Mount Bisoke/Visoke is listed among the dormant Virunga volcanoes, the chain mountain ranges that are located within the Albertine rift, the East African rift arm. Visoke volcano lies at the border between Rwanda and D.R. Congo although its summits are positioned on the Rwandan side. Visoke/Bisoke Volcano is about 35kms, Northeast of Goma town in the D.R. Congo and it is next to Lake Kivu. Visoke Mountain range rises at an altitude of about 3711m, and it gets its name from the 2 Crater Lakes which the local residents referred to as Bisoke, translated to as soaked with water.
The top of Bisoke Volcano features an amazingly spectacular Crater Lake with a diameter measuring up to about 400m and the second “Lake Ngezi” is found at 11kms off from the summits. After the last eruption of Visoke Volcano, its height was recorded at 3711m and it doesn’t experience any snow although it is often covered by fog.
Formation
Visoke Volcano like most Virunga Mountain ranges was formed due to rift action. This created a divergent boundary of the East African rift, and this slowly cut across the African tectonic plate. Its altitudinal range features lush vegetation zones including bamboo at 2800m, and between 2800 and 3200m, and at the extreme top, there is a sub-alpine zone.
Location and access to Visoke/Bisoke Volcano
Visoke Volcano in Rwanda lies in Volcanoes National Park in the Northwestern side of the country. Access to this volcano takes about 2-3 hours and a drive through the scenic countryside. Volcanoes National Park a 160sq.kms extensive Virunga Conservation Area is a popular home to the rare mountain gorillas the major draw of tourists in Rwanda and the park. It also supports bamboo forests plus other vegetation zones, golden monkeys, 200 bird species, and others.
Hiking Bisoke/Visoke Volcano
Mount Bisoke is an ideal spot for adventure seekers on a Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park. It is the best area to start your trek even when you are an inexperienced climber. Climbing up to the summits of Visoke lasts for 6 hours and descending covers not more than 2 hours although this varies depending on the speed or stopovers you make. For seasoned hikers, they can take 3 hours and the amazing bit about Mount Bisoke is that hiking to its summits isn’t strenuous.
Along the path to the summits of Visoke Volcano, you will come across thorny plants, muddy trails and biting insects. These are commonly encountered during the wet or rainy season. Bisoke Mountain range is steep, but it is manageable.
On arrival at the summits of Bisoke Volcano, you will be amazed by the spectacular Crater Lakes, the splendid views of the surrounding alpine vegetation, and the park. This volcano lies at an area where the park’s popular animal/wildlife species reside especially buffaloes, golden monkeys, forest elephants, plus many bird species.
There is the possibility of finding one gorilla family group or that of golden monkeys. But the park official can allow you to spend not more than 10 minutes with mountain gorillas at a distance. Photography of mountain gorillas isn’t allowed because it is only for visitors on gorilla safari or golden monkey tracking.
Climbing Bisoke Volcano begins early in the morning and at Kinigi where briefing on your adventure is done. The park guide is assigned to your hiking safari group and it is a chance for you to also get a porter to assist you to carry heavy luggage.
During the briefing session, you will also be cleared before you are allowed to start your hike. This means you will need a hiking permit, passport, and other relevant documents to present before the park officials. After, beset with your gear and start your trek to the summits of Visoke volcano.
How long is the hike to Crater Lake on Bisoke Volcano?
Hiking through Visoke/Bisoke volcano takes at least 6 hours, 4 hours for ascending and descending about 2 hours. This all depends on the hiker’s fitness levels, weather, and other factors. For fully prepared climbers, the journey to the peak becomes shorter and also descending back can begin earlier.
At the summits, Visoke Volcano rewards hikers with a remarkable view of surrounding volcano cones such as Mikeno, Nyiragongo and Karisimbi, Muhabura, Gahinga, and Sabyinyo. This is additional memory of encountering gorillas along the way or golden monkeys.
Lake Ngezi hike- trekking to Lake Ngezi takes a shorter time, about 4 hours. This crater lake is 11kms off from Visoke Volcano’s summits and it overviews Mt. Gahinga. It is possible to explore it even during a guided nature walk or on a birding trail.
What is required for Mount Bisoke hiking
Bisoke volcano hiking requires adequate preparation. Part of your preparation includes finding essentials for your hiking tour, and these include the right clothes especially long trousers, headgear, a long-sleeved shirt, insect repellents, light but waterproof hiking boots, hand gloves, walking sticks, packed snacks, sunscreen, cameras plus extra batteries, bottled water, first aid kit, and more.
What is the cost of hiking Mt. Bisoke?
Mount Bisoke hiking permits cost USD75 per person. It is possible to purchase a Bisoke Volcano permit even on the actual day of hiking and you can get it at the Kinigi offices of Virunga National Park. The cost of hiking this volcano excludes transportation, accommodation and meal plans.
Other unforgettable experiences to enjoy at Rwanda Volcanoes National Park include gorilla trekking, bird watching, nature walks, Dian Fossey tomb trek, visiting Musanze caves, twin lake tour, cultural visit to nearby local communities, and others. Volcanoes NP also protects not only the Bisoke volcano but also the other 4 volcanoes- Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi, and Muhabura.
Where to stay
While on the Rwanda hiking tour to Bisoke volcano, visitors can spend a night at the available accommodation choices at Volcanoes National Park. All categories of accommodation are here, budget, moderate or moderate, and luxury; including Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Bisate Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorillas Nest Lodge and others.
