1-Day Mount Bisoke Hike

Mount Bisoke is a dormant volcano located within Volcanoes National Park. It sits on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The peak reaches 3711 meters above sea level. This mountain is part of the Virunga Massif. Many travelers choose this trek because of the large crater lake at the summit. The water often looks green because of the surrounding forest. This trip is a popular choice for those who want a challenging day in the mountains.

Safari Highlights

Walking to the summit of a dormant volcano.
Seeing the large crater lake at the peak.
Passing through bamboo and mountain forests.
Starting the trip directly from Kigali or Musanze.
Learning about the Virunga mountains from park staff.

The 4 AM Start from Kigali or Musanze

To finish this trip in one day, you must start very early. If you are in Kigali, your vehicle will arrive at 4:00 AM. This gives you enough time to reach the Kinigi park headquarters by 7:00 AM. If you stay in Musanze, you can wake up at 6:00 AM. Everyone meets at the station for a briefing. Park rangers will talk about the forest and how to stay safe. They also check your hiking permits. The Rwanda Development Board currently charges 75 USD for the permit. This fee covers the park rangers who lead the trek.

Trekking Difficulty and Altitude

The climb is steep and can be difficult for some people. It usually takes between six and seven hours to go up and come back down. You will spend about four hours walking to the top. The trail goes through bamboo forests and rocky paths. It is often very muddy. You should wear long trousers and shirts. This protects your skin from stinging nettles. These plants grow all over the mountain and cause a sharp itch if you touch them. We recommend you hire a porter at the start. Porters carry your heavy bags and help you over slippery rocks.

Reaching Crater Lake

Once you reach the top, you can see the wide crater lake. The air at the summit is thin. You might feel out of breath or tired more quickly than usual. It is important to drink plenty of water and walk at a steady pace. You will have time to take photos and eat your lunch while looking at the water. If the weather is clear, you can see the other volcanoes in the distance. After an hour at the top, you begin the walk back down to the park base

Where to Stay for Your Trek

Luxury (Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge)
Mid-range (Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge)
Budget (Kinigi Guesthouse, Hotel Muhabura)

If you want more time in the park, you can add a 2-day gorilla trek to your trip. This allows you to see the mountain gorillas on a different day.