Mount Bisoke, sometimes known as Visoke, is one of the volcanoes that are part of the Virunga Mountain range which stands between the north-eastern borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Bisoke Mountain raises up to 12,175 feet (3,711 m) above sea level. It is an extinct volcano that last erupted in 1957 and has a crater lake on its summit that attracts many hikers.
Because Mount Bisoke lies on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the summit and the crater lakes are on the Rwandan side. For those looking for a less strenuous hike in Rwanda, Mount Bisoke hike is the easiest of Rwanda’s five volcanoes.
The mountain derives its name from a Kiswahili word meaning “soaked water”
What to carry for the Mount Bisoke hike
Hiking shoes to keep you stable on the tough terrain that can get really muddy in caste rain. However, shoes should be as light as possible in order to prevent you from carrying extra weight around with you.
Rain jacket/poncho. Since the weather can change at any time, you should always be prepared for rain.
Warm sweater. If you think the temperatures at the higher elevations may drop to below 5 degrees, you may need to carry this with you to keep warm.
Proper outdoor clothes. A pair of long pants and a long-sleeved shirt are the best options for hiking in steep areas as they will protect you from stinging nettles and prickly plants. Proper clothing will also allow you to move smoothly as you hike through steep terrain.
Garden gloves. In the event that you need to move plants or branches out of the way in any way, these gloves will keep your hands warm and protect them from being damaged. There is a risky of touching a stinging nettle.
Sunscreen. Due to the fact that when it shines, it is very hot and can burn your skin
Head gear. In addition to keeping your head warm in the chillier higher elevations, you can also protect your hair from particles falling off trees.
Drinking water. A must to rehydrate because you lose a lot through sweat.
Snack to eat because you will be hungry by the time you get to the peak after the tough hike. You need your energy levels back before the descend.
Copy of your passport. In order to participate in the hike, you must bring this certificate to the park office in Kinigi in order to be registered for the activity. Without this certificate, you will not be able to participate in the activity.
Cost of Hiking Mount Bisoke
If there are no hikers on the day you wish to climb Mount Bisoke then you will be able to get free tickets from the park headquarters. Booking direct from the park is risky, because there is no guarantee that you will find free tickets. The permit for hiking Mount Bisoke costs $75 include. The cost of permit includes the services of park rangers and a hiking Guide. Transport from Kigali to the park and meals are not included in the $75.
This is one of the reasons most hikers book their activities through a tour operator before they go on the trail. There are tour operators who can take care of booking your permits in advance and arranging your transportation for you.
Where to stay
Guests staying overnight in Volcanoes National Park have a variety of accommodation options to choose from. They range from budget, midrange to luxury. They include Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One &only Gorillas Nest Lodge/Bisate Lodge , Da Vinci Lodge , Kinigi Guesthouse , Muhabura Hotel etc.
Getting to Bisoke Crater
Located in the north western part of Rwanda, Bisoke Crater Lake hike is located within Volcanoes National Park, which is located about a 2-3 hour drive away from Kigali, the capital city. Volcanoes National Park is one of the more popular parks in Rwanda.
