Along with Mount Karisimbi and Muhabura volcano, Mount Bisoke is one of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga conservation region in Volcanoes National Park on the Rwandan side. When visiting Rwanda, hikers should not miss the stunning and difficult experience of hiking Mount Bisoke. A crater lake at the summit of the volcano is a satisfying sight after a strenuous walk. The one-day walk up Mount Bisoke has grown in popularity among travellers seeking low-cost hiking experiences in Rwanda.
Although the majority of Mount Bisoke Volcano is located in Rwanda, it is divided between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. Rising to a height of 3711 metres, Mount Bisoke is one of the eight most breathtaking Virunga Mountains. The Great Virunga Volcanoes, which span the boundaries of three neighbouring countries Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are home to the endangered mountain gorillas. They are composed of eight major volcanoes.
The Bisoke volcano has a deep crater lake that spans its 400-meter circle, and it has the classic conic shape of a perfect volcano. Another crater lake, Lake Ngezi, was created by an eruption in 1957 and is located approximately 11 km from the summit. The name Mount Bisoke, which means “soaked with water” in Swahili, comes from these two Crater Lakes.
Hikers on Rwandan hiking safaris can spend a day exploring the picturesque Mount Bisoke. The two main hiking paths lead to each of the lakes, and although the journey is steep, it is doable. It takes six hours to trek the popular trail to the peak, which involves two hours of descent and four hours of ascent. But the hike is totally dependent on how quickly you walk and how often you stop.
The walk up Mount Bisoke takes you through a variety of natural habitats, including a bamboo forest, a Hagenia Hypericum woodland, and Senecio Lobelia bush near the summit.
The Rwandan Mountain Bisoke Hiking Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime excursion that provides amazing vistas and the chance to take in the area’s breathtaking natural splendour. The active volcano Mount Bisoke, also called Bisoke, is located inside the Volcanoes National Park. To walk in Mountain Bisoke, you must get a permit from the Rwanda Development Board or via a reliable tour operator. Hiring a knowledgeable local guide is strongly advised as they may add to your experience, assure your safety, and offer important information.
The Mountain Bisoke Hiking Experience, tucked away in Rwanda’s lush surroundings, entices travellers from all over the world. This amazing tour guarantees a wonderful experience with the splendour of nature with its breathtaking beauty and difficult trails. Put on your boots and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime.
The first part of the Mountain Bisoke Hiking Experience is a captivating climb through a tapestry of rich foliage. The air turns crisp as you continue along the trail, filling you with the enticing aroma of the wildflowers that line the route. The surrounding panoramas unroll like an amazing picture, with each step revealing a new one. The sound of birds singing along the way serenades you and adds to the hike’s symphony of nature.
Exploring the mysterious woodland brings one face-to-face with amazing biodiversity. Hikers with a lot of enthusiasm might be able to see the magnificent golden monkeys, skipping deftly from branch to limb. The forest is full of life, with a diverse range of plants and animals. See uncommon orchids tucked away among emerald ferns and listen to primates rustling in the treetops a constant reminder of the interdependence of all living things.
Not just for seasoned hikers, hiking Mount Bisoke is a thrilling and daring exercise. It takes six hours to hike to the summit and two or more hours to descend, depending on how often the hiking party pauses to rest. Expert alpinists can arrive at the peak in three hours. Although a trek up Mount Bisoke is thought to be less strenuous, hikers should still be in reasonable physical condition and be ready to tackle the muddy trails, prickly vegetation, and stinging insects especially during the rainy season. One thing that hikers need to prepare for is the temperature and oxygen levels. The climb can become very taxing due to the extremely low temperatures, necessitating numerous pauses.
Because climbing Mount Bisoke offers the chance to see the crater lakes, breathtaking vistas, and unique alpine plants that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth, it is a favourite activity among tourists to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.