Mount Karisimbi is the tallest of all the 8 (eight) chain of Virunga Volcanoes or Virunga Massifs and in Africa, it is the 5th highest mountain range. This is an inactive volcano, lying at the border of Rwanda and D.R. Congo. It rises at an elevation of 4507m and sits right in the Albertine Rift Valley. The iconic volcano takes its name from Karisimbi, a Kinyarwanda word that means “white shell” and this is due to the presence of snow on its top which often occurs during the dry season. Karisimbi volcano features a caldera branca and 2 Craters at its summit and the widest is Mutango.
Climbing Karisimbi volcano
Hikes to the summits of Karisimbi volcano can incorporate mountain gorilla trekking adventures and hiking safaris. This begins early in the morning and lasts for about 6 hours. The trek to 4507m includes hiking up to Bisoke 3700m and the last journey to the summits can be completed the following day.
This means you require at least 2 days to trek through Karisimbi volcano. The hike begins early in the morning after briefing and on the first day, you cover an altitude of 3700m. The path to the summits of Karisimbi is rewarding, it gets you exposed to a number of features including the thick forest/vegetation and
Volcanic features
You must be fit enough and in better health in order to navigate through the slippery slopes. In case of heavy luggage, you may incur an additional cost of USD20 for hiring a porter to assist in carrying your property plus other hiking gear such that you have full-time concentration.
The trails leading to the summits of Karisimbi are best trekked through during the dry season; June to September or December to February, when it is minimal or completely no rain.
At 3700m altitude, a camp is set for your relaxation and dinner. This is after spending over 6-7 hours trekking depending on your fitness level. Early in the morning, get a hot cup of tea/coffee, and after, complete your journey to the final point. It is at this point that you enjoy clear views of many other volcanos including Nyamuragira, Nyiragongo, and Mount Muhabura plus the dense forests, and Congo border.
What to carry for the Mount Karisimbi trek in Rwanda?
Pack lightly for your Mt. Karisimbi and among the essentials to consider include good hiking boots/shoes, waterproof heavy jackets, sleeping bags, snacks, safari hat, walking stick, camera, warm clothing or sweater, tents, gloves, bottled water, stockings, rain jacket, trousers, insect repellent, first aid kit or box, sunglasses, and more.
Cost of Karisimbi volcano permits
Hiking Karisimbi volcano comes at a cost, and climbers pay USD400 per person. The permits are available for booking through a reliable tour operator on the ground. You can plan the whole Karisimbi hiking tour with a local tour operator since he or she has the best knowledge about the entire adventure on the Karisimbi volcano.
When to hike Mt. Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi hiking safaris are open throughout the year, but the ideal time is during the dry season. There are 2 phases of dry months/seasons; the long and short. If you are visiting during the long dry season, then mark on your calendar; June, July, August, and September. Short dry months to consider undertaking the Karisimbi trek include December, January to February. Unlike wetter months, the dry season experiences very low rainfall, and the trail/path is kept drier making it easier to navigate via the forest and steep slopes as you head to the summits of Karisimbi volcano 4507m.
2-day Mt Karisimbi trek Volcanoes National Park
A typical 2 days of trekking Mt. Karisimbi volcano starts with day one for you to report to Kinigi offices for briefing and to be allocated a park guide. From Kinigi and with your right gear, the actual trek begins in the morning, and depending on the nature of the environment and your fitness level, expect to spend at least 6 to 7 hours. The 6 hours of trek to the summits of Karisimbi can be challenging as you wind through the steep slopes, and dense vegetation but interestingly, there is a lot to encounter en route to the top of this volcano. These include faunal and floral species especially at the lower slopes and at 3700m, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
Day 2 is normally dedicated to finishing the ascent to 4507m altitude and descending to the base/Kinigi where you began your trekking journey to the summits of Karisimbi volcano. On this day, you can proceed to Kinigi or if you want to increase your days of exploring Volcanoes National Park, spend a night at the lodge and the following day, continue with the park’s activities.
Volcanoes National Park offers more than climbing adventures. There are other plentiful experiences worth trying on during the Rwanda safari holiday including golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, Dian Fossey tomb site hike, cultural visit to Iby’Iwacu cultural village, nature walk, guided Musanze cave walk, visit the twin lakes in the nearby area, birding and others.
Other Virunga Mountain ranges in Volcanoes National Park include the Bisoke volcano, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga volcanoes.
Wildlife of Volcanoes NP- besides volcanoes, the park supports a diversity of animal and bird species. The popular wildlife includes mountain gorillas, duikers, spotted hyenas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, bush pigs, buffaloes, and other primates, and 200 bird species including Kivu ground thrush.
Where to stay
Other than the camping options at the summits of Karisimbi, at the base of this volcano, and around Volcanoes National Park entirely, there are many lodging choices ranging from budget to luxury. They include Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Virunga Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Boutique Hotel, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, La Palme Hotel, and many others.
Getting to Mt. Karisimbi volcano, Rwanda
Trekking safaris to Karisimbi Volcano begin at Kigali and which is about a 2-3 hours drive away. Currently, there is an option of taking a flight from Kigali Airport using a helicopter and you land at Musanze airstrip just next to Kinigi offices.
