Hiking in the Volcanoes National Park
The Volcanoes National Park comprises of a range of six extinct and three active volcanoes form the Virunga Massif, spanning altitudes from 2,400m to 4,507m. The Volcanoes National Park protects the Rwandan sector, with the other slopes falling within Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Volcanoes are a nature lovers dream, possessing incredible natural beauty; including lush forests and different vegetation zones, beautiful crater lakes, breathtaking scenery and unique mountain life. The park is best known for tracking gorillas but there is plenty more to see and do and hiking is one of the astounding activities to be done.
MOUNT KARISIMBI
Starting point: Bisoke Parking
Duration: 2 days
Length: 12 km (x2)
Level: Challenging
‘Karisimbi’, which translates as white shell, refers to the frequently white-capped cloud cover at the summit. At 4,507m it is a strenuous yet rewarding hike, which takes two days, camping along the way. As this is the territory of gorillas, other primates and many bird species, hikers could be blessed with a chance of meeting them along the way
| Visitor Category |
Adult |
Student / Child |
| Foreign | $ 400 | |
| Foreign Resident in Rwanda | $250 | $180 |
| Rwandan Citizen | RFW 30000 | RFW 15000 |
| East African Citizen | $200 | $180 |
| East African Foreign Resident | $300 | $180 |
MOUNT MUHABURA
Starting point: Nyagahinga
Duration: 8 hours (x2)
Length: 9 km (x2)
Level: Challenging
Mount Muhabura is the second highest of the Rwandan Virunga Volcanoes, bordering Rwanda and Uganda, and the steepest of all. The Mount Muhabura hike is the most demanding hike up to 4,127m and especially since hikers are required to complete the hike in a day. For those who make it all the way up to the top, breathtaking scenery will reward their challenging climb.
| Visitor Category |
Adult |
Student / Child |
| Foreign | $ 100 | |
| Foreign Resident in Rwanda | $75 | $45 |
| Rwandan Citizen | RFW 5000 | RFW 3000 |
| East African Citizen | $60 | $45 |
| East African Foreign Resident | $80 | $45 |
MOUNT BISOKE
Starting point: Bisoke Parking
Duration: 5 hours (x2)
Length: 6.5 km (x2)
Level: Challenging
For those keen to summit Mount Bisoke, a crater lake awaits at the top, which lies at 3,700m. This trail takes anything from five hours to a whole day.
| Visitor Category |
Adult |
Student / Child |
| Foreign | $ 75 | |
| Foreign Resident in Rwanda | $65 | $45 |
| Rwandan Citizen | RFW 4000 | RFW 2000 |
| East African Citizen | $55 | $45 |
| East African Foreign Resident | $65 | $45 |
MOUNT GAHINGA
Starting point: Gatabi Parking
Duration: 5 hours (x2)
Length: 5 km (x2)
Level: Challenging
On top of the famous mountain gorillas, Gahinga is also home to several other species of animals and birds that form part of the Mount Gahinga ecosystem. The equally endangered golden monkeys are an example of that ecosystem
| Visitor Category |
Adult |
Student / Child |
| Foreign | $ 75 | |
| Foreign Resident in Rwanda | $65 | $45 |
| Rwandan Citizen | RFW 4000 | RFW 2000 |
| East African Citizen | $55 | $45 |
| East African Foreign Resident | $65 | $45 |
KARISOKE RESEARCH CENTER (DIAN FOSSEY TOMB)
Starting point: Bisoke Parking
Duration: 3 hours
Level: Challenging
In the saddle area between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke is the Karisoke Research Centre, founded by Dian Fossey in 1967, as well as the site of her grave. The walk up takes about an hour to an hour and a half, starting with a drive from the park headquarters 30 minutes away
| Visitor Category |
Adult |
Student / Child |
| Foreign | $ 75 | |
| Foreign Resident in Rwanda | $60 | $45 |
| Rwandan Citizen | RFW 4000 | RFW 2000 |
| East African Citizen | $55 | $45 |
| East African Foreign Resident | $65 | $45 |
Dian Fossey is portrayed in Gorillas in the Mist, a 1988 American drama film directed by Michael Apted and starring Sigourney Weaver. Her anti-poaching patrols led to the arrest of many poachers who were sentenced to jail and some are still serving their sentences. Dian was murdered in 1985 in her tent at her research institute by unknown murders where she was found lying in a pool of blood in the early morning of December 27, 1985. Fossey is buried at Karisoke, in a site that she herself had constructed for her deceased gorilla friends. She was buried in the gorilla graveyard next to Digit, and near many gorillas killed by poachers. Memorial services were also held in New York, Washington, and California.
Best time for volcano hiking
Rwanda falls very close to the equator. So while its weather patterns vary, there aren’t very extreme variations. Rainy season between March and May and late in September to November, this is the time to avoid hiking, especially as there are frequent rain, storms and lightning which render the trails very muddy and the hike is difficult. The dry season is usually from June to around September and later in December to around February. The dry season is the best time because the trails are dry and climbing is therefore easier.
What to prepare for the hike:
Long trousers and long sleeve (to minimize the impact on wildlife, it is recommended to wear shades of green or brown).
Hiking waterproof boats
Carry garden gloves,
A rain jacket,
Gaiters
Sunscreen
A camera
For Responsible hike: Do not leave a trace, Stay on the trail and respect wildlife.