Hiking Mountain Bisoke.
Are you considering visiting Rwanda and wondering what fun and fascinating things there are to do? Consider none other than one of the magnificent Virunga volcanoes. Mount Bisoke is without a doubt the most useful. Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is home to Mount Bisoke, sometimes known as Visoke, an active volcano. It stands along the border of Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Uganda, with a height of 12,175 feet. Rwanda has the bulk of Mount Bisoke as well as its peak.
Did we say that the volcano was active? Yes! There is no need to be concerned, though, as the last eruption occurred in 1957. One of the greatest crater lakes in the Virunga ranges was formed by this eruption. Lake Ngezi, a crater lake on the mountain, existed before it reached its summit.
In addition to being an active volcano with two crater lakes, Mount Bisoke also serves as the habitat for family groups of mountain gorillas. One of the top tourist destinations in Rwanda is the mountain gorilla population. Because of the extensive bamboo woods nearby, mountain gorillas flourish on the mountain’s slopes. Although bamboo shoots are a favorite food of mountain gorillas, they may naturally hide from people and other predators on the steep slopes.
Hiking Mountain Bisoke.
How is the Bisoke Mountain climb? It only takes one day to hike Mount Bisoke, but for the finest experience, one must be physically fit. Do you have hiking experience? You’ll need three hours to climb it, then. Going up Mount Bisoke Volcano may take up to 6 hours if you are unfit and have never climbed a mountain before. This is due to the numerous breaks you would need to take. If you are not in good physical form, avoid hiking. There are several issues to address, such as muddy trails that get worse when it rains heavily. You might also have to contend with stinging insects and thorny bushes. The best asset you can have when mountain trekking is mental toughness. Being tough, tenacious, and outright stubborn can be helpful, but mental toughness is essential.
The fact that Mount Bisoke is steep and that climbing it can result in extremely low oxygen and temperature levels. Any elevation is nothing if you are physically fit and mentally prepared. It is advised that you start preparing by undertaking long distance working if you are not an experienced mountain climber.
The day of hiking Mountain Bisoke.
All hikers congregate for a briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters before ascending Mount Bisoke. The briefing takes place in the early morning hours alongside individuals who have traveled to the Volcanoes National Park to conduct gorilla tracking. You will register, be given a hiking stick, and be driven to the starting site by armed rangers/Guides while at the park headquarters.
It’s vital to keep in mind that before you can sign up for the activity, you will need to present your passport and Bisoke hiking permission. It is advised that you use the restroom before heading to the starting location because this is the last opportunity to use a real toilet.
Since the route is rather difficult, it takes around 40 minutes to get to the starting site. The armed rangers are there to keep you safe from roving wildlife and any armed rebels who may have entered the park from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In this region, rebels are seldom ever reported, and hikers are rarely attacked by animals. The armed guards don’t want to risk endangering visitors. If something were to happen, it might generate a lot of bad press.
The fact that porters can be hired at the beginning site should also be mentioned. It costs $10 to $15 to hire a porter. The porters will aid you in carrying heavy loads and assist you during challenging portions of the walk while you climb Mount Bisoke in Rwanda. The porters have ascended the mountain numerous times and reside close to the park. They are well familiar with the area. Some are claimed to have assisted hikers when they were little. At the foot of the mountain, the beginning is difficult and rocky.
You’ll see that the park has stone barriers to keep animals out of the gardens created by people. Additionally, these fences prevent people from entering the park without authorization. The Rangers will lead you past the bamboo groves at the base of the mountain and closer to the summit to the semi-alpine vegetation. Keep in mind that you cannot abandon someone. Being physically and mentally prepared is crucial for this reason. The entire group can be slowed down by one hiker. The weather that day will affect how long it takes to hike and how long you spend at the summit. You might even be fortunate enough to have a picnic at the peak if it’s a sunny day. Our 2-day Mount Bisoke walk and Gorilla trekking program might be of interest to you.
What to see while Climbing Mountain bisoke.
Be sure to visit the mountain’s two crater lakes, which we did mention earlier, as well as the stunning fog at the peak. These waters, however, are not safe for swimming. Another thing to look forward to is the alpine vegetation. Did we mention that mountain gorillas live on Mount Bisoke as well? Yes, as well as numerous other species including golden monkeys, forest elephants, and buffaloes.
Unfortunately, you must keep your distance if you are unlucky enough to come across mountain gorillas on the trail (the group you encounter may not be habituated). To avoid wasting time, the Rangers will only allow you to spend ten minutes with the gorillas. No images are permitted unless you have signed up for gorilla tracking, which requires you to climb Mount Bisoke. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes, including Muhabura, Nyiragongo, Mikeno, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, and Karisimbi, by climbing Mount Bisoke. Although it is simpler to descend the mountain, there are still muddy areas and steep parts to negotiate. At the starting site, your driver will be there to meet you. Before you head back to your lodge or Kigali, it’s vital to tip the porters and rangers. It is done with the intention of giving back to the community and showing appreciation for individuals who put in a lot of effort but may not get paid well.
Cost for hiking Mountain bisoke.
The hike up Mount Bisoke will set you back $75 each. On days when there are no hikers, tickets can be purchased at the main office. It’s dangerous to make a reservation directly with the park because there are no assurances that you’ll discover discounted tickets. What the $75 entails. A hiking guide and park ranger services are included in the permit price.
Meals and transportation from Kigali to the park are not included in the $75 price. The majority of hikers do it through a tour company for this reason. You can reserve the permits and make transportation arrangements through a tour operator. If you’re trekking Mount Bisoke with someone else, the overall cost is $250 per person.
Packing List for Bisoke Hiking.
Before starting up the trail to Mount Bisoke’s summit, make sure you have the following items.
The proper footwear, including shoes that are waterproof, light, and durable enough to navigate potentially muddy routes during the rainy season. These shoes must be light for you to walk comfortably and without becoming overly exhausted. You need the stockings so that you can tuck them inside your pants to shield yourself from the mud, jagged plants, and stinging insects.
The proper attire: As you climb further up the mountain, you’ll need long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a heavy sweater, and headgear to keep you warm. The long sleeves of the shirt protect against stinging insects.
One requires gardening gloves or woolen gloves for their hands. When you need to hold on to trees with thick branches, these shield your hands.
Snacks and water: You may need these in case you grow peckish while hiking or become dehydrated when ascending.
All participants are given a trekking stick by the park guides to help them navigate the muddy routes and steep terrain.