Mountain Karisimbi Volcano in Rwanda
Mount Karisimbi Volcano is an active strato Volcano spanning across the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park elevates to 4,507 metres (14,787 ft) hence the highest of all the 8 Virunga Mountain Volcanoes and is in the region of the Albertine Rift Valley-Western Branch of Eat Africa.
The Mountain Volcano is bordered by Mount Mikeno Volcano in the North, Mount Bisoke volcano East and Mount Nyiragongo Volcano West. The term Karisimbi is a Kinyarwanda term which means snow which usually falls in the dry season months of June, July and August.
The Mountain Volcano is the Eleventh Highest in Africa and is found in Volcanoes National Park along the border between Rwanda and the DR Congo. The Mountain Volcano includes; caldera Branca and two craters at the summit with the largest being Mutango.
Hiking to the top of Mount Karisimbi Volcano Rwanda
At Mount Karisimbi Volcano, you are briefed on conduct on how you hike to the top of the Mountain Volcano and along the trail/ path to the top you view physical features that are Volcanic, dense along slopes that are muddy, slippery on the rainy seasons hence you are advised to embark on hike with comfortable firm hiking/ trekking boots.
The Rainy season always happens in the months of January – March and July – early October. Follow steadily along the steep slopes with a mentality that is determined and is you have luggage, hire porters who shall help you carry it at US $20.
The hike takes you 2 Days beginning early morning at 7:00 am after short briefing at the Park headquarters by the warden. Before getting to the top of the summit, you briefly stop midway at an altitude of 3,700 meters for the night. When here, you set a camp, have dinner, rest then prepare for the next Day. Go through the cold night then have early morning breakfast then continue on your ascent for an hour through a very steep and challenging trail through sticky mud, strong wind and fog then later to the summit.
After the while you reach the top of the summit where you view Mount Muhabura volcano, Nyamulagira volcano and Mount Nyiragongo Volcano in DR Congo at a distance.
How to get Mount Karisimbi Volcano & Permits
Mountain Karisimbi Volcano Hiking Permits can be acquired from the park headquarters and these are obtained on the Day of the Hike despite the fact that you can also book these in advance before your arrival.
The Hiking permit at Mount Karisimbi costs US $400 per person interested in hiking to the top of the Mountain Volcano in Rwanda.
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