Book Mount Karisimbi volcano climbing safaris in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, and get discounts on hiking permits and camping equipment. Standing at 4,507 meters high, Mount Karisimbi is the fifth highest snow-capped mountain in Africa, the tallest in Rwanda, and the highest of all the eight major mountains in the Virunga massif, which also covers parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other mountains in the range are Mount Sabyinyo, Mikeno Volcano, Mount Bisoke, Gahinga Volcano, Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, and Muhabura Volcano.
The name Karisimbi comes from the local Kinyarwanda word “Amasimbi,” which means snow. Snow covers the top of this volcano even during the dry season, making it quite a sight to see.
Mount Karisimbi is a dormant volcano that is believed to have last erupted around 8050 BC. There are two craters on the mountain, the largest being Mutango Crater, and the Branca Caldera, which is two kilometers wide.
Location of Mount Karisimbi
The mountain is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, close to Volcanoes National Park, a well-known gorilla habitat.
In Rwanda, it is bordered by Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east, and Nyiragongo to the west.
Mount Karisimbi Hiking Safari Experience
Considered one of the biggest tourist attractions in Rwanda, the hike on Karisimbi is an unforgettable activity.
The famous two-day hike is a tough adventure that needs you to be both physically and mentally prepared.
During the hike, you pass through dense forests, loose rocks, volcanic ash, and possibly muddy trails, depending on the time of year you visit.
Because the hike is challenging, hikers are required to have garden gloves, hiking shoes, raincoats, insect repellents, water, snacks, and it is highly advised to hire porters to help carry any luggage.
At the end of the hike, it is worth it because trekkers are rewarded with beautiful views of the landscapes. They can also see the different volcanoes in the range, including distant views of Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira volcanoes.
The Karisimbi hike starts at Volcanoes National Park headquarters early in the morning, no later than 8:00 a.m. Before the hike begins, there is a briefing by park rangers and guides on the dos and don’ts during the hike.
You will then set off from the foothill of Mount Bisoke.
You will hike for about six to seven hours before stopping at a camping site after reaching a height of about 3,700 meters. Here, you can rest and have a meal to regain energy for the second day.
The second day starts early at around 5:30 a.m., with the main activity being the final hike to the summit. At the top, hikers enjoy the victory and views of the landscapes.
After reaching the summit, you descend back to where you started the trail. Hikers on this trail can expect challenges like steep terrains, fog, and strong winds, which make reaching the summit even more rewarding.
When to Visit Mount Karisimbi
The best time to climb Mount Karisimbi is during the dry seasons, in the months of December, January, February, March, July, and August.
Gorilla Trekking Safaris Near Mount Karisimbi
While visiting Mount Karisimbi, another activity to consider is trekking mountain gorillas. The mountain itself offers little to no chance of seeing these endangered animals. Even if you encounter gorillas during the hike, you cannot stop for long or take photographs without a permit.
However, you can arrange a separate gorilla trekking safari conveniently at nearby Volcanoes National Park.
