Description

Rwanda has 5 volcanoes within its boundaries, some it shares with Uganda and others with DR Congo with Sabyinyo volcano shared by all the three countries.  The Volcanoes in Rwanda are all part of Volcanoes national park, they are Mt Muhabura, Mt Gahinga, Mt Sabyinyo, Mt Bisoke and Mt Karisimbi. Therefore, when you hike to the peak of Sabyinyo, you have been to all the 3 countries at once.

Mount Bisoke Volcano hike to the Bisoke Crater lake is by far the most popular because of the beautiful scenery of the crater lake at the top. This is a day trip and hikers taking it on in 6 hours total whereas others take as long as 8 hours in today.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from Kigali for the Mt Bisoke hiking Tour

Today your driver guide will pick you up from your hotel or airport and transfer to Musanze, near Volcanoes national park for your Mt Bisoke hiking tour.  You will check in to your hotel in preparation for tomorrows activity.

Journey time: 2,5 hours

Meal plan: Dinner

Accommodation options:

• Luxury: Five Volcanoes Lodge

• Moderate: Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge

• Budget: Garden Place

Day 2: Hike to Bisoke Crater Lake

Your driver guide will transfer you for briefing at the park headquarter which starts at 7.00am. The trek starts early morning from the RDB offices in Kinigi. Your driver guide drops you at the office where you receive briefing and join other hikers to the Mt Bisoke. There are different groups of people at the headquarters going for different activities in Volcanoes national park which include, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking and hiking different volcanoes. Your hiking guide will brief you on expectations while you hike Mt Bisoke and what you should be aware of. After the briefing, your driver guide will transfer you to the starting point which is about 30 minutes away because of the nature of the nature of the road.

Hiking Bisoke Volcano

Mt Bisoke is 3711 m above sea level and is shared between DR Congo and Rwanda. The hiking tour is from Rwanda’s Volcanoes’ national park. On arrival at the starting point, you will immediately start the trek up to the park boundary where it is separated from the community. There will be porters at this point and you are advised to take one. The hike gets really steep at some point and we advise that you consider taking a porter along to help carry your day pack and help support you when you are going down the slippery road. At this point you will be part of the larger group with some going for gorilla trekking. The group will separate somewhere before the trail head for Bisoke. Your guide will lead the way and together with the porters you start the trek.

At the first the ascent is not that steep but the vegetation is think. You will most likely walk faster but if you are not a seasoned hiker please pace yourself and not allow anyone to pressure into walking faster. The aim is that you make it to the top of the volcano which has the beautiful Bisoke crater lake.

Depending on your experience the hike to the beautiful crater lake takes anything from 2 hours to 4 hours. Remember to pace yourself and let the beautiful crater lake be what will motivate you when the hike starts getting steep. On arrival at the top, you will have full view of the crater lake and also the border with DR Congo. Take photos and eat your snack before starting the descent down which is much faster but can be slippery. The porter will come in handy as they help and support you.

Included in the Price

Ground transport

Bottled water in the safari vehicle

Hiking fees

Park entrance fees

Service of an English-speaking driver guide

Driver allowances and park fees for vehicle and driver

All mentioned activities except for the optional ones

Excluded

Accommodation and meals

Tips to porters and driver/ guide

Insurance