Mountain Bisoke Volcano in Rwanda
Mountain Bisoke Volcano is an active Volcano situated in the Western Branch of the East African Rift Valley. The Mountain Volcano spans the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and located 35 km northeast of the town of Goma and adjacent Lake Kivu.
The Mountain Volcano includes two crater lakes with one being the largest of the range with steep slopes that are covered with equatorial rainforest with fog and alpine meadows. The vegetation cover is a habitat for the rare species of Mountain Gorillas as well as the Karisoke Research Center that was founded by Dian Fossey.
When you are interested in knowing about Dian Fossey, Mount Bisoke Volcano includes a Crater Lake named Lake Ngezi which is on the side about 11km from the summit.
Vegetation at Mount Bisoke Volcano
Mount Bisoke Volcano includes different vegetation zones which range from bamboo at the 2800m, through Hagenia Hypericum (2800m – 3200m) to Sub-alpine zone at the top.
The vegetation habitat around the Mountain Volcano inhabits the rare species of Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys as well as other wildlife animals like elephants, buffaloes and duikers.
How long is Crater Lake hike
The Crater lake Hike takes you 6 hours i.e 4 hours and 2 hours descent. Depending on the hike, you are required to be physically fit. Experienced hikers take 2 hours to reach the summit whereas non experienced hikers can take about 6 hours to the peak.
En-route your hike view the stunning trees, shrubs, plants as well as other Volcanic cones like Mounta karisimbi Volcano, Mount Nyirangongo Volcano, mount Mikeno Volcano, Mount Gahinga Volcano, Mount Sabinyo Volcano, Mount Muhavura Volcano. You shall also watch the Mountain Gorillas too.
What to Pack for Mount Karisimbi Volcano
- Hiking/ Trekking Boots
- Long sleeved T-shirts
- Long Pants not jeans
- Sweaters
- Hat/Cap
- Gardening Gloves
- Bottled water/ snacks
- Rain Jacket
- Warm stockings
- Binoculars/ A Good Camera
- Insect repellents and sunscreen
- Sleeping Bags
- A tent for camping overnight
- Packed food for the overnight stay before reaching the summit
- Porters to help carry your backpack, tents