Highest volcano in Rwanda : Rwanda is a magnificent destination for mountaineering. The Virunga Mountains are a chain of eight Volcanoes which sprawl along the borders off Rwanda, Uganda and democratic republic of Congo. Among the eight Volcanoes, 5 are shared along the Rwanda’s borders such as mount Bisoke, mount Karisimbi, mount Gahinga, mount Muhavura and mount Sabyinyo. These five Volcano mountains make up the Volcanoes national park which is the Rwanda’s famous national park , popular known for its Mountain Gorilla trekking and its perfect destination for hiking safaris in Rwanda.
Mount Karisimbi is inactive volcano in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano in the Virunga ranges which is part of the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift. Mount Karisimbi is bordered by mount Mikeno to the north, mount Bisoke to the east, and mount Nyiragongo to the west. Karisimbi is the 11th highest mountain in Africa entailing of 4,507 meters (14,787 feet’s) above the sea level. Mount Karisimbi is also bordered by Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east and Nyiragongo to the west, on the other side of the Rift Valley. The name Karisimbi is driven from a word in the local language, Kinyarwanda, which means “little white shell”. This is reference to the white snow cap that can sometimes be found on the top of the volcano.
The most interesting and everlasting activity carried out by every visitors who visits the mount is mountain Hiking. Hiking to the peak of Karisimbi volcano can be rewarding can also be included with mountain gorilla trekking adventure safaris. Hiking of mount Karisimbi is fairly different from other volcanoes where tourists can only walk for two days. Hiking to the summit of mount Karisimbi begins early in the morning and takes about 5-6 hours. The hike to 4, 507 meters includes hiking up to Bisoke 3,700meters and the final journey to the peak can be finished in two days. This simply means you require at least 2 days to hike through Karisimbi volcano. The hike here begins early in the morning with the guidelines on the first day, you cover an altitude of 3,700m. The track to the top of Karisimbi is worthwhile, it gets you uncovered to a number of features including the viscous forest, vegetation and wildlife species.
Hiking mount Karisimbi is never be complete and not the only activity you can do in the area you can also include other activities in your travel package includes;
Mountain gorilla trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking is the famously done activity at the Virunga mountain ranges. The volcanoes national park is the home of the two largest remaining population of Mountain Gorillas of over 11 habituated gorilla families such as, Karisimbi, Amahora, Susa A, Umubano, Kirwa, Kwitonda, Bwenge, Ugenda Titua Agashya, Sabyinyo groups and gorilla trekking. Including gorilla trekking safari on your Rwanda hiking safari will be the most rewarding activity while on mount Karisimbi hike.
Golden Monkey trekking.
While on a Mount Karisimbi hiking safari, you can as well trek the golden monkeys while at the processes of hiking to the summit of mount Karisimbi that are only exists in this park in the whole of Rwanda. You will be recommended to book the golden monkey trekking permits before arrival into the country in order to be rest assured of the activity. The Golden Monkey trekking permits can be got from the Rwanda Development Board at a fee of 100 dollars per person per trek.
What to carry on mount Karisimbi hike
There a lot of things to consider or carry while hiking to the summit of mount Karisimbi such essentials includes good hiking boots or shoes, waterproof heavy jackets, sleeping bags, snacks, safari hat, walking stick, camera, warm clothing or sweater, tents, garden gloves, bottled water, stockings, rain jacket, trousers, insect repellent, first aid kit or box, sunglasses, enough snacks among others.
Hiking fee of mount Karisimbi
Hiking mount Karisimbi comes at a fee and hikers are required to pay 400 US dollars per person for foreign non-residents, 300US dollars for East African residents, 250US dollars for foreign residents and 200 US dollars for Rwanda and East African residents.be at a pie that the 400 US dollars fee includes the guide fee, accommodation at the mountain’s summit, and hiking fee. For those interested in gorilla trekking, the cost is 1500 US dollars per person.
When to hike Mount Karisimbi.
Mountain Karisimbi tours are open throughout the year, but the best time is during the dry season. There are two stages of dry month or season such as the long and short season. If you’re planning to hike the mountain in the long dry season then consider the month of June, July. August and September. Short dry month to consider undertaking mount Karisimbi hike includes December, January and February. Unlike wetter months, the dry season experiences very low rainfall, and the trails is kept drier making it easier to steer via the forest and steep slopes as you head to the peak of Karisimbi volcano.
Where to stay while at Mount Karisimbi
While on your Rwanda hiking safari at mount Karisimbi, tourist can stay a night at the existing accommodation facilities choices at Volcanoes National Park. All sorts of accommodation are here ranging from budget, moderate or moderate, and luxury level such as Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Hotel Muhabura, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Villa Gorilla among others.
Besides mount Karisimbi exploration, tourists can visit other attractions in the volcanoes national park such as Dian Fossey graveyard hike, Mount Bisoke hike, Twin Lakes of Ruhondo and Bulera, Musanze caves, birding, Buhanga Eco-Park (former place for the coronation of former Rwandan Kings and Mountain gorillas.
