Facts about mount Visoke in Rwanda

Mt Visoke is also well known as mount Bisoke, for those who are planning to go to Rwanda for a safari and are wondering what they could do that is an exciting adventure that can be done before or after their safari? Well, think of no other exciting place other than the amazing mount Visoke hiking in volcanoes national park. Mount Visoke is an active volcanic mountain shared between two Countries Rwanda and DR-Congo, in Rwanda Visoke is found in the Volcanoes National Park while Congo Visoke is found in Virunga National park, Visoke also known as Bisoke is 12,175ft standing on the border between Rwanda, DR-Congo.

Is mount Visoke an active volcano

The answer is yes Mt Visoke is an active volcano but hikers don’t have to worry because mount Visoke volcano last erupted in 1957, Visoke summit is found on the Rwanda side with the largest crater lakes found on the top of the summit, and there is another crater lake called Lake Ngezi along the hiking trail before reaching the summit so this means Mt Visoke is an active volcano with two crater lakes, and also Mount Visoke is also home to mountain gorillas on both sides Rwanda side and DR-Congo side. Mountain gorillas live along the slopes of Mount Visoke because of the bamboo forests on the slopes of this mountain because most the primates including mountain gorillas love bamboo shoots.

About hiking/climbing mount Visoke

Facts about mount Visoke in Rwanda, when and how to hike mount Visoke, climbing mount Visoke is not very hard or complicated as many people may think, hiking to the summit of Visoke takes one day to reach the top of the summit and back, one only needs a good level of fitness for you to enjoy Mt Bisoke hiking experience in Rwanda.

You don’t have to be an experienced hiker of mt Visoke if someone has a good leave of fitness level can hike to the top of the summit of Mt Visoke take about 3 hours, for those who are not fit enough it may take a little longer to get to the summit sometimes it can take from 3 up to 6 hours, it is because you take many stopovers for resting, during the rainy season the hiking trails can be muddy, also along the trails expect some stinging insects and thorny plants so all this you must consider as you plan for Mt Visoke hiking because mount Visoke is steep the level of oxygen and temperature can get low but high altitude is not a problem if someone is fit enough, for more facts about mount Visoke in Rwanda we are always at your disposal for any other information you may need just contact us.

Hiking day of mount Visoke

All those that are hiking will meet and gathers at the park headquarters of Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi for a briefing before you start hiking mt Visoke into the Volcanoes National Park, after the briefing, hikers will be offered a hiking stick and then drive to the starting point led by a team of park rangers/Guides. The drive to the starting point takes about 30 to 45 minutes because the road to the starting point is not good.

The hiring of the porter

We highly recommend to all the hikers to hire a porter who will help you carry heavy luggage, and cameras and also gives you push and pull on the difficult sections, you don’t have to book a porter in the advance, you can book on the day of hiking, you will find them at the starting point.

What is the cost of hiring a porter?

Hiring a porter costs a minimum of $15 but there is no maximum because when you hire a porter you will be supporting the communities living around Volcanoes national park. Porters live in the communities close to the park and have hiked this volcano many times over the years which means that they know the terrain of mt Visoke better than any other person.

During the hike, all the hikers have to move into the group because remember that you cannot be left behind during the hike that’s why hiring a porter to carry your luggage and being fit is very important because one person in the group can slow down the entire group.

What to see along the trail of mount Visoke

Along the trail, there are many things to see among them including the beautiful alpine vegetation, the two crater lakes, and forest buffaloes, for those who love birds expect to see different bird species, forest elephants, and many other animals, as you are all aware Volcanoes national park is home to both mountain gorillas and golden monkeys so on a lucky day you may them along the trail

Along the way, you will also enjoy the amazing views of the Virunga national park in DR-Congo which includes mt Nyiragongo active volcano which last erupted on May 23, 2021, mt Mikeno, and Mt Gahinga volcano, mt Sabyinyo volcano, and mt Muhabura volcano in Uganda. Coming down the mountain is much easier but you still have to use the same trail which you still have to go through the mud and steep sections.

What is the cost of a hiking permit for mount Visoke?

Hiking mt Bisoke is not very expensive, it cost only $75 per person and you don’t have to book in advance you can book on the day you want to hike from the headquarters in Kingi. You can as well book a Visoke hiking permit through a local tour operator. What is included in the $75 Visoke hiking permit includes the park rangers/guides who will lead you in this activity. Take a NOTE that the price of $75 doesn’t include accommodation, meals, and transportation so you will need to contact the tour operator to book your hiking permits in advance and arrange your accommodation and transport.

You can reach us at info@kisorotoursuganda.com or call us at +256785790925 also on WhatsApp for free information or a free quote