Hiking Safaris in Volcanoes National Park

Mountain hiking in volcanoes national park is a must-do adventure for outdoor enthusiast. Volcanoes national park was the first protected area in Rwanda, established in 1925, it covers 160 sq.km in Northern Province. The park, which host five of the eight Virunga volcanoes, provides exceptional opportunities for mountain climbing. The park is home to the highest Volcano (Mt Karisimbi) along with other dormant Volcanoes.  Mountain hiking in Volcanoes National Park, including mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, nature walks, community tours, Musanze caves, and visiting twin lakes among others. The park enjoys a cool tropical climate year-round with day temperatures ranging between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. Due to higher elevations, nights can be cold with 11 to 14 degrees during the rainy season from April to May and October to November.

The Mountains in Volcanoes National Park include:

Mount Karisimbi

Mount Karisimbi is situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. it is one of the most frequently climbed peaks within the Volcanoes National Park and the whole of the Virunga Massif.   The stratovolcano rises to an elevation of 3507 meters above sea level, making it the tallest Volcano among the eight. Hiking from the trailhead to the top lasts 4-5 hours depending on the pace of hikers and can be challenging due to the nature of terrain. Getting a porter can be helpful. The trail winds through crop fields, mixed forest and bamboo zones.

At the lower elevations of Mount Karisimbi, the habitat is home to the Karisimbi gorilla family and various other primates like pot golden monkeys that may be seen during a trek. The guides can allow you to stop for any possible wildlife encounters. The volcano is named after the snow” Amasimbi” seen on the volcano’s summit in the dry months of June, July & August.  Mount Karisimbi is bordered by Mount Mikeno in the north, Mount Bisoke in the east, and Nyiragongo in the western side. Mount Karisimbi is the 11th-highest mountain in Africa

Mount Sabyinyo

Mount Sabyinyo, named after the Kinyarwanda word “Irinyo” meaning tooth, is known for its distinctive tooth-like shape and is the oldest volcano among the eight mountains in the Virunga Massif. Its summit reaches 3,669 meters above sea level and is situated at the intersection of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The slopes of Sabyinyo provide habitat for various endangered primates and bird species. Although the mountain spans three countries, most hiking activities are conducted from the Ugandan side within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Dian Fossey Graveyard

A visit to Dian Fossey’s graveyard is a highlight of your Rwanda hiking safari in Volcanoes National Park. Born in 1967 and tragically killed in 1985, Dian Fossey was an American Primatologist whose lifelong dedication focused on saving endangered gorilla and conservation and sustainable tourism in East and Central Africa.

During your hiking safari in Volcanoes National Park, you’ll learn about how Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Center, situated between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. This center was the hub for her extensive research on gorillas and played a vital role in raising awareness about their conservation. Her efforts are credited with helping gorillas avoid extinction, mainly through her campaigns against poaching and habitat destruction.

Sadly, Dian Fossey was killed by Poachers in 1985 and her remains were laid to rest in the park dedicated to her work. Hiking to her graveyard offers a moment to reflect on her remarkable conservations that continue to benefit gorillas today. On your hike to the graveyard, you may meet some wild animals such as Forest Elephants, African Buffalos, golden monkeys, colobus monkeys, and mountain gorillas among others.

Mount Bisoke

Mount Bisoke, also known as Mount Bisoke, is a well-known volcano within Volcanoes National Park that attracts many hikers. It rises to an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level, situated along the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  The summit, located in Rwanda, is the main destination for hikers. those who are physically fit can usually complete the hike in a single day, with a round-trip trek taking approximately six hours to reach he summit and return.  The trail winds through crop fields, mixed forest and bamboo zones. Along the trail, there’s a chance to spot golden monkeys and sometimes unhabituated gorillas, though getting off the track isn’t allowed. But the guides can allow you to stop for any possible wildlife encounters. The summit of Mount Bisoke contains two crater lakes. Mount Bisoke first erupted in 1891 while the last eruption took place in 1957. There are geological activities seen at the volcanoes, evidence that the volcano might erupt another time in the future.

Mount Mikeno

Mount Mikeno reaches an elevation of 4,437 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest volcano within the Virunga Conservation Area after Mount Karisimbi. It is also the 13th-highest volcano on the African continent. The steep and rugged slopes of Mikeno make it difficult for people to settle on, which is reflected in its name; locally, Mikeno is translated as “poor.”

Other Virunga Mountains

Mount Muhabura

Mount Muhabura, known locally as “the guide,” is the third highest volcano within the Virunga Conservation Area, following Mount Karisimbi and Mount Mikeno. It rises to an elevation of 4,127 meters above sea level and is situated in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, straddling the border between Uganda and Rwanda. Its prominent slope has earned it the nickname “the guide” among local communities. Mount Muhabura is visible from various locations across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mount Gahinga

Mount Gahinga is located within Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which straddles the borders between Uganda and Rwanda.  Mount Gahinga lies between Mount Muhabura and Mount Sabyinyo, and is known as the smallest of the three Volcanoes in the area. The name “Gahinga” is derived from local word meaning “a small pile of stones” reflecting the mountains’ summit and slopes, which are covered with scattered stones and rocks.

The lower forested slopes of Mount Gahinga is home to primates, birds, and reptiles. it is possible to hike to the summit in a single day, with the journey typically taking between 5 to 7 hours depending on one’s pace. The summit of Mount Gahinga offers you excellent views of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, local communities, and other Virunga Volcanoes.

What to pack for hiking tours in Rwanda

When preparing for a hiking tour in Rwanda‘s Volcanoes National Park, it’s important to pack several essential items. Some of the essential packing items includes a Rain jacket, Hiking boots, long socks, hand gloves, hat, sunglasses, long pants, a long-sleeved blouse, headlamp, extra batteries, bottled drinking water, and insect repellent among others. A walking pole and a porter are highly recommended.