3 Days Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike

3 Days Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike is one of the incredible hiking safaris in Rwanda that will take you to Volcanoes national park which is one of the most visited national parks in the northwestern part of Rwanda. During the safari you will be able to hike two out of the five volcanoes in Rwanda that is mount Bisoke which is one of the popular volcanoes that rises at an altitude of 3711 meters above the sea level and mount Karisimbi which is the highest volcano in the Virunga mountains that stands at an elevation of 4507 meters above the sea level.

3 Days Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike

Highlights of the 3 Days Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike

  • Day 1: pick up from Kigali and transfer to Volcanoes national park to ascend mount Karisimbi
  • Day 2: Reach the summit and descend down
  • Day 3: Hike Mount Bisoke and departure to Kigali

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to volcanoes national park

Pick up and transfer to volcanoes national park, on the first day of the 3 days mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike you will have an early breakfast, carry packed lunch and our driver guide will pick you up from your hotel in Kigali and transfer to the park headquarters for a briefing at around 7:30 am. After the briefing you will be allocated an experienced park guide and drive to the hiking trail head where you will be given a hiking stick, hire a porter to give you a pull or push during hiking in challenging areas and then start hiking mount Karisimbi which stands at an elevation of 4507 meters above the sea level. Hiking mount Karisimbi takes about 6 hours passing through vegetation zones like bamboo forest, hagania-hypericum forest, giant lobelia, volcano edges, ridges, steep altitudes, calderas with great views of different birds, primates among others. You will have a stopover at a camp at 3,700meters for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Reach the summit of Karisimbi volcano and descend back to the starting point.

Climb to the summit and descend back, on the second day of the 3 days mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike you will have an early breakfast and then start hiking to the summit where you will pass through steep slopes. Upon arrival at the summit you will have spectacular views of Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira active volcanoes, forests, views of the surrounding communities, Virunga mountain ranges, take breathtaking photos among others. After having stunning views at the summit, you will start descending back to the starting point which takes about 3 to 4 hours and upon arrival you will meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the lodge for lunch and relaxation.

Day 3: Hike mount Bisoke to the Crater Lake and departure to Kigali

Hike mount Bisoke, after an early breakfast on the last day of the 3 days mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike, you will carry your lunch box and meet up with your driver guide to transfer to the park headquarters for a pre-hike briefing. After the briefing you will be allocated a knowledgeable  park guide and then drive to the starting point where you will be given a hiking stick and hire a porter who will give you a pull or push when you reach on steep slopes and also carry your backpack during hiking. Hiking mount Bisoke takes about 6 hours including the 2 hour descending down to the starting point, during hiking you will pass through thick vegetation zones like bamboo, hypericum and sub-alpine where you will have incredible views of animals like buffaloes, elephants, different bird species, primates like golden monkeys, gorillas among others. When you reach at the summit you will have breathtaking views of the Crater Lake Rwenzori Mountain ranges, views of the Virunga ranges, take beautiful photos and then have picnic lunch. After lunch you will start descending down 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 Days Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi Hike
Karisimbi Hike

End of 3 days mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hike

3 days 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 days hike excludes

  • Air flight tickets
  • Visas
  • Optional activities not included on the itinerary
  • Life insurance
  • Personal expenses like buying souvenirs, crafts, alcoholic drinks, juice, laundry services, hiring a porter, 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 packed lunch, camera, water
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
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