A hike to the summit of mount Karisimbi is a magical experience you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. YES, whereas most travelers to Rwanda opt to trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, hiking Mt Karisimbi is an exceptional experience. Those who have done it before can tell how magical it feels to stand at the summit of the highest volcano overlooking Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Karisimbi stands at 4,507 meters (14,787 ft) above the sea level and is the tallest volcano among the 8 chains of the Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga conservation area and the 11th highest volcano in Africa. The dormant stratovolcano last erupted 8050 BCE and is located in the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The volcano is called after “Amasimbi” in Kinyarwanda, which translates as snow.
The snow at the summit of Mt Karisimbi is clearly seen during the dry season in the months of June, July and August. Mt karisimbi hiking complements other tourist activities in Rwanda such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, Kigali city tour, Cultural tours, bird watching, and chimpanzee trekking, among others to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Karisimbi is the most hiked volcano in the Virunga conservation area besides Nyiragongo active volcano in Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The nearby volcanoes to Mt Karisimbi are Mt Bisoke in the east, Mt Mikeno in the North and Nyiragongo in the west.
< h3>2 Days Mt Karisimbi Hike
The 2 Days tour is a suitable package to hike to the summit of the iconic Mt Karisimbi.
Day 1: Hike to the summit:
Wake up as early as 5:00am and transfer to Kinigi Park headquarters for briefing about safety. Thereafter, a hike commences and 2-armed rangers one in the front and the other at the back escort travelers. On a good day, lucky travelers will meet Karisimbi gorilla family, which lives in the slope of the Volcano. Hiking to the summit takes roughly 7 hours depending on the traveler’s physical fitness and speed. Spend an overnight at the summit of the volcano. Remember to carry warm sleeping bags and beddings, sweaters and gloves to deal with the very cold night
Day2: Descend
In the early morning, have breakfast and enjoy the sunrise. Also, enjoy the great views of the Crater Lake at the summit, the other Virunga volcanoes, local communities, farms, national parks and all other attractions in the neighborhood. Descend, meet your driver guide and transfer to the airport for your return flight.
What to Pack for Hiking Mt Karisimbi
Since hiking Mt Karisimbi is not a walk away, travelers are advised and reminded to pack the essentials to ensure a less challenging hike. Among the things to carry when hiking Mt Karisimbi include:
1. Sleeping bag for an overnight stay
2. Hiking boots/shoes
3. Gardening gloves
4. Sun glasses
5. Hat
6. Insect relents
7. Walking stick
8. First aid Kit
9. Energy giving snacks
10. Bottled drinking water
11. Warm sweaters
12. Rain jackets
13. Stockings
14. Long pants
15. Headlamp at night
Best time to hike Mt Karisimbi
Dry season in the months of June, July August and December is the best time to hike Mt Karisimbi. During this time, travelers get a chance to see snow at the summit of the volcano, which cannot be seen in the wet season. However, Mt Karisimbi can be visited all year through.
Cost of Hiking Mt Karisimbi
The permit to hike Mt Karisimbi costs $400 issued by Rwanda Development Board. The cost is inclusive of the rangers fee and other government taxes. Booking can be done directly with Rwanda Development Board or through Africa Adventure Safaris, your number one travel agent.
Other Virunga Volcanoes
Besides Mount Karisimbi, the Virunga conservation area comprises of more than 7 volcanoes two of which are present up to present. All volcanoes are located in the border countries and some can be hiked from either country. Virunga Volcanoes are:
• Mount Nyiragongo in Congo (active) travelers allowed to hike
• Mount Bisoke in Rwanda
• Mount Mikeno in Congo
• Mount Gahinga in Uganda
• Mount Muhabura in Uganda
• Mount karisimbi in Rwanda
• Mount Sabyinyo in Uganda
• Mount Nyamuragira in Congo (Very active), travelers not allowed to hike it
In conclusion, a hike to the summit of Mt Karisimbi is an exceptional, lifetime experience that no traveler should miss out on his/her Rwanda safari. Contact Africa Adventure safaris, book a 2 Days Karisimbi hiking tour for a lifetime adventure.
TO BOOK THIS TRIP,
Related Tours
3 Days Uganda Gorilla Tour
Book a 3 Days Uganda gorilla trekking tour to Bwindi Impenetrable forest park home to half of the world’s mountain gorillas. The forest is the first center for Uganda gorilla safaris having over 15 gorilla families habituated for trekking. Bwindi is also home to 120 species of mammals, 348 species of birds, 220 species of butterflies, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos, and many endangered species.Read More
3 Days Murchison Falls Np Tour
3 Days Murchison falls wildlife tour to for fantastic game viewing in search for African lion, herds of Elephant, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Antelopes, etc, and boat cruise to the bottom of the falls to see Hippos & huge crocodiles.Read More
3 Days Tour to Semuliki National park
Join a 3 Days Uganda tour to Semuliki valley national park fo game viewing, bird watching and visiting the hot springs. The park is one of Uganda’s least visited parks which give travelers with an off beaten kind of experience. Expect to see many birds and wildlife less exploited. Read More
7 Days Uganda Safari
Join a 7 Days Uganda Safari for game viewing and boat cruising at Kazinga Channel in Queen Elizabeth, chimpanzee trekking in Kibale forest and Mountain gorilla watching in Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park. You will also trek golden monkeys in Mgahinga gorilla national park as well as visiting various conservation projects in Bwindi and Mgahinga gorilla national parks. Read More
3 Days Rwanda Double Gorilla Trek
The 3 Days double gorilla trek in Rwanda offers travelers exceptional gorilla encounters in Volcanoes national park. The two involve trekking gorilla two times rewarding travelers with extended time with the gentle giants in the jungle. The tour starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. Read More
