Mount. Bisoke is an active strata-volcano that is part of the mighty Virunga ranges of central and East Africa. It shares borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo found in the Albertine Rift, Mount. Bisoke is one of three active Volcanoes and it last erupted in 1957. The other two are Mount Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira.
Mount. Bisoke or Visoke is shared by both Volcanoes National park in Rwanda and Virunga national park in DR. Congo. The biggest chunk is in Rwanda with its summit and beautiful crater lakes. Bisoke boasts of the largest Crater Lake among the Virunga Mountains which makes it one interesting volcano hike in the area.
Just like many of its counterparts, Mount Bisoke homes the threatened mountain gorillas. This is due to the ideal conditions like cool weather, bamboo forests, and shelter that attracted the gorillas to this region.
Most guests to the area’s primary interest are trekking these beautiful giants of Africa and only add hiking as an extra activity.
Hiking Mount. Bisoke.
Mount. Bisoke is considered the friendliest volcano to hike. This is because even inexperienced guests can engage and finish the hike to its summit. Hiking Bisoke is an adventurous expedition that can be successfully done in three hours for seasoned hikers. But for the less experienced hikers it could last up to six hours. Although it’s the easiest to hike, it requires one to be in a good health, physically and mentally in shape, and well prepared.
Over the years, mount. Bisoke has become a favorite for guests to Volcanoes national park who are drawn by the desire to view the largest Crater Lake in the area, stunning scenery as the hike from alpine vegetation and a picturesque landscape found nowhere else on earth. The volcano also accommodates forest buffaloes, golden monkeys, and elephants not forgetting the countless bird species which can make your hike even spicier.
While hiking, it is more likely that you will encounter one of the gorilla families that inhabit slopes of Mount Bisoke. Finding them is considered an extremely lucky experience and you are gifted with ten minutes of appreciating this spectacular moment. However, you are not entitled to privileges like taking photos or staying longer as it’s only reserved for guests that have paid for gorilla trekking permits. The mountain gorillas you encounter are mostly not habituated which calls for extra precaution by keeping a safer distance.
The hiking process.
Hiking mount. Bisoke normally kicks off at 7 am with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. Visitors are required to present their documents like permits as this helps in the assignment of where you head; for example those who have gorilla trekking permits are sent to different locations and also which particular mountain you chose to hike.
After verification, hikers are assigned to an experienced guide and armed rangers whose sole purpose is to ensure your safety while hiking from wild animals or on very rare occasion rebels who cross over from the Congo side.
You can also pick a porter to help you with luggage while hiking. These are also knowledgeable about the trail as most have been porters for many years. A porter’s services are usually acquired at a rate of USD 10.
The hike starts with rough, rocky though levelled ground which gradually changes as you reach higher altitudes. You will be able to view beautifully arranged farms beneath you, exotic vegetation and once you make it to the peak the largest crater in the Virunga Massif. The descent will be much easier and lasts only 2-3 hours depending on your speed, as it is set by the slowest person in the group.
The best time to hike Mount. Bisoke.
Appropriate time to hike Bisoke volcano is during the dry season – June to mid-October when trails are dry, less pesky insects like mosquitoes, and it is not muddy which makes hiking comfortable.
Visitors are reminded to carry rainproof apparel like raincoats and jackets, sturdy hiking boots as even during the dry season rains are not 100 percent unavoidable.
For visitors planning to hike Mount. Bisoke, you can also add one or two other fun activities or attractions like gorilla trekking, culture encounters or visiting Akagera national park to view all the African big five in one destination on your next Rwanda safari.
