Mount Karisimbi Hiking Guide

Mount Karisimbi hiking is one of the popular activities done by travelers on Rwanda safaris to  Volcanoes National Park.  Lying in the lush Volcanoes National Park, the Virunga region includes Mt. Karisimbi, the tallest of the eight Virunga volcanoes. Mount Karisimbi rises to a height of 4,507 m and is the 11th-highest mountain. Its strategic location in the Volcanoes National Park makes it the perfect hiking adventure spot in Rwanda. Some travelers like combining Mount Karisimbi hiking and gorillas to make a complete Rwanda safari package. Our 4 Days Rwanda gorillas and Mount Karisimbi hiking is the best package for you, tailored and guided by Superfine Safaris Limited. Karisimbi Volcano is an ideal place to enjoy challenging hiking adventures. Beyond the challenging adventures, trekkers have a lot more to explore, including the lush afro-alpine vegetation, jaw-dropping sceneries, and volcanic ridges. There is no better place that can spark adventure seekers’ travel spirit like embarking on the Mount Karisimbi hiking. Karisimbi Volcano derives its name from the Kinyarwanda word “Amasimbi,” which translates to occasional snow. Adjacent to Karisimbi Volcano are other Virunga Mountains, including Nyamuragira, Nyiragongo, Mikeno, and Bisoke.

Level of difficulty of Mount Karisimbi Hiking

Karisimbi Volcano hike offers a slightly challenging trek but a moderate experience. The hike is characterized by muddy, steep, and slippery terrains, thus requiring an excellent fitness level. The trek to the summits involves conquering the higher altitude, and climbers need 2 days, with the first day dedicated mainly for to reaching the altitude of 3711m. The second day involves completing your adventure to the final summits of Karisimbi and descending back to the briefing area. At the summits, Karisimbi boasts of the spectacular caldera and crater lakes. While ascending to the summits of Karisimbi Volcano, expect to traverse through the dense forest, bamboo, and hagenia forests.

Cost of Karisimbi Hiking 

The Karisimbi Volcano hike requires that you have secured a permit. Mt. Karisimbi hiking fees stand at USD 400 per person, and you can secure them from the local tour operator. After securing the permits, you have a chance to explore and experience the best Karisimbi Volcano.

When is the best time for Mount Karisimbi Hiking?

The dry season offers excellent weather conditions for you to enjoy Mt. Karisimbi hike. The hikes can be enjoyed during the long dry months, which are often experienced from June to September, whereas the short dry season for Karisimbi trek can be best done from December to February. A guided hike during the dry season allows you to engage in a hike with fewer interruptions from rainfall. The dry season is far better than the wet months, which are characterized by heavy rains. The rainy/wet seasons often occur from March to May, then another phase begins from October to November.

What to carry for Mount Karisimbi hike

Packing the right equipment or gear is ideal for any plans to conquer the Karisimbi Volcano trek. The packing list to consider includes a pack of snacks, a first aid kit, waterproof hiking boots, clothing, insect repellents, a camera, sleeping bags, sunscreen, a safari hat, gardening gloves, bottled water, a rain jacket, and many others.

Where to stay –Best options to consider

The checklist of accommodation options in Volcanoes National Park Rwanda include Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Best View Hotel, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Fravan Eco Resort, Sambora Kinigi Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Virunga Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and Muhabura Hotel.

How to get to the Karisimbi Volcano for a hiking excursion

Driving to Karisimbi takes about 2-3 hours of driving and a 4×4 safari vehicle is more recommended for your smooth travel starting from Kigali. Karisimbi is found in the Volcanoes National Park, which is lying in the Ruhengeri/Musanze, Northwestern Rwanda. Its proximity to the beautiful and cleanest Kigali city makes it ideal to have a combined city tour and hiking adventure. Still by road, hikers can cross from Kisoro/Kabale to Rwanda via Chanika or Katuna border, respectively, and connect to Volcanoes National Park to explore the Karisimbi Volcano. With easier access from Uganda, visitors can even have a combined gorilla tour in Mgahinga/Bwindi with Mount Karisimbi hiking adventure. Plan your Karisimbi tour –here is a suggested itinerary.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer to Ruhengeri/Musanze (The Northwestern Rwanda) After a delicious breakfast, meet your expert to take you through the itinerary. Today, you will have a few things to focus on including a short city tour in Kigali. Starting early morning, you will be driven to some of the near historical sites, especially the Kigali genocide memorial. At the genocide site, you have a chance to meet the site expert to explain to you in detail about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Other options to have on a city include visiting the Kimironko market, craft centres, and many more. After the half day city tour, you can settle for a leisurely lunch. From Kigali, you will be heading to Ruhengeri in the Northern Province of Rwanda to check in the camp. At the lodge, you have a long evening just for chilling and preparing the necessary gear for tomorrow’s actual hike to the Karisimbi summit. Day 2: Hike to an altitude of 3711m & rest for a night Have an early morning hot cup of tea or coffee and after, you will be setting off for your first trek to the summits of Mt. Karisimbi. But first, you will end the journey at an altitude of 3711m and have a relaxed moment. Enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding and dinner will be served at the campsite. Day 3: Ascend to the Karisimbi summit & descend back Leave the camp at 3711m and continue to the final peak of Karisimbi Volcano. Enjoy the mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes and take pictures at the peak. Later, expect to begin descending to where you departed for the Karisimbi summit on the first day. At the base, the driver guide will be readily present to pick you up, and today, you will be back to Kigali. End of the 3-Day Mount Karisimbi Hiking Tour What is included on the Mount Karisimbi Hiking Tour?

• Hiking fees for Karisimbi Volcano
• Accommodation and meals (full-board)
• Transportation and driver services
• Ranger guide services

What is excluded from the Mount Karisimbi Hiking Tour?

• Airfares
• Visas
• All the optional activities
• Passport
• Alcoholic drinks & their expenses
• Shopping expenses
• Hiring a porter
• Tipping etc.