Mount Karisimbi
One of the main tourist attractions you shouldn’t skip on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park is hiking to the summit of Mount Karismbi. Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano that rises to an elevation of approximately 4507 metres above sea level. It is the highest of the eight major volcanoes in the Virunga area and the fifth tallest in Africa. It marches along the African Rift Valley’s western branch, which separates Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Climbing Mount Karisimbi is a demanding but highly rewarding walk that takes place entirely within Volcanoes National Park and is typically done in addition to gorilla trekking. The six-hour ascent begins early in the morning and travels through the Bisoke side before arriving at the first rest stop at 3,700 metres. There, climbers sleep for the night before completing the ascent the following day.
Because Karisimbi is located in the primates’ park of the Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes national park), hiking to its summit offers unique views of many bird species as well as primates like gorillas and monkeys. In addition, the four belts of vegetation from the thick forest at the base to the arid volcanic core at the summit are renowned for their unique plant life. The ascent to the summit is typified by muddy paths, particularly in the rainy season, however it can rain at any time of day because of the height.
Mount Sabyinyo
Situated between Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda, Sabyinyo Volcano is the oldest in the group. The Kinyarwanda ward “iryinyo,” which means tooth, is whence the name Sabyinyo originates. The volcano is known locally as “old man’s teeth” because, in contrast to the perfectly conical summits of the neighbouring volcanoes in this range, its serrated summit resembles the spaced teeth in an old man’s gum line. This volcano, which rises 3645 metres above sea level, is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including buffalo, elephants, golden monkeys, and Cercopithecus Kandt, the oldest species of monkey found in the VNP at Mount Sabyinyo. But perhaps most remarkably, it serves as a home to several gorilla families, including the Agashya, Hirwa, Muhoza, and Sabyinyo Group.
There are two paths on the Sabyinyo Volcano: the Rurambo trail, which serves peaks 2 and 3, and the Sabyinyo trail, which is located on the volcano’s eastern flank and leads to peak 1. The Sabyinyo Trail is one of the park’s unique ecological niches because it can support a variety of animals and is the site of Western Mr. Von Beringei’s first encounter with a mountain gorilla, which led to the mountain gorillas’ official identification as a species.
Mount Bisoke
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Rwanda is the Mount Bisoke trip. This volcano boasts a magnificent crater lake at its summit. All told, the walk lasts six hours, including the two hours spent descending to the starting point. Hikers with experience can reach the summit of this mountain in three hours or less, and they can return to the base in approximately one hour.
Hikers meet at the park headquarters at Kinigi at 7:00 am on the day of the hike to get a briefing and to be paired with a park ranger. Since most park rangers are locals of the Volcanoes National Park, they are extremely informed about the mountain experiences. 8:00 am is when the adventure starts. You will be driven to the starting place by your tour guide. Porters will be assigned to assist you with your luggage. We’ll supply the trekking equipment to you.
Mount Gahinga
Climbing Mount Gahinga is not as difficult as climbing Mount Sabinyo or Muhabura. But in order to finish the walk, one must be physically and psychologically ready. Depending on the hiker’s level of fitness and perseverance, the activity takes six hours to finish. A hiking permit from the park authorities is required in order to participate in the hike. On the day of the walk, permits are available for $75. Reservations in advance are not required.
The 7:00 am start time for hiking Mount Gahinga begins with a briefing with a park ranger at the park headquarters. The Rangers impart knowledge on the mountain’s background and location amid the Virunga volcanoes. The nature of the trip and the best ways to prepare will be explained to hikers. Hikers can rest, dine, snap pictures, and take in the breathtaking panorama at several locations across the mountain. Everyone receives a free hiking stick after the briefing, and those who choose to use porters can do so.