Mountain Hiking in Rwanda

Are you thinking about a dreamlife safari experience in the land of a thousand hills? Rwanda is a renown great destination offering unforgettable mountain trekking adventure tours. The country prides in the shared portion of the magical Virunga mountains. The famous Virunga mountains are a chain of about 8 volcano ranges which are shared by Uganda, Rwanda and DR-Congo. Rwanda shares about 5 volcano mountains situated on the borders of the country such as; Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Bisoke, Mount Gahinga and Mount Muhavura.  All these five are situated in Volcanoes national park famous home for the endangered mountain gorillas and the endangered golden monkeys in Rwanda. besides the thrilling long lasting mountain trekking experience, volcanoes national park is popular for the exclusive luxury gorilla trekking adventure safaris.

Virunga mountains in Rwanda features a remarkable natural beauty as well as impressive landscape that is dominated by lush forests, distinctive vegetation zones, the breath-taking spectacular scenery, the beautiful crater lakes as well as the fascinating mountain life. Hiking in Rwanda exposes you to unique wildlife which are endemic to the Albertine valley such as mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest elephants, forest Buffaloes and the endemic birdlife.

Mountain hiking safaris in Rwanda are done only 4 Virunga volcano mountains excluding Mt Sabinyo due to the extensive craters as well as the rugged terrain. On this note Mount Sabinyo has been limited to mountain hiking safaris until a safer trail has been identified. However, for all travelers interested in Hiking Mount Sabinyo, Uganda has the best trail for trekking the mountain.

Besides the major head trails that take to the peak of the 4 volcano ranges, there are numerous trails that can be used while trekking and these are less challenging to the first-time hikers. On the other hand, grab a chance to experience the volcano mountains by participating in the gorilla trekking safari or the golden monkey tracking experience.

This article presents you the Mountain trekking trails in the volcanoes national park and the best spots to delight in the unforgettable Mountain adventure experience in Rwanda;

Mountain Bisoke crater Lake hike

Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano situated on the border of DR-Congo and Rwanda. The mountain features a beautiful crater lake at the summit that covers an area of about 400 meters in diameter. This is the most famous trail for hiking Mount Bisoke and it offers you a great insight to view the wonderful scenic beauty of the crater lake at the peak. While ta the summit, grab a chance to a glimpse sight of the Virunga volcano ranges. Climbing Mount Bisoke does not require experienced hiker, it can easily be hiked by first time hikers regardless of the level of fitness.

The hiking experience at mountain Bisoke takes you 6 hours round tour, the 4 hours for ascending up and 2 hours descending down.

Lake Ngezi Trail on Mount Bisoke

The trekking trail takes you to explore lake Ngezi crater situated on the side of the Mt Bisoke close to Mt Gahinga but it does not lead you to the summit of Mount Bisoke. The trail takes about 4-5 Hours round trip depending on the level of one’s fitness.

Mount Muhavura

The mountain is shared between Uganda and Rwanda and it stands on an elevation of about 3474 meters above sea level. Delight in a mesmerizing scenic beauty of the mountainous landscape when you trek up to the summit of Mount Muhavura. You as well get a chance to view the scenic beauty of the twin lakes Ruhondo and Burera. The hiking experience at Muhavura takes about 6-8 hours and it requires some level of fitness since to a bit high.

Mount Karisimbi 2-day trail

Book with us your mountain hiking safari in Rwanda and get a chance to trek the highest Volcano in the Virunga ranges. Also, the 5^th highest in Africa, mountain Karisimbi features snow during some season of the year since it is close to the Equator. The mountain is the best ideal for seasoned experienced hikers with some level of fitness since it is quite challenging to hike.

Mt Gahinga

The mountain is situated on an elevation of about 3474 meters above sea level, known as the shorted mountain located in volcanoes national park. However, it is the least hiked in Rwanda. Mount Gahinga is the best option for the first-time hikers before taking a try on the more challenging Virunga volcano mountains.

The best time for Volcano hiking in Rwanda

Mountain hiking experience in Rwanda is open to all travelers through out the year but the best time to enjoy lifetime unforgettable memories is during the dry season in the months of June to October and December to February. In the dry season, there is less rainfall expected to interrupt the hiking experience, the trekking trail are dry and easy to navigate through thus making hiking up to the summit easy.

Although there are some travelers that prefer the wet season in the months of March, April, may, late October and November, the trails are wet, muddy and slippery making the trekking difficult and very tiresome due to the heavy rains. On the other hand, the wet season features the best scenery thus to the budget travelers, the wet season can turn out to be the best time to travel.

It is also important to note that the during the wet season, the lodges and tour operators like Jeisking Tours offer discounted rates to all travelers that book with them to enjoy their trekking adventure experience. Wet season is the off season for tourism therefore even acquiring the Mountain hiking permit is easier.

For all travelers planning their mountain hiking trip in Rwanda, we advise that you make an advance booking of at least 5-6 months prior to the date of travel. This is due to the fact that during the dry season the trekking permits are competitive and can get sold out due to the high demand.

Mountain hiking safari gears in Rwanda

• Strong hiking Gum boots/ shoes for easy movement while trekking
• Garden gloves to protect your hands from germs
• Long sleeved pants/ trouser and Long-Sleeved shirts/tops to protect your skin from thorny bushes, wild insect bites.
• Strong rain jackets/ poncho useful in case of emergence rainfall while trekking.
• The camping Equipment such as; sleeping bags, tents, sleeping mats especially for Mount Karisimbi hiking experience.

If you are a nature lover and you would love to enjoy a mountain trek in Rwanda this season, our travel consultants is at your disposal to arrange an exceptional hiking tour of a lifetime in the land of a thousands hills. Simply get in touch with us by sending an email on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.