This is a comprehensive guide providing tips to help you prepare if you think of hiking Mountain Bisoke in Rwanda. This can also serve as guide as you think of hiking a steep mountain elsewhere. Spend a day hiking to the summit of a Mount Bisoke, a dormant volcano in the Virunga Mountains reaching to 3,711m, with a pretty crater lake at the top. Straddling the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is one of eight prominent peaks in the area with fabulous views. With this article, you would be able to decide if you would like to do it and if so get better prepared well in advance.
- Fitness requirements: This hike can be quite strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness. You will be trekking at altitude, up steep slopes and over rough terrain. Prior physical exercises are necessary to cope well with the steep terrain that is required to reach the summit. Be Prepared!
- Starting the activity: The day will start at 7.00 am at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, where you will be assigned your guide before a half-hour drive to the start point for your trek, at an elevation of 2,700m and have Rwandan coffee as you wait to depart to the starting point. Reaching the starting point required a well-equipped 4-wheel drive vehicle with good ‘African massage’. Check well your car if it will reach there. Before you start your hike, remember to use the washrooms and get ready well.
During the ascent, you’ll be trekking through a number of different vegetation zones. On the lower slopes you’ll pass through bamboo forest, the preferred food of golden monkeys and mountain gorillas. As you climb up to the higher slopes you will come to a band of Hagenia forest, which then opens out to Lobelia bush as you approach the summit, after about three hours. A wide variety of birds are found on the slopes of Mt Bisoke, so keep your binoculars handy.
The summit is dominated by a large crater lake, and on a clear day the views are far reaching. This is a great place to relax and enjoy your lunch, before starting your descent. This is a full-day excursion. The ascent typically takes around three hours, with around two hours for the descent. Timing varies, though, as it will depend on the walking speed of the group and the number of stops. After descending Mount Bisoke you will re-join your vehicle and driver guide at the designated car park.
- Age Limit: You need to be at least 15 years old for this trek
- Weather: Be aware that your experience hiking Mount Bisoke may different to the past you have heard depending on the weather and trail conditions. During the rainy season, the trail gets wet and muddy and might slow your movements as you hike. Trail can get even worse in the heavy rain seasons, with mud up to your knees. If you’re doing the hike in the long dry season (June, July, August) and your guide confirms the trail is dry, you may not need as much gear, but more water because of the heat. And you’ll probably be able to go up (and definitely down) faster and cleaner than it would in the rain season.
- Things to wear: A waterproof shell. To keep you dry and protects you from scratches without being too warm. Durable shoes you don’t mind getting muddy during the rainy season along with a packable puffy jacket. Pants or shorts. The trail’s mostly wide enough to avoid the stinging nettle.
- What to Bring
- Gloves: Gloves would keep you warm during the rainy season as you reach the summit.
- A Bottled water: You may try one litter. Two litters would be more recommended if you require more.
- Fresh shoes or sandals to put on after the hike.
- Snacks or lunch. Unless you’re fasting your group is super-fast.
- Wool socks. Gaiters are also available for rental at the park’s office.
- Your passport or driver’s license. If you didn’t register online in advance, you will need a photocopy of our driver’s license or passport to make a photocopy with the machine at the park office (free) and give it to the registration officer.
- Hiring a porter: Hiring a porter is important as you hike through Mount Bisoke. A porter would assist with your backpack as well as supporting you as necessary as you hike including giving a hand to you.
In summary, as you consider hiking Mount Bisoke, please read through this advice and get prepared well in advance to avoid disappointments on the hiking day. If you received recommendations from your friends, consider your uniqueness at doing some challenges and see if you are really ready for it or if you can make another fun activity in the Volcanoes National Park.
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Consider doing this day trip from Kigali
Day Trip to Bisoke from Kigali
