Did you know that Mount Karisimbi is the highest among all Virunga Mountain ranges?
Mount Karisimbi is among the Virunga Volcanoes, shared by three countries; the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. It is near Volcanoes national park in Rwanda where this eleventh-highest mountain in the whole of Africa also borders the Democratic Republic of Congo and mount. Bisoke.
Karisimbi is a Kinyarwanda word meaning “White shell” and it was named so as a result of snow on its summit that appears all year through. It is surrounded by other volcanic mountains like Bisoke, Mikeno and Nyiragongo. It also has two crater lakes at the summit including Mutango which is larger than the other, as well as a 2 kilometres caldera called Branca.
Karisimbi is situated at an elevation of 4,507 meters above sea level and this makes it the highest mountain in Virunga region. Most visitors tend to combine gorilla trekking with Mount Karisimbi hike simply because these two activities take place in Volcanoes National Park.
If you want to hike this mountain, you should be physically fit enough because it involves walking through dense forests, thick vegetation and various landscapes before you reach its summit.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
The hike to mount. Karisimbi’s summit normally starts with booking a permit which will grant a visitor access to the park. Arrive at the park headquarters for briefing and then join other hikers to start the trek. Hiking this mountain normally takes 2 days and one night is spent at the campsite which is 3,700 meters and everything will be catered for by the tour operator.
While on this hike, expect to sight various attractions which are unique and be sure they will be eye-catching. Among the include attractions include; birds, primates like golden monkeys and several colobus monkeys and mountain gorillas which can be seen on the slopes but occasionally.
On the morning of the next day, proceed with the hike to the summit, an adventure that only takes one hour but yet very challenging because it is steep and so hikers must have a heavy breakfast in the morning and then hike to the summit.
When you finally reach the summit, a lot will be viewed which will make an everlasting memory in your life. Have a stunning view of Nyiragongo, the only volcano with a boiling lava lake on its summit, Nyamuragira volcano, Muhavura, enjoy the beautiful scenery and breathtaking nature from the forests of Democratic Republic of Congo and several more. After that good experience, descend back to the starting point.
Parking list.
To successfully hike this mountain, one needs some of these equipment; jungle shoes which are strong enough, cameras for taking photos, binoculars which will help to view distant stuff, heavy pants and sweaters to warm you up, hiking sticks are provided at the briefing point, a tent and a sleeping bag and the porters are available for hire, to help you carry your travel bags.
Best time to hike Mount Karisimbi.
The best time to hike to the summit of Karisimbi Mountain is during the dry season; from December to February and June and October. That is when all trails are not muddy and slippery. However, one can as well do the hike during rainy season but it is a bit more challenging.
Booking the permits to allow you take part in hiking this mountain is done by the Rwanda Development Board or booked through a recognized local tour operator.
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