If you are thinking about hiking while on your Rwanda safari adventure, look no further than embarking on the Mount Karisimbi hike in Volcanoes National Park.

The Mt. Karisimbi hike is one of the intriguing activities that can be added to mountain gorilla trekking for a complete, unforgettable safari in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda.

Mt. Karisimbi is the highest inactive volcano in the Virunga ranges in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, lying on the border of Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo on the western branch of the African rift valley.

Three countries share the Virunga mountains: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mt. Karisimbi is surrounded by Mount Mikeno in the north, Mount Bisoke to the east, and Mount Nyiragongo to the west, on the side of the rift valley.

Other Virunga volcanoes that surround Karisimbi are Mt. Mikeno, the second highest; Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Nyamuragira.

It stands 4507 meters above sea level, emerging as the highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains range and the eighth-highest in Africa.

The name Karisimbi is derived from “amasimbi,” a Kinyarwanda word that means snow. Therefore, the mountain earned the name Karisimbi because of its snow-capped surface, particularly during the dry seasons.

In other words, the word “Karisimbi” is a Kinyarwanda word that means “white shell.” This is because of the white snow that normally falls and covers its peak. It has a large caldera known as Branca and two craters.

Mount Karisimbi is also close to the Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey’s grave lies.  Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who did much of her research on the conservation of mountain gorillas.

Preparing For Hiking 

Before hiking up, hikers should plan since the hike typically lasts for 2 days, which involves trekking through various vegetation zones along the trail.

Hikers should expect to rest at an altitude of around 3,700 meters for the first night during the ascent.

First, the hikers on a Rwanda safari drive to the Volcanoes National Park headquarters for a briefing conducted by park wardens and guides about the guidelines and instructions for hiking Mt. Karisimbi.

At the park offices, extra porters can be hired to help in carrying items like sleeping bags, heavy cameras, camping equipment, and other hiking equipment, especially when the ascent gets harder on very steep slopes.

From the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, every hiker is given a walking stick for support during the hiking exercise. After the briefing session, the visitors are driven to the foot of Mt. Bisoke for ascent.

It is advisable to bring walking boots and enough warm clothing for hiking Mount Karisimbi because temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Preparation for hiking should include planning for the descent, which typically takes about six hours.

Climbers should have mental preparation first because high altitude conditions can be distressing.  Descending to a lower altitude can be done to help hikers with altitude sickness.

Hiking Up to the Summit of Mount Karisimbi

Climbing Mount Karisimbi in Volcanoes NP, which is known for its exotic plants, is something extraordinary that hikers on Rwanda safari tours witness.

It involves climbing on the rough terrain while you enjoy views of different wildlife, including exotic plants, bird species, and animals, among others.

The Mount Karisimbi hike usually takes 2 days, regardless of a hiker’s experience level. The first day is for ascending, and the second day is for reaching the summit and descending.

To conquer the summit that is covered by snow, you must be in excellent health and have the stamina to climb on the sometimes-slippery slopes and muddy trails, especially during the rainy season.

Climbing Mt. Karisimbi to its summit takes around 6–7 hours. Hiking for 7 hours depends on the physical fitness of the slower hikers. On the first day, hikers climb only to stop midway at an altitude of 3700 meters above sea level.

Unlike the Mount Bisoke hike, there is only one hiking trail that goes through the dense forest up to the campsite on the first day.

While hiking Mt. Karisimbi, you may encounter beautiful landscapes, various trees, and other plant species that contribute to the lush vegetation.

As you walk through the bamboo forest, you will also encounter various birds and animals like mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, among others, that call Mt. Karisimbi in Virunga National Park their home.

Hikers typically stop for the night at an altitude of 3,700 meters during the trek to Mount Karisimbi. At this camping area, they set their tents, have dinner, and rest until morning.

Early the following morning, on day 2, having endured a cold night, a morning breakfast is served, and then a final ascent to the summit takes 1 hour.

The final ascent to reach the summit from the midway camp is steeper and more difficult to navigate because of the high elevation.

It is also associated with thick mud on the upper slopes, strong wind, and fog that usually affect the hiker’s visibility. Though the final push is hard, it creates lasting memories of a Rwanda safari tour.

At the summit, hikers enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes like Mount Mikeno, Muhabura, Nyamuragira, and Bisoke, and the forested areas.

Descending Mount Karisimbi 

Descending Mt Karisimbi normally occurs on day 2 after hikers have successfully conquered the summit and enjoyed panoramic views of other peaks in the Virunga ranges, breathtaking sunrises, and other memorable sights.

Though descending Mt. Karisimbi is easier than climbing, the descent from the summit typically takes about 2-6 hours to return to the starting point, from where they are received by the guides and safari drivers.

At this point, the guides and safari drivers can transport the travelers to either the hotel or Kigali International Airport, depending on their next activity.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi and Tracking the Mountain Gorillas Experience 

Visitors to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda combine gorilla trekking with a Mt. Karisimbi hike for a complete Rwanda trip.

To fully enjoy trekking with the endangered mountain gorillas that live on the lower slopes of Mt. Karisoke, you must pay for a gorilla permit.

Climbers who also engage in gorilla tracking are allowed to spend some time with the gorillas, observe, and learn about their way of life, and take photos, but avoid using flashlights, for it may scare away the gorillas.

 Hiking Permits and Other Costs to Incur  

Hiking permits, which cost $400 per person, are a must-have for everyone before hiking Mt. Karisimbi.

It is highly advisable that before embarking on your Rwanda safaris, you should book the permit in advance, before the peak season when the prices go high.

The hiking permits are obtained from the Volcanoes National Park headquarters or through a reliable tour operator.

This can be done online through the Rwanda Development Board website, or one can contact a local tour operator for help.

Booking through a local tour operator like Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd or Africa Safaris Tours helps you plan for lodging, transportation, permits, and other hiking equipment, such as walking poles. A safari expert from the local tour operator will help you calculate the total cost.

Other costs incurred may include hiring a porter, which may cost around $20 per day, as porters are readily available near the Volcanoes National Park office.

Engaging with park rangers is entirely voluntary, and there is no specific amount of money that one must give.

Packing List for Mount Karisimbi Hike 

The following are some of the things that you should pack for a successful hiking experience.

• A rain jacket and warm sweaters.
• Long-sleeved shirt to protect you from the stinging insects
• Trousers or long pants
• Gardening gloves to protect you from sharp tree branches
• Sunglasses
• Stockings that are long enough to cover your legs from stinging insects
• A hat to protect you from too much sunshine on a sunny day
• A tent, a sleeping bag, and warm bedding for the overnight stay at Mt. Karisimbi
• Packed food, snacks, and water for a trek, some of which are consumed at the camp.
• Insect repellent

.          Medications like dexamethasone for those with high altitude sickness

• A camera for capturing beautiful scenery while at the top of the mountain

Best Time to Hike Mount Karisimbi

The best time to hike Mt. Karisimbi in the Volcanoes NP is during the dry season, between June to August, and December to March, since hiking trails are less slippery.

During the dry season, the peak of Mount Karisimbi is often snow-capped, which is visually appealing for hikers in engage in hiking.

The clear blue skies during the dry season create favourable conditions for capturing captivating scenes while on the mountain, as well as for enjoying spectacular views of the summit and its surroundings.

There are only a few hikes during the wet season (March to May and October to November), since ascending to the summit is quite difficult due to muddy and slippery hiking trails, especially on steep slopes.

The rain pours during the wet season, causing vegetation to overgrow.  This makes it difficult to trek through the beautiful forest; however, the vegetation adds to the country’s natural beauty.

  Mount Karisimbi Hike FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How Long Does It Take to Hike Karisimbi?

Hiking Mount Karisimbi to reach its summit and descending to its bottom takes 2 days. Ascending to a height of 3700 meters, where hikers camp for a night, takes around 6 hours, then 1 hour on the next day to finally reach the summit.

The ascent may take 7 hours in total, and the descent back to the bottom of Mt. Karisimbi takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

2. Can You Climb Mount Karisimbi?

One can climb to the top of Mt. Karisimbi, which is the highest peak in the Virunga Volcanoes.

Climbing Mount Karisimbi depends on one’s physical fitness and age, since the minimum age accepted is 15 years of age.

3       How High Is Mt. Karisimbi?

Mt. Karisimbi stands at an elevation of 4507meters high. At this height, it is the height of the eighth mountain in the Virunga ranges.

4. When Did Mount Karisimbi Last Erupt? 

According to Wikipedia, Mt. Karisimbi is said to have last erupted around 8,050 BCE.  It is now considered dormant. In 2010, this dormant volcano experienced a mudflow that caused 50 deaths.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure by climbing Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park when on a Rwanda safari. Expect amazing wildlife views of primates like golden monkeys and gorillas on the same safari. It is highly advised to book in advance, so let our safari expert tailor-make your safari for a truly mesmerizing experience.