Mount Bisoke Hiking Adventure
Mount Bisoke hiking/climbing is one of the adventure travel experiences in Rwanda. Standing at 3,711 meters above sea level, Mount Bisoke is among the easy to hike volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation area. The dormant volcano that last erupted in August 1957 and is located in Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. For most short time travelers who want to hike in Rwanda, Mt Bisoke is best for you. Its possible to hike up and down Mt Bisoke in one day, which makes it easy for travelers with, limited time. The Volcano is one of the 8 volcanoes, which make the chain of the Virunga Volcanoes. Whereas, the hike is not so challenging, travelers are required to have some physical fitness and be mentally ready to conquer this adventure. Interestingly, the slopes of Mt Bisoke shelter the endangered Bisoke gorilla family. On a good day, Mt Bisoke hikers can meet the endangered gorillas on the mountain slopes which make the whole experience more fun and enjoyable.
In most cases, Mt Bisoke hiking is done as a complement to gorilla safaris and other wildlife experiences in Rwanda.
1-Day Bisoke Hike
You should already be in Kigali to do a 1-Day Bisoke hike. You will have an early pick up from Kigali airport or your hotel in Kigali and transfer to the briefing pint where you will be introduced to the dos and don’ts of Bisoke hiking. From there, transfer to the hiking starting point and together with your ranger guides, start off the adventure. The hiking time to the summit of Mt Bisoke is roughly 6 hours depending on your physical fitness and the hiking speed of the slowest person in your group. The summit of the volcano offers you great views of the other Virunga Mountains, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda and Congo local communities and all the beautiful sceneries. More so, enjoy the fresh airs at the summit of Bisoke Mountain, take pictures and have fun. Later on, hike down, meet your driver guide and transfer to your hotel or the airport for departure.
Cost of Mt Bisoke Hike
The permit to hike Mt Bisoke costs $75 per person. This cost is inclusive of the hiking fee, ranger fees, government taxes, conservation fee and miscellaneous. However, you need a driver guide from Gorilla Trek Africa for transfers to and from the mountain slopes at a small cost.
How to book Mt Bisoke hiking permit
You can book with Gorilla Trek Africa limited, the number one tours and Travel Company in Rwanda. GTA will book and reserve a hiking permit for you and also allocate you the best driver guide to and from the mountain. Alternatively, you can book direct with Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for all tourism activities and conservation in Rwanda. Booking through a travel agency is more convenient saving you time and energy. Bookings are recommended at least 2 months to the hiking date for preparations.
What to pack for Mt Bisoke Hiking?
Endeavor to dress right for this hiking adventure! Among the things to carry for hiking Mt Bisoke include hiking boots, gardening gloves, sunglasses, enough drinking water, energy giving snacks, First aid kit, toiletries and sanitary wear for women, rain jackets, trekking poles, Extra batteries, Socks, Hiking pants, hat and gaiters. You also need a hiking stick to ease your hiking up and down hill.
Do I need a porter?
YES, you surely need a porter for your Bisoke hiking. However, it’s not mandatory but advisable. Porters are local people who live near the park and help you carry the baggage to and from the mountain. Also, porters help to support you by handing your hand especially when grounds are slippery and on steep slopes. Hiring a porter is an indirect support of local livelihood and improving local peoples standards of living that earn a living through pottering.
Other Volcanoes in the Virunga Massif
There are 8 volcanic mountains in the Virunga Conservation Area shared by Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These are Mt Gahinga, Mt Muhabura, Mt Sabinyo in Uganda, Mt Bisoke and Mt Karisimbi in Rwanda, Mt Nyamuragira, Mt Nyiragongo and Mt Mikeno in Congo. All these volcanoes are dormant except Mt Nyamuragira and Mt Nyiragongo, which erupted recently in 2021. If you are spending an overnight at the summit of the Volcano, a sleeping bag and warm sweaters for the night are recommended.
Other travel activities in Rwanda
In addition to hiking Mt Bisoke, the land of a thousand hills offers you much more to see and do on your Rwanda safari. The other travel experiences in Rwanda include:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking
2. Mt Karisimbi hiking,
3. Golden monkey trekking
4. Chimpanzee trekking
5. Game viewing
6. Kigali city tour
7. Canopy walk
8. Boat cruise
9. Nature/Forest walks
10. Dain Fossey grave hike
11. Bird watching
12. Community tours
In general, Mt Bisoke is worth hiking! Contact Gorilla Trek Africa, book your hiking tour and enjoy this adventurous lifetime experience.
