3 Days Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike
The 3-day Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike is an incredible adventure in Rwanda. It takes you to Volcanoes National Park, one of the most visited parks in the northwestern part of the country.
During this safari, you will hike two of Rwanda’s five volcanoes. These include Mount Bisoke, a popular volcano rising to 3,711 meters above sea level, and Mount Karisimbi. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains, standing at 4,507 meters above sea level.
Highlights of the 3-Day Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike
Pick up from Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes to ascend Mount Karisimbi
Reach the summit and descend
Hike Mount Bisoke and departure to Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park
On the first day, after an early breakfast and packed lunch, your guide will pick you up from your Kigali hotel and take you to the park headquarters for a briefing. There, you’ll be assigned a park guide and driven to the trailhead. You’ll receive a hiking stick and can hire a porter for assistance. Then, you’ll begin the 6-hour hike up Mount Karisimbi, passing through bamboo forests, giant lobelia, volcanic edges, and steep altitudes. You’ll stop at a nearby camp for dinner and overnight.
Lodging: Virunga Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Hotel Muhabura
Meal plan: Half board
Day 2: Reach the summit of the Karisimbi volcano and descend back to the starting point.
On the second day of the 3-day Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike, after an early breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent to the summit. You’ll navigate steep slopes along the way.
Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have a chance to rest and take in the breathtaking views. You’ll be treated to spectacular sights of Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira active volcanoes, lush forests, vistas of the surrounding communities, and the majestic Virunga mountain ranges. Don’t miss the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscape before beginning your descent back down. After having stunning views at the summit, you will start descending back to the starting point, which takes about 3 to 4 hours,s and upon arrival, you will meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.
Lodging: Virunga Lodge/Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge/Hotel Muhabura
Meal plan: Full board
Day 3: Hike Mount Bisoke to the Crater Lake and departure to Kigali
On the final day of the 3-day Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike, after enjoying an early breakfast, you’ll prepare your lunch and then meet up with your driver guide. Together, you’ll head to the park headquarters for a pre-hike briefing. Following this informative session, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable park guide and driven to the starting point.
There, you’ll be equipped with a hiking stick and have the option to hire a porter for assistance on steep slopes and to carry your backpack. The hike up Mount Bisoke takes about 6 hours, including a 2-hour descent back to the starting point.
Along the way, you’ll traverse thick vegetation zones such as bamboo and hypericum. Furthermore, you’ll encounter sub-alpine terrain where you can enjoy incredible views of various animals, including buffalo, elephants, different bird species, and primates like golden monkeys and gorillas, among others.
Reaching the summit
When you reach the summit, you will have breathtaking views of Crater Lake and views of the Virunga ranges, take beautiful photos, and then have a picnic lunch. After lunch, you will start descending to the starting point, and upon arrival, you will meet up with your driver guide to transfer to Kigali International Airport for your departure flight or transfer to the hotel.
3-day Hike includes
- Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hiking permit
- Park entrance fees
- An English-speaking driver guide
- Full board accommodation
- Pick up and drop off
- Vehicle and fuel
- Bottled drinking water
3-day hike excludes
- Air flight tickets
- Visas
- Optional activities not included in the itinerary
- Life insurance
- Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, alcoholic drinks, juice, laundry services, hiring a porter, and tips, among others.
What to pack or carry for your hiking tour
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Long-sleeved shirt and trousers to protect you from stinging nettles
- Warm sweater
- Backpack to carry a packed lunch, camera, and water
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a Local tour operator based in Uganda with its head offices in Entebbe. Moreover, Safari Vacations and Travel Services is a business for a Ugandannationi;e, we specialise in life-changing experiences and sustainable tours and holidays to all East African countries. We are members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators and are registered with registration from the Uganda Tourism Board. We have a long and good working relationship with the Uganda Wildlife Authority, making it easy to book your gorilla permits and gorilla trekking safari. Safari Vacations and Travel Services is also high inTripAdvisorr reviews.
