The Mountain Karisimbi

Also, a stratovolcano, Mountain Karismbi is known as the tallest among the eight virunga mountain ranges. It is situated in the volcanoes national park on the border of DR-Congo and Rwanda. Mount Karismbi stands on an elevation of about 4,507 meters and it is neighbored by other virunga ranges such as; Nyiragongo, Mikeno as well as Bisoke. The name mount Karismbi was derived from the local Kinyarwanda -meaning “white Snow”. And this the white snow that covers the its summit.  When you hike at the summit of Mount Karisimbi, you will encounter with two crater lakes plus a Branca caldera.

Mountain Karisimbi is one of the astounding tourist attractions in about three countries such as; Rwanda, Uganda and DR-Congo. While in Uganda, the mountain can be clearly viewed from Mgahinga Gorilla national park, in DR-Congo -it can be viewed from virunga volcanoes national park and in Rwanda it can be viewed from Volcanoes national park.

It is important to note that the Mount Karisimbi acts as a source of relief rainfall in the region and on this note, it favors the survival of sheep, cattle, goats and other animals that graze from this area. Both domestic and wild animals do graze from the slopes of Mountain Karismbi thus making it a potential tourist attraction in the three countries. 

Hiking Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi is not only the highest but it is the most difficult virunga volcano to hike compared to the rest like Mgahinga and Mikeno. The mountain is ranked the 5^th tallest in Africa and just like any other mountain, the mount requires some level of physical fitness. Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes about two days and hiking requires some physical preparedness.

The hike takes you through the edges of volcanoes national park, the rim of the massive caldera which stretches to the actual peak of the mountain, hike through the bamboo forests and the Hypericum forests.

When you book with us is here at Jeisking Tours Ltd you gorilla trekking experience, we assist you customize your safari with a hike Mount Karisimbi that offer a unique thrilling experience. The hike is so strenuous an extremely breath-taking adventure safari experience in Rwanda. Hiking Mountain Karisimbi allows you a chance to encounter some of the primates in Volcanoes national parks such as the mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and numerous colorful birdlife among others.

Hiking Mountain Karisimbi starts with briefing at the park headquarter offices at 7:00 am. Here you are told about the dos and don’ts during the hiking experience and assigned the park ranger guides. Later join your driver guide for a transfer to the starting point of the hike. To access the top of the mountain, it takes you 7 hours hike but you will have to enjoy a stopover along the midway of the hiking exercise. The stopover point is where you dine for dinner and enjoy an overnight stay. The following day after a delicious cup of coffee, embark for on the final stage of the hike that takes you to the summit of the mountain. 

While at the summit of Mount Karisimbi enjoy, grab an insight to enjoy the mesmerizing scenic beauty of mount Muhavura, mount Nyiragongo and the spectacular views to the volcanoes national park plus its dense vegetation cover. Later descend back to the starting point and descending takes you about 6 hours.

The best time to hike Mount Karisimbi

Mountain Karisimbi is open to all tourists throughout the year but the time to hike is during the dry season when the hiking trails are dry and easy to trek compared to wet season when both roads and walking trails are wet, muddy, and slippery thus becoming difficult to navigate through. It is also important to note that hiking the mountain requires you to go through muddy paths, steep slopes, rugged terrain and this is so challenging especially in the rainy season.

The dry season is experienced in the months of June to October and December to full end of February. Due to the challenges encountered during hiking the mountain, you can hire a local porter to assist you carry your backpacker properties or offer you a push incase the hiking becomes so tough.

Mount Karisimbi Hiking Permits

The Hiking permits for mount Karisimbi are usually purchased at the park headquarter offices and the permits can be bought on the day of hiking also we advise tourist to book in advance because easily get sold out during the dry season. The permit for hiking mountain Karisimbi costs 400 USD per person. Hiking Mountain Karisimbi is a supplement activity after your gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes national park. Therefore, when you contact our reservation team about your Rwanda gorilla safari, remember to make it a point if you are interested in Hiking mountain Karisimbi after the gorilla experience. With our professional team, we assist you organize transportation for the entire trip, book accommodation, book the gorilla and hiking permit for you and design a rewarding and favorable itinerary that will remind you about your trip in Africa. Feel free to reach our friendly team by contacting us on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.