Mountain Trekking

The striking volcanoes are ounce again open to visitors for guided treks and during the guided trek you won’t fail to find several species of birds, butterflies, animals like buffaloes, primate species among other. There are several possibilities for trekking up to the peak of one or more of the volcanoes in the park. The trek range from several hours to two days depending on the volcano you opted to climb. a guide is always at your disposal but porters are optional, you will need to bring your own trekking gears or you can hire them at the park headquarters , but not tents as they are basic huts on the mountain. The climbs pass through some remarkable changes of vegetation, ranging from thick forest of bamboo, giant lobelia or hagenia on to alpine meadows. If the weather is favorable the reward is some amazing views over the mountain chain. Finding your self at the top of one of these mountains is considered awesome. The following treks are among the more popular.

Bisoke (3711m); Hiking is an interesting activity however you are recommended to be physically fit in order to mange the activity, come with your trekking gears, or you can hire them at the park headquarters. Climbing can take about six to seven hours from parking Bisoke. The ascent takes you up the very steep southwestern edge of the volcano to the peak, where you can see the Crater Lake and many interesting flora and fauna on your way to the peak. The descent follows a rough track on the northwestern side from where there are splendid views over the Virunga national park of the republic of Congo and Lake Ngezi, indeed it’s so interesting. If you need more treks, there is also another trek to visit the grave of Dian Fossey who was a prominent researcher who studied the behaviors of these giant apes the gorillas for a period of over 18 years on the slopes of Bisoke. While at the sight you receive relevant information about Diane Fossy and how she was capable of habituating them, seeing his grave yard you can’t fail to appreciate her works

Karisimbi (4507m) climbing takes two days. The trek fallows the saddle between Bisoke and Karisimbi and ascends the northern flank of the latter. Some five hours after beginning the trek there is a metal hut in which to spend the night. The rocky and sometimes snow-covered summit is a further two to four hours walk through alpine vegetation. While on this hike it is recommended to take plenty of worm clothing and a very good sleeping bag. It gets very cold when you keep on climbing up to the peak. This is one of the most difficult hikes a reasonable degree of fitness is called for.

Climbing Sabinyo (3634m) climbing this mountain takes about five to six hours from the park headquarters near kinig.

Climbing Gahinga (3474m) and Muhabura(4127m) is a two day trip from Gasiza the peak is reached after 4 hours along the track that passes through a swampy saddle between two mountains.