Mount Bisoke
Bisoke
A dormant volcano at 3,711 meters with a crater lake at the summit, reachable on a day hike, and the most popular trek in Volcanoes National Park.
Bisoke (also spelled Visoke) straddles the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rising to 3,711 meters. At the summit is a crater lake about 400 meters across, which on clear days shows a striking green, surrounded by giant alpine lobelias and groundsels. The hike starts at the trailhead in Volcanoes National Park and requires accompaniment by a guide and a park ranger. The one-way trip takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the round trip takes 6 to 7 hours, with an elevation gain of about 1,100 meters. The second half is steep and muddy, so the hike demands a good level of fitness. Along the way you pass through bamboo forest and high alpine meadows, and you may come across signs of gorillas or buffalo. The permit costs about 75 USD per person (check with RDB), and hikers must report to the Kinigi park headquarters by 7 a.m. The summit is cold and often foggy, so bring warm layers, a rain jacket, gloves, and plenty of water. In the rainy season the trails are very slippery, so wear high-top waterproof boots and rent a walking stick. Fitter hikers can take on the two-day, one-night climb of Mount Karisimbi (4,507 meters).
Opening hours
Daily 07:00 meeting at park headquarters
Nearby sights
- Dian Fossey Tomb & Karisoke Hike
- Mount Karisimbi
- Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
- Gorilla Guardians Village (Iby'Iwacu)
- Volcanoes National Park
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking
- Golden Monkey Trekking
- Musanze Caves