MOUNT BISOKE

One of the most active volcanoes in the Virunga mountain ranges is Mount Bisoke. A volcano in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park and the DR Congo’s Virunga National Park, Mount Bisoke is 12,175 feet tall. Mount Bisoke emerged from a rift that is progressively splitting sections of East Africa. One of the two crater lakes on Bisoke lies at the very top of the mountain, and Lake Ngezi is in the center. One of the largest Crater Lakes within the Virunga mountain ranges was left intact by its most recent eruption. Hiking Mount Bisoke should be on your list of things to do when visiting Rwanda.

The primate population that lives on Mount Bisoke is Rwanda’s finest attraction for tourists. The plentiful bamboo forests and other vegetation that surround the mountain serve as the ideal habitat and food supply for mountain gorillas. Actually, most visitors to Volcanoes National Park mix hiking Mount Bisoke with gorilla trekking.

You don’t have to be a professional hiker to take delight in Mount Bisoke’s stroll.
The time it takes to climb back down depends on how often the hiking party stops to rest after the six-hour ascent to the summit. In three hours, experienced mountaineers can reach the peak. Even though climbing Mount Bisoke is thought to be less difficult than other hikes, it is nevertheless recommended that hikers be reasonably fit and prepared to deal with thorny foliage, stinging insects, and muddy trails, especially in the rainy season. The weather and oxygen levels are two things that hikers need to be prepared for. Low temperatures can fatigue hikers and make frequent rest stops necessary.

Tourists who visit Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park frequently engage in Bisoke hiking due to the chance to see crater lakes, stunning views, and unusual alpine vegetation. Mountain gorillas, buffalo, forest elephants, golden monkeys, and many bird species all call the volcano home. An additional satisfying experience can result from a fortunate encounter with a troop of golden monkeys or a family of gorillas while on the trip. If they come into contact with gorillas, hikers are only permitted ten minutes to see them, and only up close.

While on the hike, photography of the gorillas is not allowed. Only tourists who participate in gorilla tracking are allowed to take pictures and spend more time with the gorillas. The golden monkeys and mountain gorillas you see along the trail may not be habituated, so it’s important to stay your distance.

A certified Ranger will normally provide a briefing at park headquarters in the morning before treks on Mount Bisoke. The history of the mountain, what to bring on the walk, how to handle mishaps, and other information is explained to hikers. Following registration and briefing, they are then driven from the park offices to the starting site by their corporate guide or, in the case of solo tourists, a rented cab.

The park officials will now hand you a set of trekking poles. You will be greeted and led to the summit by armed Rangers. Additionally, you will have the choice to employ porters to assist with additional luggage at a fee. To protect you from the dangers caused by wild animals, the Rangers are armed. Porters help hikers ascend and descend the mountain and give them information about the terrain so they can navigate difficult sections. Some people have spent their entire lives helping hikers.

The hike starts at a level but challenging area of terrain at the volcano’s base. You will be able to see the beautiful surroundings and vegetation, such as the Mount Visoke Crater Lake, Mount Karisimbi volcano, and Mount Mikeno in Congo, once you have reached the peak. At the summit, swimming in the lake is not permitted.

The weather will determine how much time hikers spend at the peak. On a nice day, you can arrange a picnic meal atop the mountain. The journey back to the beginning place is simple, besides having to re-navigate the muddy trails. Expect to find your driver or corporate guide waiting for you when you arrive at the starting point.