MOUNT KARISIMBI TREK
Hiking to the top of Mt Karisimbi is one of the key tourism activities you should not miss on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park. Rising at an elevation of about 4507m above sea level is MT. Karisimbi, a strato volcano which is the highest of the eight major volcanoes of the Virunga field and the 5th highest in Africa. It strides along the border between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on the western branch of the African Rift valley. Karisimbi lavas have been dated from 0.24 Ma to 0.010 Ma indicating that the volcano is very young. The name Karisimbi is derived from the word ‘amasimbi’ Volcano- Climbing-in-Rwanda
In Kinyarwanda which means “white shell”, referring to the white-capped summit which is often seen on top of this volcano. It is flanked by Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east and Nyiragongo to the west, on the other side of the Rift Valley. The mountain is situated in Volcanoes national park, popularly known for the mountain gorillas.
Climbing Mt Karisimbi is a strenuous yet very rewarding hike which is normally done as a complement to gorilla trekking and all done within Volcanoes National Park. The climb starts early in the morning taking 6 hours and involves navigating through the Bisoke side before reaching the first stopping place at an altitude of 3,700 metres for overnight camping before finishing off the journey the next day.
A hike to Karisimbi’s summit is not an ordinary one, but also affords sights of several bird varieties, primates like monkeys and Gorillas since the volcano lies in the primates’ park of Parc National des Vulcans (Volcanoes national park). It is also known for its exotic plants in its four belts of vegetation, from the dense forest at its base to the barren volcanic core at the summit.
The hike up the summit is characterized of muddy trails especially during rainy season, though due to the altitude, it can rain at any time of the day.
You need relatively good health and stamina to hike through the slippery slopes to reach the summit which is white capped as a result of hail and sleet which accumulate in the higher elevations from its frequent storms. This implies that one may have to incur an extra cost of hiring a porter ($20 per day) to help in carrying your luggage and hiking equipment.
Karisimbi is also close to the Karisoke research center where the grave of the re-known mountain gorilla conservationist and American zoologist; Dian Fossey lies. This means that one has a chance to visit the grave as well as trek the golden monkeys in addition to the Mountain gorillas.
Why we love karisimbi?
Karisimbi offers a strenuous hike – a real challenge which requires the hiker to be physically prepared for the challenge. Being located right in Volcanoes national park and a legendary place where Dian Fossey setup her Karisoke research center where she based to protect mountain gorillas, chances of coming access gorillas are quite possible! It’s just a chance (:)
Mount Karisimbi offers spectacular views at the top of the Volcano. Since its the higher volcano, you get to see other peaks which are lower like Nyiragongo, Bisoke and others
When is the best time to go?
Dry seasons – December, January to March and June to October are the driest months to go Karisimbi Hiking. You can also hike the rest of the months as Rwanda has tropical climate and it can rain any time of the day!
What to pack for the karisimbi hike?
You can hire hiking gear if you are traveling on your own while if you are planning your tour with a local tour company, they take care of everything.
Pack sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, comfortable hiking pants, warm clothes, layer of socks, gloves, hat, scarf, headlamp for the night, snacks and energy food and snack, enough water, long under wear and sweater for the night it gets freezing cold in the night.
