Volcano hiking experience at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: explore the towering peaks that form the greater Virunga Mountain Range chain that straddles the Rwanda, Uganda, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) boundary lines. These peaks span altitudes of 3000m to 4507m and offer some of Africa’s most stunning panoramic landscape views along with an excellent montane experience through a diversity of vegetational zones.
Hiking options at Volcanoes National Park range from one-day trek plans to multi-day treks, all tailored to your adventure appetite, available time on your hands, and experience. All except a trek onto Karisimbi peak require an average fitness level and a thirst for adventure.
Best Hiking Trails at Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park
Mount Karisimbi Hike (4507m)
Towering up to 4507m high, Mount Karisimbi is the tallest peak in Rwanda and across the Virunga chain of mountain ranges. This 11th highest peak on the continent is an extinct volcano that features up to 4 vegetational zones across its altitudes. The name Karisimbi comes from a Kinyarwanda word, “amasimbi,” that translates as “white shell,” which refers to the shell-like, white-capped cloud that often covers its summit.
A hiking experience to Karisimbi peak is a 2-day excursion with an overnight stop at the camp set at about 3000m. The hiking trail wanders across a varied vegetational diversity, including bamboo forest, afro-alpine moorland, and hagenia woodlands interspersed with giant lobelias. These vegetational zones are home range to several gorilla families, and birdlife here is excellent, including endemics to this region. The hiking party is led by ranger guides, but you will have to hire a porter to carry your rucksack and camping gear.
- Altitude Gain: 2107m
- Duration: 2 days
- Rating: Difficult
Day Hike to Mount Bisoke (3711m)
A hiking experience to Mt. Bisoke’s (3711m) peak is the most popular day hike in Volcanoes National Park and perhaps the gentlest. This one-day hiking experience follows through a lively montane forest teeming with birdlife, among them local endemic species, past the junction to Dian Fossey’s famous grave to reach Mount Bisoke. The summit lies high above the rims of a 400m-wide crater lake set at 2635m. The views on the top are stunningly beautiful and showcase the whole chain of the Virunga Mountain ranges.
- Altitude Gain: 1311m
- Duration: 6-8 hrs
- Rating: Moderate to Difficult
Day Hike to Mount Gahinga (3656m)
This scenic hike to the peak of Gahinga offers a rich hiking experience through a diverse ecosystem. Mt. Gahinga is topped by a marshy crater lake surrounded by giant groundsels and giant lobelias. Views from the summit are stunning.
- Altitude Gain: 1440 m
- Duration: 7-9 hrs
- Rating: Moderate-Difficult
Day Hike to Mount Muhabura (4217m)
Mount Muhabura lies at the eastern edges of the Virunga chain of mountain ranges, towering up to 4217m. A hike to the summit is an ultimate adventure, a test of endurance and stamina requiring mental and physical strength as you stretch to conquer these heights. With its sharp cone filled with a small crater lake, Mount Muhabura is a local name meaning the “guide,” as it is visible across the entire landscape.
- Altitude Gain: 1700m
- Duration: 8-9 days
- Rating: Difficult
Before You Go
Hiking the volcanoes in Rwanda is a physically demanding adventure and requires more than average fitness levels. Also, hiking the volcanoes presents a high risk of altitude sickness; therefore, seek advice from your general practitioner (GP) for related prescriptions and advice. One important rule is if you come from low-altitude countries, set your hiking date at least 2-3 days further along your Rwanda safari itinerary to allow your body to acclimatize to these high altitudes.
Requirements for Volcano Hiking Experience in Rwanda
Hikes to the volcanoes are paid for through the RDB portal or purchased through your operator. To allow time for preparation, an early payment is advised.
Best Time to Hike Volcanoes in Rwanda
The best time to hike the volcanoes in Rwanda is during the dry months between June and September and December and February. The wet season brings along daily rains with high risks of landslides and slippery and tough trails, especially on higher peaks.
Packing essentials for the volcano hiking experience in Volcanoes National Park
A well-prepared trek goes a long way to enhance your hiking experience. Therefore, to your cameras, spare batteries, water bottles, quick personal calories like biscuits, medical prescriptions, and waterproof backpack packs,
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Waterproof, sturdy hiking boots with ankle support suitable for uneven underfoot conditions
- Wool socks
- Garden gloves to save you from stinging nettles
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Hat
- Gaiters
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
- Warm jackets