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.