Volcano hiking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda

Volcano hiking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda, have you ever wanted to hike a volcano? Parc National des Volcans is the perfect place! The park is part of the Virunga Mountain ranges which comprise eight volcanoes, five of which are enclosed in the Parc National des Volcans. For those who are physically fit, there are hikes of varying lengths and endurance levels that offer stunning views of beautiful mist-covered Rwandan mountain slopes, and possibly the opportunity to stride into the unusual natural environment. The five volcanoes that make this park the most popular and attractive tourist destination include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Sabinyo, Mount Gahinga, and Mount Muhabura.

Besides gorilla trekking the most popular activity in Parc National des Volcans, golden monkey trekking, and birding, another important activity opted for travelers to this park is volcano hiking.

Volcano hiking in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda is possible on all the volcanoes except for Mount Sabinyo which has many craters and is currently considered dangerous for hiking. However, for hikers interested in hiking Mount Sabinyo, the opportunity is offered on the Uganda side. Hiking Mount Sabinyo offers extraordinary views of the chain of all the Virunga Volcanoes and the summit takes you to a place where you can stand in three countries at the same time, that is Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. Hiking is an adventurous expedition.

Apart from using the well-known trails used during gorilla trekking and golden monkey trekking, there are different trails used when hiking different volcanoes.

Hiking Mount Bisoke.

Mount Bisoke (also called Visoke) is a dormant volcano in the Virungas shared by both Rwanda and DRC. this volcano has its peak in Rwanda standing at 3711meters (12175ft) above sea level

Mount Bisoke is the most popular volcano opted for by most hikers who visit Rwanda. This is mainly because of its large crater lake at the summit which is also the largest Crater Lake in the Virungas having a diameter of 400m and a depth of about 100 meters. Mt Bisoke has another crater lake called Ngezi on the side, just about 11km from the peak.

The main hiking trail on Mount Bisoke is the Ngezi nature trail that leads you to Lake Ngezi and later to the summit if you wish to proceed. This trail offers a less moderately staining hike and can be used by both experienced and inexperienced hikers. Hiking to the summit takes 4 hours while coming down is 2 hours hence it can be completed in one day. If you do not wish to summit, you can stop on Lake Ngezi.

The trail takes you through various vegetation zones that expose you to different plant species where you are likely to spot wild animals like forest elephants, buffalos, mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. If you luckily find mountain gorillas, hikers are allowed to watch them from a distance for ten minutes but taking photos is not allowed.

Another trail used to hike Mount Bisoke is the Bisoke Crater Lake hiking trail. This one takes you directly to the summit of the mountain and this can be done in 4 hours depending on your fitness levels. The summit gives you clear views of other Virunga volcanoes, especially the close Karisimbi. Around trip to the Bisoke hike takes 8 hours so one should be physically fit to manage the altitudinal levels. Hiking Mount Bisoke costs $75 per person.

Hiking mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi lying at 4507 meters (14787ft) above sea level is the highest volcano in the Virungas and the 11^th highest mountain in Africa. It lies at the border of Rwanda and DRC close to Mount Mikeno, Nyiragongo, and Bisoke. The mountain receives snow during some months of the year due to it is location near the equator. Mount Karisimbi has a Caldera and two crater lakes at the summit. Hiking this mountain is mainly preferred for experienced hikers who always prefer longer and more challenging hikes. It is the best volcano to climb in Volcanoes National Park.

Unlike the other Virunga volcanoes that offer one day hikes, Mount Karisimbi hike is a 2-day adventure with camping on the mountain for one night.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes you through different vegetation zones starting from the bamboo forests, past the Dian Fossey tomb, enjoy seeing several wild creatures like animals and birds then hike up to a height of 3700m where you will camp for a night. In the early morning at 5:00 am, make it to the summit. with the experience of the early sunrise at the top of a mountain, enjoying the crater lakes and caldera, and take memorable photos and videos with friends and other hikers to mark your expedition. Later descend to the starting point. Hiking Mount Karisimbi costs $400 per person and early booking is recommended.

Mount Muhabura

This is another dormant Virunga volcano shared by both Uganda and Rwanda. This mountain stands at 4127 meters above sea level and can be hiked from either country. Mount Muhabura has a cone-like shape with volcanic ash from past volcanic activity. The slopes are covered with vegetation and as you hike expect to spot forest elephants, at times mountain gorillas and several bird species, if you have binoculars, this hike is a good birding destination. The mountain offers a one-day hike that leads you to a scenic crater lake at the summit. A round trip of this hike is 6-8 hours depending on one’s level of fitness. Once at the summit, hikers catch sight of the twin lakes Ruhondo and Bulera. The cost of hiking Mount Muhabura is $80 per person.

Mount Gahinga

Mount Gahinga is the said to be the smallest of the Virunga volcanos. It is shared by both Uganda and Rwanda and stands at an elevation of 2474 meters above sea level with a swampy caldera at the peak. It is less hiked but favourable for young hikers (learners). Once at the summit, you will have the best sites for photography.

Hiking to Dian Fossey Tomb

The Dian Fossey trail is often used to hike to Dian Fossey’s gravesite. The hike aims at giving tourists a learning experience about the works of the famous American primatologist and conservationist, Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to research about mountain gorillas. She set up her research center between Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke thus the name Karisoke.

The trail goes through one of the most beautiful areas of the park with rare plant life, stunning views of the Virungas, and sightings of numerous wildlife; there are chances of spotting mountain gorillas along the way, but hikers are not allowed to take photos. Watch for a few minutes and proceed up to the grave site and you will also see the research center where you will learn more about mountain gorilla protection. The hike is less strenuous, and a round trip takes 3-4 hours. Hiking to Dian Fossey’s tomb costs $75 per person.

Best time for Volcano hiking in Rwanda

Many travelers wish to travel to Volcanoes National Park for different adventurous activities like gorilla tracking, golden monkey trekking, and hiking during the drier months because the trails are less muddy and passable. The dry months are always from December to February and June to September. Though the rainy season attracts reduced rates of transport and accommodation costs, the best time I recommend for anyone hoping to hike any of the Virunga volcanoes in Volcanoes National Park to do so in the dry season.

How to prepare for a mountain hike in the Parc National des Volcanos

No hike or nature walk is considered very simple so, anyone participating in Volcano hiking in the volcanoes should be physically fit and free from heart and lung-related diseases since hiking involves traversing different altitudinal levels, and the higher you ascend any mountain the more strength you need to attain success.
All hikes and other activities in Parc National des Volcanos start with a briefing at the park headquarters, lead to the starting point, and must be guided by armed park rangers for their safety and the good of the wildlife creatures. Hikers are given hiking sticks and those with heavy backpacks can hire porters at $10 per porter.
All hikers should present their passport copies at the park registration office, failure to do so, you will not be allowed to join the hike.
The age limit for hikers should be 15 years and above.
Hikers should be aware that the higher you go, the cooler it becomes hence the temperature rises and falls with altitude. They should have the necessary hiking gear like good sturdy shoes, waterproof clothing, warm clothing, a lunch pack, and enough drinking water.
If you are going to hike Mount Karisimbi, prepare enough camping gear like a ground tent, sleeping bag, a mat or small travel mattress.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore what is even beyond greater heights.
All in all, let Active African Vacations a registered and organized tour operator company take care of the arrangements for your hike to any volcano in the Parc National des Volcanoes in Rwanda.