3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hiking Adventure

Join this 3-day Mount Karisimbi hiking adventure to conquer the highest volcano in the Virunga Conservation Area on your superfine Rwanda safaris.  The 3 Days Mt karisimbi hike is an adventurous activity that any adventure seeker should not miss on his/her African safari to Rwanda.  Standing at 4,507 meters above sea level, Mount Karisimbi is the highest and so far most challenging Volcano in Volcanoes National Park and the entire Virunga Massif. Travelers require two days to hike up and down the summit of the iconic Mount Karisimbi.  Travelers with more time often combine Mt Karisimbi hiking with other experiences in Volcanoes National Park, especially mountain gorilla trekking and golden monkey watching, among others.

Trip summary

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Day 2: Ascend to the summit

Day 3: Reach the summit and Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Volcanoes National Park

Arrive at Kigali International Airport, where the driver guide representing Superfine Safaris Limited will be waiting for you.  He /she will welcome you and start the drive through Kigali city, headed to Kinigi near Volcanoes National Park.  If time allows,   go for a cultural tour to the gorilla guardian village, formerly Ibyiwacu cultural village, to meet local people and experience their traditions, norms, customs, and beliefs.  Enjoy cultural performances by local people dancing and singing to welcome and entertain you. You will drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight

Day 2: Ascend to the summit

Have an early breakfast and transfer to the Kinigi park headquarters for registration and briefing on the safety precautions and general guidelines of Mount Karisimbi Hiking. After the briefing, transfer to the starting point and begin the adventure. The 6-7 hour hike uphill is strenuous, taking you through different vegetation zones. The forested areas of the mountain shelter the endangered Karisimbi gorilla family and several other primates and birds. Be ready to encounter some steep and rocky sections of the mountain, some of which are muddy and slippery. The ranger guides will allow stops to refresh and reenergize. Arrive at 3,700 meters above sea level and camp in your tents for an overnight.

Day 3: Reach the summit and Departure

Very early today, rise again and begin the final hike ascending to the mountain summit.  This steep and most challenging hike is characterized by early morning winds, thick fog, and cold. The hike is roughly 1-2 hours to arrive at the main summit of the iconic Mountain. The mountain peak rewards you with spectacular views of the whole Virunga conservation Area, the other Virunga Mountains, local communities, and National Parks in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Enjoy the best of this adventure, take memorable pictures, and have fun. You will then hike down to the camping site, refresh, have breakfast, and hike down to meet your driver for departure

End of the tour

Tour inclusions

Full time English-speaking guide

Meals and camping tents

Bottled drinking water

Transport to and from the park

Government taxes

Karismbi hiking permit

Ranger fees

Miscellaneous

Tour exclusions

Tips

Alcoholic beverages

Tips

Extra activities

Cost of Mount Karisimbi Hike

You require a valid permit to be allowed to hike Mount Karisimbi. The cost of Mount Karisimbi hiking is $400 issued by the Rwanda Development Board.  Superfine Safaris Limited helps you to book and secure the permit at your convenience time

What is the best time for hiking Mount Karisimbi?

The dry season in June, July, August, December, January, and February is regarded as the best time for hiking Mount Karisimbi. During this time, the weather is generally dry and less slippery, which makes it easy to trek through. However, hiking can be done throughout the year

What to Pack for Hiking Mount Karisimbi

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to ease your hiking

• Warm clothing, including a jacket, fleece, gloves, and a scarf to keep you warm in the very cold nights.
• Waterproof rain jacket to deal with unpredictable forest showers. It can rain any time of the day, regardless of the season
• A sleeping bag and a tent. At Superfine Safaris, we can get you a camping tent
• Energy-giving Snacks and plenty of drinking water.
• A walking stick (often provided at the park headquarters).

Other Virunga Volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area

In addition to Munt Karisimbi, the Virunga massif comprises other volcanoes shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The chain of Virunga Volcanoes includes Mount Bisoke in Rwanda, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira in Congo, Mount Gahinga, Mount Sabyinyo, and Mount Muhabura in Uganda. Mount Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo are the only active volcanoes among the eight.