Mountain Karisimbi is the highest of the 8 series of the Virunga volcanic Mountains elevated 4,507m above sea level in the Volcanoes National Park. The park is popular for its resident species the mountain gorillas, which live along the slopes of the mountains in the growing bamboo forest, together with the Golden monkeys, despite these being the highlight of the park. The unique physical features of the volcanic mountains (Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Bisoke, Mountain Muhabura, Mountain Gahinga and Mountain Sabyinyo) are part of the park’s most thought of things to do, four of which are hiked beside Mountain Sabyinyo. Mountain Karisimbi is an inactive volcano its name locally means “White shell” from the white snow part covering the top of the mountain during the dry season.
Karisimbi Mountain hike is an amazing experience while in the Volcanoes National Park. It is a strenuous hike and would therefore require hikers to consider high levels of physical fitness, along the slopes of the mountain, is growing beautiful vegetation harboring many animal species including golden monkeys, forest elephants, mountain duikers, mountain gorillas and several bird species, on a lucky day it is possible to view these animal species, you will also get a chance to view where the late Dian Fossey was buried at the slopes of the mountain, the American primatologist is a Gorilla icon and a respected researcher towards the conservation of the gentle giants, her great works have been passed through written books and research centers.
Karisimbi Mountain Hike is referred to as a tough hike by many hikers however it is also a rewarding experience at the end of the day, experiencing the best of the national park, while at the summit there is a perfect view of all the 7 series of the Virunga volcanic mountains including mountain Mikeno, Nyiragongo or the Democratic Republic of Congo, the trails are a great landscape, dense forest steep slopes, the sound of birds within the forest is not to miss during the hike. Permits are secured from the Rwanda Tourism Board in order for guests to be able to hike through a tour operator.
Karisimbi Mountain Hike takes 2 days to reach the summit, hikes begin at the park headquarters for a morning briefing, hikers will check if everyone has the correct tools to hike including hiking boots, drinking water, rain gear, waterproof covers for phones and cameras, a tent for your stay overnight, sleeping bag, packed food, walking sticks will be provided. It is at this point where you hire a porter in case of heavy backpackers and camera equipment, these live around the park area and are experienced and are used to the terrain of the mountain. Hikers will stop midway at 3,700m for a night stop after which proceed to the summit the following day, it takes 7 hours to descend the mountain to the starting point where you will be picked up by your driver to accommodation that has been booked for your stay overnight.
In conclusion, Hiking mountain Karisimbi can be done alongside other activities of the Volcanoes National Park including golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, and cultural experiences to mention a few, one can also have the chance to visit other ecosystems for example the Akagera National Park for a great wildlife experience.