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Mount Karisimbi Hike

Mount Karisimbi, elevated at 4,507 meters above sea level is the highest of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif and the most fascinating for Rwanda hiking tours.

Mount Karisimbi is one of the Virunga Mountain Ranges that encompass the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The stratovolcano, elevated at 4,507 meters above sea level is the highest of the eight volcanoes that make up the Virunga Massif and the most fascinating for Rwanda hiking tours. Mount Karisimbi is located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and is bordered by Mount Mikeno to the north, Mount Nyiragongo to the west, and Bisoke to the east. Karisimbi is Africa’s 11th tallest peak. The name Karisimbi is derived from the local Kinyarwanda word ‘amasimbi,” which means snow. During the dry season of between June and August, the volcano’s peak is snow-capped. This is one of the reasons why it attracts a variety of hikers: moreover, tourists can combine a hike up Mount Karisimbi with gorilla trekking and enjoy an ideal Rwanda safari.

If you are thinking about embarking on a Rwanda adventure tour, a Mount Karisimbi Hike should be on your list of things to do. The volcano boasts its exotic flora that grows in its four vegetation belts, ranging from rich forests at the base to the severely barren volcanic core at the peak. Hiking Mount Karisimbi involves trekking through muddy pathways, especially during the rainy season, however, because of the altitude, it can rain at any time of day. The hike may be strenuous and both physically and mentally demanding which calls on hikers to be in good physical and mental shape. Nonetheless, hikers can expect to observe a range of mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and a variety of bird species on occasion. Hikers also have a chance to visit Dian Fossey’s site – a prominent primatologist who conducted considerable research on mountain gorillas and other primates.

Mount Karisimbi Hike is a 2-day hike and it starts with registration and briefing at the park headquarters by the park wardens and guides. Following the briefing, hikers are taken to the starting point of the hike at the base of Mount Bisoke. The ascent to the peak takes at most 7 hours, however, hikers often stay for the night halfway to 3,700 meters above sea level. A tent is established, and dinner is made while everyone rests in preparation for the last ascent the next day. The next day, hikers should be fresh and eager to reach the top after weathering the chilly night and fueling with a delicious breakfast. The final ascent takes only one hour but is the most difficult since the hike from the camp to the peak is steeper and more difficult to maneuver, especially if there is thick mud, high winds, and fog, all of which decrease vision.

Once you reach the peak, you will be stunned by the breathtaking scenery around you. Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the Virunga Mountain Ranges; therefore, hikers will be treated to views of the whole massif including Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Nyamuragira. Moreover, the breathtaking vegetation that covers these volcanoes is awestriking. After soaking in the incredible moment at the summit, hikers should prepare for a 6-hour descent down to the starting point and then to the park office. Hiking Mount Karisimbi can be arranged through a local tour operator, who will be responsible for obtaining your hiking permits, transportation to the Volcanoes, and organizing tents, lunches, as well as other hiking equipment. Extra Porters to assist you with the transport of your heavy equipment such as tents, heavy cameras, etc., may be hired at roughly $20 per hour.

To embark on a Mount Karisimbi Hike, one is required to purchase a hiking permit which costs $400 per person. Mount Karisimbi Hiking permits are often obtained through the park headquarters, the Rwanda Development Board, or a trustworthy Tour Operator. The permit can be obtained on the day of the hike; however, we recommend booking in advance to ensure that the activity is not sold out. However, it is best to book through a local tour operator who will also help you plan for your transportation, lodging, hiking permits, porters, and hiking equipment, among others.

A Mount Karisimbi Hike is a difficult but worthwhile adventure and hiking during the dry season (June to October and December to March) is advised for the greatest experience. The dry season provides for more enjoyable treks since the pathways are less slick. Hiking Mount Karisimbi during the rainy season may be quite challenging as hikers must contend with muddy pathways, overgrown foliage, fog, and continuous showers. Now for seasoned hikers, these hitches may not be a problem, but novice individuals may fail to complete the expedition.

Nonetheless, the mountain generally is a challenge, with steep and slanting routes. Regardless of the season, hikers must be in excellent physical and mental shape. If one is not sufficiently prepared, the hike may wear out, forcing you to abandon the race halfway through. Furthermore, an unprepared hiker might potentially slow down the entire squad and have an impact on the overall quality of the experience. As a result, a hiker must prepare both physically and emotionally before taking on the task of reaching the peak. On the other hand, the park’s administration ensures that everything is provided to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Those with heavy equipment or luggage can always enlist the services of a porter, as mentioned earlier.

Good hiking shoes
A waterproof rain jacket
A walking stick – these are often provided at the park headquarters before the start of your hike
A lightweight day pack to keep your equipment safe.
Packed food or energy-giving snacks and plenty of drinking water
Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and warm stockings for the cold conditions in the Volcanoes National Park
A sleeping bag and camping tent if you did not book with a local tour company
Toiletries

A good camera, extra batteries, and a pair of binoculars for better views

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Mount Karisimbi Hike