Embarking on a hike up Mount Bisoke is an exciting safari adventure that promises unforgettable memories for travelers on a Rwanda safari. It’s a must-do activity for those seeking unique and captivating experiences in this beautiful country.

Mount Bisoke is one of the eight major active volcanoes found in the Virunga Mountain Range, which is located on the borders of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda.

Mount Bisoke, which stands at a height of 12,175 feet, is in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. A rift gradually divided the sections of East Africa, forming Mount Bisoke. This mountain has two crater lakes that attract several tourists. One of the crater lakes is at the top of the mountain, while the other, which is lake Ngezi, is found midway.

This extinct volcano lies within the borders of Rwanda (Volcanoes National Park) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park) and continues to be one of the best hiking destinations, loved by many climbers. It not only offers hiking experiences but also opportunities to see mountain gorillas, the crater lakes, and other attractions.

Below is an overview of how hiking to the summit of Mount Bisoke is done.

Briefing Done at Volcanoes National Park Before the Actual Hiking of Mount Bisoke

At the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi, all visitors on Rwanda hiking tours receive a briefing before hiking Mount Bisoke to its summit. Briefings begin at around 7:30 am. This exercise involves providing guidelines that all hikers must follow to prevent any issues from occurring.

Visitors who are ready for hiking Mount Bisoke should make sure that they carry their Bisoke hiking permits.

They are grouped into groups and are assigned to a knowledgeable park ranger to guide them as they trek up to the summit.

The briefing time is the final opportunity for visitors to use a decent toilet or purchase snacks from the nearby store canteen. Following the briefing, registration, and porter hiring, the park offices transfer the visitors to the hike’s starting point.

Hiring A Porter and Getting a Walking Stick 

The park hires porters to help hikers reach the summit of Mt Bisoke. Hikers can hire a porter, and a porter costs 10 to 15 USD per day; and they can freely receive walking sticks. The walking sticks help climbers climb steep inclines and maintain a good balance on uneven ground.

Much as Mt Bisoke may seem less demanding, hikers should hire porters to give them a hand as they hike, especially at different points. Porters who are natives of Volcanoes NP also assist in carrying backpacks when climbing Mount Bisoke becomes difficult.

Some Porters live near the park and have been helping hikers since their childhood.

Getting To the Starting Point 

The journey to the hiking starting point normally takes around 30 to 40 minutes through the rough road. At this very point, armed park rangers will attract your attention, ensure that each hiker is provided with a walking stick, and porters will be available to assist in carrying the luggage.

The armed rangers, who are usually the natives of Volcanoes NP, are there to make sure that none of the hikers get attacked by the wild animals.

The Two Hiking Trails Leading to The Summit of Mount Bisoke

Two hiking trails lead to the summit of the crater lakes on the Bisoke mountain.  The trail that leads to Dian Fossey’s grave also shares the same starting point. Which is at the foot of the mountain.

 Lake Ngezi Hiking Trail 

This hiking trail takes around 4 hours, but at times the overall time depends on the hiking pace. It is quicker and easier to take compared to the Crater Lake Trail.

The lake is just 11 kilometers from the top of Mt Bisoke. This lake was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption in 1957.

Choosing the Ngezi hiking trail will allow you to see several bird species and other wildlife like golden monkeys.

Crater Lake Trail 

This one may take around 6 hours to reach the summit. It is moderately challenging with steep terrain and muddy patches that slow down the trekking pace of hikers, especially during the rainy season.

It meanders through diverse vegetation, like the lush bamboo forests and subalpine vegetation, before reaching the breathtaking summit and the mesmerizing lake. Choosing this trail will offer you chances of seeing animal primates like the golden monkeys, forest elephants, and bird species.

Hiking Mount Bisoke | trekking up to the summit 

Hiking Mount Bisoke, which is one of the most interesting activities, takes around 4 to 6 hours, depending on the hiking trail used. This is because the Mt Bisoke is less demanding; not only experienced hikers but also inexperienced hikers can enjoy this fun and exciting activity.

Hiking begins near the base of the volcano, where the terrain is flat. Before you reach the park entrance, you will pass several gardens and plantations. You will see the stone walls that surround the different areas of the park. The stone walls prevent locals from trespassing into the park to raid the animals.

Since hiking Mount Bisoke is less demanding, this activity is not significantly disrupted by rainfall, as hikers can traverse with less difficulty in their hiking shoes.

Although hiking Mount Bisoke is less challenging, hikers must still be physically fit and in good health to navigate the rugged terrain, deal with stinging insects, and encounter plants like stinging nettle and thorny plants.

If you’re thinking about climbing Mount Bisoke during the rainy season, just remember that the trails are likely to be muddy. This could make your hike a bit more challenging, especially if there are sudden showers that could make the paths slippery.

Stopover At Dian Fossey’s Grave

You can stop to rest at Dian Fossey’s grave before embarking on the exciting activity. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist renowned for her outstanding work in conserving and protecting mountain gorillas.

The place gradually ascends, with flowers serving as a natural insect repellent. Hikers at this point pay respect and commemorate Dian Fossey for her work toward the conservation and protection of mountain gorillas.

At this stopover, you will see the grave of Dian Fossey and where she was buried with her companion Digi, along with other gorillas that died due to poaching. The funds generated from Dian Fossey’s grave hikes contribute to gorilla conservation efforts.

Continuing With the Mount Bisoke Hike 

From a stopover at Dian Fossey’s grave, hikers can now continue to hike. Climbing Mount Bisoke further will allow you to see the crater lakes, wildlife including mountain gorillas, forest elephants, golden monkeys, buffalo, several bird species, and other attractions.

If hikers spot mountain gorillas, they have a 10-minute window to observe and photograph them from a distance. However, taking photos is highly prohibited and only allowed after seeking permission.

As climbing continues, hikers need to cope with changes in temperatures and oxygen levels. Low temperatures often reduce hiking speed and frequent rest breaks, thereby encroaching on the time that was allocated for the activity.

While at the summit of Mount Bisoke, you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Virunga Mountain range, including the stunning Mount Visoke crater lake. These may include the Mount Karisimbi volcano and Mount Mikeno.

Trekking Down Mount Bisoke

How long hikers spend at the peak of the mountain depends on the weather. On a warm day, a picnic can be organized.

Trekking down Mt Bisoke is simpler compared to trekking up. This generally takes 2 to 3 hours; however, it may vary according to the weather conditions and the fitness of some hikers.

Muddied and slippery trails, particularly in the steep sections, often pose challenges during the trek down. Even on a sunny day in the steep sections, trekking down can be challenging for some hikers.

On reaching the base of the mountain, you will find your tour guide and the drivers waiting to pick you up for another activity.

Trekking Mountain Gorillas and Mount Bisoke Hiking 

Given the fact that hikers have a greater opportunity to see a mountain gorilla family while on their hiking safari, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park has always made packages that combine the Mt Bisoke hike and mountain gorilla tracking.

Mountain gorillas thrive in this area because of the abundance of bamboo forests and other vegetation.

Only hikers who have paid for mountain gorilla tracking have an opportunity to spend at least one hour with mountain gorillas and take photos of them. Keep your distance when taking photos and gazing at these mountain gorillas, and refrain from using flashlights to avoid frightening them away.

It is important to know that the endangered mountain gorillas and the golden monkeys that you may encounter are not among the habituated. It is advisable to keep a good distance from them to avoid any attack from them that may arise.

Armed rangers are always on guard to protect you from any sudden attack from these endangered primate species.

You can book a gorilla trekking tour and a Mount Bisoke hiking at the same time for your memorable Rwanda safari.

The Cost of Hiking Mount Bisoke 

Knowing the cost of Bisoke hiking permits and how to get them is something that you must consider.

Bisoke hiking permits cost 75 USD per person for non-foreign residents and can be bought at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters and can be processed online through RDB on the Visit Rwanda website. These permits exclude transportation. You will either hire a vehicle at the park or travel by safari vehicles of your tour operators to the head trail.

The 75 USD caters to all the Volcanoes NP entrance prices, park ranger fees, and the Mount Bisoke hiking permit.

Other costs are 65 USD for EAC foreign residents and 55 USD for Rwanda and EAC citizens.

For those interested in gorilla trekking, permits cost around $1,500 for international tourists.

The costs above also exclude accommodation, food, and porters who are hired at the park to help in carrying luggage during trekking.

What To Pack for Hiking Mount Bisoke 

These are some of the things that you must pack for hiking Mount Bisoke successfully.

1. The right clothing. Among the right clothes to wear are

Long trouser and a long sleeved shirt to keep you safe from beetles, water proof boots or light hiking shoes, and hiking socks. These should keep you sturdy and firm as you hike, and they should make you able to hike even amidst muddy trails. The long sleeved shirt will protect you from stinging insects.

3. Hand gloves:Woolen or gardening gloves will protect your hands while holding sharp tree branches and bites from stinging insects.
4. Make sure you get a hiking stick. The park guides freely provide these.
5. Pack some snacks and water so you don’t hike on an empty stomach, yet the activity takes longer hours.
6. Altitude sickness medication: As a precaution, given the high altitude of Mt. Bisoke, in case you are sensitive to heights
7. A camera is essential for capturing the amazing scenery as you hike.

 What Is the Best Time to Hike Mount Bisoke? 

The best time for the Mount Bisoke hike in Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season in Rwanda, which runs from December to February and June to September. This weather makes it easy to navigate and take photos of the stunning scenery.

However, the best time for the Mount Bisoke hike can still depend on one’s free time. Minimal hikes happen during the wet season, like March to May and October to November, but they are associated with mud and vegetation overgrowth, and they are difficult to navigate.

You should check Rwanda’s weather and also make inquiries about the weather and the best time to travel to Rwanda for a hiking safari at Mt Bisoke.

Mount Bisoke Hike | FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How Long Does It Take to Hike Mount Bisoke? | How Long Is the Mount Bisoke Hike? 

Mount Bisoke hike or climbing Mount Bisoke to reach the lake and the summit of the mountain takes around 6 hours and 2 hours to descend.

2. Can You Swim in Mount Bisoke?

The lake at the summit of the mountain is not suitable for swimming because its water is considered unsafe.

3. How Tall Is Mount Bisoke? 

Mount Bisoke stands high at an elevation of 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) and has a signature Mount Visoke crater lake at the top. This makes it one of Rwanda’s most accessible and rewarding hikes.

4. Is Mount Bisoke Active? | Is Mt. Bisoke Active? 

Mount Bisoke is considered an active volcano, though it hasn’t erupted recently. Its last eruption happened in 1957. The presence of a lake at the summit was a result of a volcanic eruption.

5. What Is the Elevation Gain of Mount Bisoke?

The Elevation Gain of Mount Bisoke is 1000 meters. Hiking Mount Bisoke normally takes about 4–6 hours, depending on the pace of the climbers in the given group and the guides leading the group. The starting elevation is at 2,700 meters; the summit elevation is at 3,700 meters, while the elevation gain is at 1,000 meters.

 Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of Mount Bisoke! Book your hike today and witness wonderful sights like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, lush greenery, and stunning views of the other Virunga Mountains.  Explore all this and more on your adventure.