of other volcanoes and beautiful sceneries.
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