This is a dormant Volcano in the Virunga Mountain ranges located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It stands at a height of 3,711 meters above sea level and can be hiked only from Rwanda. One can easily locate Mount. Bisoke on their visit to Volcanoes national park which is the most famous park in Rwanda due to its amazing populations of endangered mountain gorillas.
Mount. Bisoke is a renowned hiking destination which rewards visitors with memorable experience while on an African safari, especially to Rwanda. The large Crater Lake on its summit is appealing with a 400m diameter and 100m depth. Mount. Bisoke gets its name from the local word translating t “soaked” in water, which is as a result of the different crater lakes found on the slopes mountain.
There are different attractions located on the slopes of Mount. Bisoke including the green lush vegetation such as trees, bamboo zones, montane forest zones and so much more. Amazing primates can’t be missed while on a Mount. Bisoke hike such as Golden monkeys, gorillas, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys and baboons. Large animals such as elephants, duikers, buffalos and bush bucks may also be seen on the slopes of this mountain.
History has it that Mount Bisoke last erupted in 1952 as a result of tectonic movements. This mountain also came to be known by the works of great Dian Fossey, a female researcher primatologist who began and established a research station for primate conservation located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. It is therefore called Karisoke research institute. Taking a walk to Dian’s tomb is another great experience one can enjoy in addition to their Rwanda Gorilla safari.
Hiking Mount. Bisoke.
There are two routes to follow while hiking Mount Bisoke and one of them is hiking to the Crater Lake at the summit which takes about 4 hours to ascend and 2 hours to descend.
Another route takes climbers to the lake in the middle of Bisoke mountain. This takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on hiking speed. Trekking the mountain typically starts at 7:00 am at Kinigi park headquarters. Porters are always available to help you carry your extra luggage at an extra and affordable surcharge.
What to carry?
Tourists interested in hiking Mount Bisoke are advised to carry some essential equipment to help them on the hike such as strong hiking boots to maneuver through tough terrains, enough drinking water to quench your thirst, energy-giving snacks like glucose biscuits and cookies, cameras to capture memories, a pair of binoculars to magnify distant attractions. Other may include personal items like insect repellents to offer protection against stinging insects, sun screen and raincoats since it could rain anytime here.
What else to do other than hiking?
Apart from hiking, one can also do gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, bird watching, visiting Dian Fossey graveyard, forest nature walks and so much more around Volcanoes National Park.
Hiking permits can be bought either directly with the Rwanda Development Board or through a recognized safari company.
When to visit Bisoke Mountain?
Mount Bisoke can be visited any month of the year but it’s better to take a hike during dry season. June to September and December to March when the skies are blue, the trails are dry and visibility is excellent.
There are less chances of rains in this season, unlike the months of March to May and October to December. Though a hike can be possible, but the trails tend to be slippery, hard to capture photos with a camera, there is fog and poor visibility.
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