Hiking Mount Bisoke in Rwanda

When visiting Rwanda, make it a point to hike Mount Bisoke. Mount Bisoke is one of the active volcanoes in the Virunga Mountains. Mount Bisoke, which stands at 12,175 feet, shares borders with Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Virunga National Park).

The summit and the majority of the mountain are in Rwanda. Mount Bisoke was constructed as a result of a volcanic eruption in Rwanda, which is gradually splitting East Africa. It features two crater lakes, one at the very top and the other (Lake Ngezi) in the middle. It is most recent eruption in 1957 left one of the greatest Crater Lakes in the Virunga mountain range.

Mount Bisoke is home to mountain gorillas.

These primates are by far Rwanda’s most important tourist attraction. Mountain gorillas thrive in the lush bamboo forests and other greenery that surround the mountain. Hiking Mount Bisoke is a popular pastime for many tourists to Volcanoes National Park.  In fact, most tourists combine gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park with a hike up Mount Bisoke.

Climbing Mount Bisoke.

Hiking Mount Bisoke is an adventurous and enjoyable exercise that is not only for seasoned hikers. Hiking up to the summit takes 6 hours, while returning takes 2 or more hours, depending on how frequently the hiking party pauses for rest. Seasoned mountain climbers can reach the peak in three hours.

A Mount Bisoke trek is regarded less strenuous, but hikers must be reasonably athletic and prepared to deal with thorny vegetation, stinging insects, and muddy routes, particularly during the rainy season. Hikers must prepare to deal with changes in temperature and oxygen levels. Temperatures can drop so low that the hike becomes tiresome, necessitating many pauses.

Seasoned mountain climbers can reach the peak in three hours. Bisoke hiking is popular among visitors to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park because it allows them to see crater lakes, breathtaking views, and unusual alpine plants that can be found nowhere else. The volcano is also home to forest elephants, buffalo, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

If one is fortunate enough to encounter one of the gorilla families or golden monkey groups along the walk, the experience will be even more rewarding. Hikers are only allowed 10 minutes to observe gorillas from a distance if they encounter them.

Taking photographs of the gorillas during the hike is prohibited. The option to photograph and spend more time with the gorillas is solely reserved. Gorillas are only available to tourists who have registered for gorilla tracking.

It is crucial to note that the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys you see along the journey may not be habituated, so keep your distance. Hiking Mount Bisoke often begins in the morning with a briefing from an allocated Ranger at the park offices.The office is frequently crowded in the morning because it is where all tourists congregate before departing for activities such as gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and the Dian Fossey cemetery hike.

During the briefing, you will need to produce your hiking permission, passport, and other papers. This is the final time you will have the opportunity to use a decent/proper restroom and snack until you return from the summit. After registration and briefing, their corporate guide or a hired cab transports hikers from the park offices to the starting point for those traveling alone.

The drive to the head trail and starting location takes 40 minutes on difficult roads. At this point, park rangers will supply you with hiking sticks. You will be escorted to the summit by armed Rangers, and you will have the option of hiring porters to assist with any excess luggage. The armed Rangers are there to keep you safe from wild creatures.

Porters also assist hikers with rough portions by dragging them up or down. The porters reside near the park and are I am also quite knowledgeable about the mountains. Some have been assisting hikers since their childhood. Hiring a porter will cost you around $15.

Mount Bisoke Hike

The journey begins at the volcano’s base, where the terrain is level but rocky and rugged.

Before arriving at the park gate, you will pass through a number of local gardens and plantations.

Stonewalls to keep animals from raiding farms and humans from entering the park surround some areas of the park.

Once you reach the peak, you will be able to see the beautiful environment and greenery that surrounds the Virunga region, including Mount Visoke Crater Lake, Mount Karisimbi volcano, and Mount Mikeno in Congo. The lake near the peak is not suitable for swimming.

The weather will decide how long hikers spend at the peak. On a bright day, you can arrange for a picnic lunch on the mountaintop. The descent back to the starting point is straightforward, with the exception of having to navigate the mud-filled pathways again.

You can expect to find your driver or company guide from Naleyo tours and travels waiting for you at the start. We recommend giving a gratuity to the Porters and Rangers. This is one method to give back to the community that surrounds the park.

Mount Bisoke hiking requirements and equipment:

To properly prepare for ascending Mount Bisoke, you must first establish that you are physically healthy and capable of completing the endeavor. Many hikers quit the climb at the trailhead due to the mud. You must mentally prepare with the goal of completing the hike regardless of the difficulties you face.

Prepare to carry the following goods.

Bring a long trouser, a sweater, a long-sleeved shirt, and headwear.

A long-sleeved garment will protect you from stinging insects such as beetles, and excellent headwear will keep you warm when it gets cold.

Hand gloves:

Woolen or gardening gloves will keep your hands safe while handling jagged tree branches.

Light hiking shoes (waterproof boots) and stockings:

They should be durable enough to allow you to hike comfortably and effectively across mud-filled terrain, especially during the rainy season. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, muck, and sharp stems, pull your hiking socks into your pants. The park guides will equip you with a walking/hiking stick to help you navigate challenging and steep areas of the course.

Packed snacks and water:

You may need to eat and drink something on the trip. Water is essential for quenching your thirst.

The expense of hiking Mount Bisoke.

Mount Bisoke hiking permits can be purchased at the park headquarters on the day of the hike. Mount Bisoke permits cost $75 per person. This does not cover transportation, as you will need to hire a vehicle to get to the park and the trailhead.

Naleyo tours and travels can assist you with the full trip, including obtaining Bisoke permits, arranging transportation, and booking accommodations if necessary.