Mount Bisoke (also known as Visoke in D.R. Congo) rises to 3,711m above sea level. It is a dormant volcano located within the Virunga ranges, along the Congo-Rwanda border. In Rwanda, it borders Volcanoes National Park, while in Congo it borders Virunga National Park – both prime locations for mountain gorilla trekking. A hiking permit for this mountain costs $75 per person.
The Virunga Massif is a large volcanic block consisting of up to 8 distinct mountains, spanning three East African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and D.R. Congo. Mount Bisoke lies predominantly in Rwanda, including its summit which features a crater lake on top. This beautiful crater, with a diameter of 400 meters, makes Bisoke an exceptionally thrilling mountain.
On its slopes lies another picturesque crater, Lake Ngezi, located 11 kilometers from the summit and formed after the 1957 eruption. It is from these lakes that the volcano derives its name “Bisoke” – a Swahili word meaning “soaked with water”. Another unique feature of Mount Bisoke is its lush vegetation cover, divided into three zones: Hagenia on the lower slopes, semi-alpine vegetation, and alpine vegetation at the summit.
Mount Bisoke is home to a variety of wildlife, including elusive golden monkeys and mountain gorillas that inhabit the nearby areas of Volcanoes National Park. Other inhabitants include several primate species, forest mammals such as elephants, forest duikers, buffaloes, and a diverse array of bird species, some endemic to the Albertine Rift and others migratory that inhabit the lower slopes of the mountain.
Hiking Mount Bisoke
Bisoke Mountain offers a moderately strenuous and adventurous hike, suitable even for novice climbers. However, it requires a reasonable level of fitness, both physical and medical. It is advisable for climbers to seek medical advice from their doctor to ensure they are fit for the hike.
The higher altitudes of the mountain demand extra stamina and may prove challenging for inexperienced hikers. The entire expedition may last 5 – 6 hours depending on the hikers’ speed, frequency of breaks, and prevailing weather conditions. Typically, the ascent takes about 3 hours, with the descent taking 2 hours.
Remember to pick up a sturdy hiking stick from the base camp before starting the hike, as navigating steep and muddy slopes can be demanding and may require additional support. There are two main trails on the mountain, each leading to one of the crater lakes – Lake Ngezi and the summit crater lake. The more popular trail is undoubtedly the one leading to the summit crater, taking a maximum of 6 hours – 4 hours ascent and 2 hours descent.
The second trail, shorter, leads to Lake Ngezi and can be completed in 5 hours, including 3 hours ascent and 2 hours descent. During the hike to Bisoke’s summit, climbers traverse various vegetation zones, starting with bamboo forests on the lower slopes, through Hagenia forests, Senecio – Lobelia bush, and finally to alpine vegetation at the peak.
Descending back to the starting point is generally straightforward, except in bad weather when hikers may encounter muddy and slippery paths. The hiking fee for Mount Bisoke is currently $75 per person, including a guide, and no advance booking is required as permits can be purchased on site.
For those needing assistance with carrying extra baggage, porters are available for hire at the base camp, typically charging between $10-20 per person.
