On this 3-day Bisoke and Karisimbi Hiking Adventure, you will hike and summit two popular mountains in Rwanda. Mt. Karisimbi (4,507 meters), which is the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains, and Mt. Bisoke (3,711 meters), both located in Volcanoes National Park, home to the mountain gorillas.
Bisoke and Karisimbi Hiking Adventure Highlights
- Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Karisimbi hike
- Day 2: Summit Mt. Karisimbi and descent
- Day 3: Mt. Bisoke hike and departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali to Volcanoes National Park – Karisimbi hike
You will have an early breakfast at your hotel in Kigali where your tour driver will pick you up and drive you to Volcanoes National Park, reaching the park offices in time for the briefing and other preparations before you start your hike up Rwanda’s highest mountain. Start your hike with an experienced ranger guide and other climb support crew.
The trek to your first stop for the night on Mt. Karisimbi will take about 6 hours (more or less depending on your fitness level). Enjoy the hike as you go through different vegetation zones, volcanic ridges, scenic views, wildlife encounters, beautiful birds, and more. You will camp for the night and have dinner at 3,700 meters on Karisimbi Mountain.
Day 2: Summit Mt. Karisimbi and descent
After an early breakfast to warm up your body, you will go on your final hike up Mt. Karisimbi to its summit, reaching there by sunrise. Enjoy views of the Virunga Mountain ranges, the active volcanoes of Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira, and the surrounding communities in the distance.
Savor the moment, take pictures, and then descend back to the base of the mountain. Your tour driver will be waiting to drive you to your lodge for check-in and a much-deserved meal and relaxation.
Day 3: Mt. Bisoke hike and departure
Today you will summit Mt. Bisoke, a popular one among adventurous travelers. Early rise, early breakfast, and packed lunch. Your tour driver will drive you to the park offices for briefing and then take you to the trailhead to start your hike up Mt. Bisoke.
A round trip up and down Mt. Bisoke takes about 6 to 7 hours. Enjoy the surroundings as you hike the mountain, birdlife, and plant life, and if lucky, you may come across some of the primates that inhabit Volcanoes National Park.
A beautiful crater lake awaits you at the summit of Bisoke, with clear views of the mountain ranges and vegetation. Descend back to the foothills of the mountain where your tour driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Kigali, to your hotel, or the airport for your flight.
