Mount Bisoke Guide
Mount Bisoke: Hike to a Crater Lake in the Virunga Mountains Guide
Mount Bisoke, also known as Visoke, is an extinct volcano located in the Virunga Mountains on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Standing at 3,711 meters (12,175 feet), it offers a challenging but rewarding hike to its stunning crater lake. The trek provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the chance to encounter diverse flora and fauna, including golden monkeys. Mount Bisoke, like the other volcanoes in the Virunga range, was formed by volcanic activity associated with the East African Rift Valley. The Virunga Mountains are also home to the endangered mountain gorillas, and Mount Bisoke is part of their habitat. The area has a history of volcanic eruptions, but Mount Bisoke is considered dormant. The mountain's name, "Bisoke," comes from a local word meaning "soaked," referring to the frequent rainfall and mist that shroud the summit. The primary activity on Mount Bisoke is hiking to the crater lake. The trek typically takes around 5-7 hours, depending on your fitness level and the weather conditions. A guide and porters are mandatory and can be arranged through tour operators in Musanze. The hike is challenging, involving steep inclines and muddy trails, but the reward is the spectacular view of the emerald-green crater lake at the summit. You may also encounter golden monkeys along the way. Permits are required for the hike and can be obtained through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Transportation
To climb Mount Bisoke, you first need to reach Musanze (Ruhengeri). The most common way to reach Musanze is by bus from Kigali. Several bus companies operate daily services between Kigali and Musanze. From Musanze, you will need to arrange transportation to the Kinigi park headquarters, the starting point for the Mount Bisoke hike. This can be done through your tour operator or by hiring a taxi. It's essential to book your hike and permits in advance through the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or a reputable tour operator.