The mountain of Mount Karisimbi lies in one of the most famous natural habitats for mountain gorillas in the world, the volcanoes national park of Rwanda. It is located very close to the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Virunga ranges include Karisimbi at 1400m, Mikeno at 3500m and Nyiragongo at 5400m. These volcanoes are surrounded by other volcanoes such as Mount Bisoke at 1400m, Mikeno at 3600m and Nyiragongo at 5400m.

A volcanic mountain of the Virunga massif, Mount Karisimbi, has a height of 4,507 meters, making it the highest volcanic mountain in the massif as well as the ninth highest mountain in Africa. It is a dormant volcano with two craters at the top. There are two calderas, the biggest of which is known as Branca, and the second is Mutango. The name Karisimbi translates from Kinyarwanda to “white coated top” – referring to the snow-capped peaks that can be seen on clear days of the year in relation to the white coating on the mountains.

Things to do on Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi

There are many trails that connect the Mount Karisimbi hike to other Volcanoes in Volcanoes national park. The mountain base is covered with dense bamboo forests, Hagenia forests, giant lobelias, and there is a caldera at the top of the mountain as well as volcanic mud on the top.

There are about two days of hiking necessary to conquer Mount Karisimbi, depending on how fit the tourist is. The jungle scenery is breath-taking and visually delighting, and it will take the tourist about an hour and a half to reach the highest peak from the Bisoke side.

At the summit of Mount Karisimbi, the climbers will see volcanic ash and loose rock while on top tourists will be able to see the Mount Muhabura that borders Uganda and Rwanda. The mountain was first climbed in 1903 by Barthelme Robinson.

Gorilla trekking

Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity in the Virunga ranges, so adding it to your safari will be a great choice. You may also want to visit the Karisoke research centre, where Dian Fossey began to conserve mountain gorillas.

Bird watching

There are various species of birds that are found in the Virunga ranges, some of which are endemic to the Albertine regions. Some examples of certain species of birds are the African fish eagle, the spur winged lapwing, the gray backed fiscal and others.

What To Pack When Hiking Mount Karisimbi

Listed below are some of the essentials we consider relevant to anyone who wishes to take on the adventurous hike to the peak and we believe are an essential part of the experience.

A rain jacket

Warm sweaters

Trousers or long pants

Gardening gloves

Sunglasses

Hiking shoes preferably with good support on the ankle

Stockings

A hat

A tent, sleeping bag and warm bedding for the overnight

Insect repellent

A first aid kit

Walking stick

Enough bottled drinking water

Enough snacks

Cost of Hiking Mount Karisimbi

The cost for the permit is $400 per hiker and is required for everyone who wishes to hike Mount Karisimbi. It is mandatory for anyone who wishes to hike Mount Karisimbi to obtain a permit in advance. It is possible to obtain these permits on the day of hiking, however it is highly advised that tourists do so in advance through the Rwanda development board or through their trusted travel agent.

Best Time to Hike Mount Karisimbi 

It is possible to visit Mount Karisimbi all year round; however, it is best to hike up the mountain during the dry season, which begins in the month of June and ends in June in addition to December during the dry season. During this time of year, you can see the snow on the summit of the volcano, which is not visible during the wet rainy season.