Virunga Mountains Trekking in Rwanda | Volcanoes National Park

Virunga Mountains Trekking is a perfect addition to gorilla safaris in Rwanda.

Up to 5 out of 8 Virunga Mountains are found in Rwanda, offering exceptional hiking opportunities to all adventure seekers.

When you think about adventure challenges on Rwanda safaris, think not beyond the Virunga Volcano hiking in Rwanda.

Get a chance to experience some of the famous treks as you conquer some of the highest Virunga mountain peaks.

During the Virunga Volcano hikes, expect to conquer heights of iconic Virunga Mountain massifs:

• The Karisimbi Volcano.
• Bisoke.
• Muhabura.

The other two Virunga Volcanoes include Sabyinyo and Gahinga, often explored on Uganda safaris.

Mount Karisimbi Hike

Karisimbi Volcano is the tallest of the 8 Virunga Massifs, rising at an altitude of 4507m.

A hike to the summit of Karisimbi requires at least 2 days.

The first phase of the hike to the Karisimbi Summit can take you to an altitude of 3700m.

This can be after spending about 6 hours ascending, and you can settle at the summit.

The trek to the summits of Karisimbi begins with orientation at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters.

An expert is allocated to accompany you to conquer the Karisimbi Volcano, a dormant mountain in the Virunga Massifs.

Cost/Price for Hiking Mount Karisimbi

1. US $400 per person for non-residents.
2. US $300 per person for foreign residents.
3. US $250 for foreign residents in Rwanda.
4. US $200 for Rwandan citizens/East African travelers.

Mount Bisoke Hike – Virunga Mountains Trekking Rwanda

The Bisoke Volcano hike involves exploring the active Mount Bisoke, which sits within the Rwanda’s Albertine Rift.

Bisoke lies at the Rwanda-Congo border area. A hike to the summit of Bisoke involves reaching the height of 3711m.

Hikes to Bisoke cost US Dollars 75 per person for international guests, USD 60 for foreign residents, and USD 55 for East Africans.

Lastly, Rwandan citizens are charged RWF 4000 per person.

Visitors can also hire a porter at US Dollars 20. Porters play a significant role in assisting climbers in carrying their heavy luggage.

The essential gear you need is a wooden walking stick.

Upon reaching the summit of Bisoke/Visoke Volcano, expect to find the 400m wide Crater Lake.

Note: A round walk through the 6km journey takes about 6 to 8 hours.

Mt. Muhabura -Virunga Mountains Trekking Rwanda

Muhabura Volcano hike takes you on a challenging trek, and a day is enough to complete your excursion.

Muhabura lies on the Uganda-Rwanda border and is shared by Mgahinga and Volcanoes National Park.

About 7 to 10 hours can be spent while trekking to and from the summits of Mt. Muhabura (4127m).

The trek to Muhabura Volcano summit introduces you through the dense woodland or bamboo.

Expect to also pass through some parts of the misty sub-alpine zone.

Kinigi is the ideal starting point for ascending the summits of Mt. Muhabura.

The cost of hiking this volcano is US Dollars 75 for foreign residents & USD 60 when you book as an East African resident.

The fee covers the hiking experience and trekking guide from Volcanoes National Park.

Preparation for the Virunga Mountains Trek –What to pack

A successful trek through the Rwandan Virunga Mountains requires you to adequately prepare and this includes packing the right gear.

The checklist of what to carry on a volcano trek in Rwanda:

High-energy-giving snacks, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, a camera, a daypack, insect repellents, and a rain jacket.

The wooden walking stick can be accessed at the park offices, or request one at the lodge or camp.

Leg strength –Ensure that you conduct thorough practice, including squats, to get yourself fit for steep and undefined path hikes.

Acclimatization –Generally, Volcanoes National Park lies in the high altitude region of 2500 to 3000m.

Acclimatization is essential to enable you to enjoy a successful trek through your Virunga Volcanoes.

Mount Gahinga Hike –(3474m)

Mt. Gahinga is a dormant Virunga Mountain and is mostly hiked on the Ugandan side.

To trek to the Gahinga Volcano (Uganda), you need to visit Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –(Kisoro).

The unique bit about Gahinga volcano trekking safaris is that hikers can take a shorter duration compared to most hikes on other Virunga Mountains.

It is one of those Virunga Mountains known to offer less strenuous trekking adventures.

Trekking to the summit of Gahinga Volcano rewards with scenic beauty. Trekkers navigate via the lush bamboo forest.

Mount Sabyinyo Hike

There is also a chance to explore the Sabyinyo Volcano, a rugged and rocky Virunga Mountain range.

Like Gahinga, Mt. Sabyinyo is also hiked in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The trek through the Sabyinyo Volcano allows you to reach the 3 peaks, and the hike starts along the trail at the Uganda border crossing.

Visitors follow the steep, handmade wooden ladders to reach the top.

Best time to go Virunga Mountain Trekking Tours

Volcano hiking tours can be organized at any time of the year. But the most recommended period is the dry months/season.

Visiting Rwanda during the dry months is a great advantage to hikers in need to conquer the heights of the Virunga Massifs.

First, the steep and rocky paths stay drier for longer during the dry season than during the wet season.

As you begin your preparation, the considerable peak dry seasons/months on the Volcanoes National Park travel calendar extend from June to September.

Then also from mid-December to February.

Regardless, you should be prepared for any unexpected changes in weather and ensure that you have a comfortable raincoat or jacket.

How fit should you be to go Rwanda Volcano trek

The fitness level of the Virunga Mountain trekking adventure in Rwanda varies from moderate to high level.

The duration of Virunga volcano hikes can range from 2 to 8 hours or more.

The actual treks involve crossing steep and rocky slopes/terrains.

Along the way, hikers/trekkers get to penetrate dense vegetation or muddy paths.

The Virunga volcano hike difficulty level differs depending on the Virunga Mountain to be trekked.

Moderate Hikes: The ideal spot to enjoy moderate Virunga Mountaineering experiences in Rwanda is the Bisoke Volcano.

Challenging Hikes: The best place that rewards hikers with the most challenging treks is the Muhabura Volcano Mountain.

Strenuous Hikes: Embark on the hiking excursion on Mount Karisimbi in Rwanda or Sabyinyo Volcano in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

Karisimbi and Sabyinyo are popular spots for experienced hikers/mountain climbers.

5 Days Rwanda gorillas & Karisimbi Hike (Volcanoes National Park)

Join us on a thrilling Virunga Mountain climbing and gorilla trekking adventure.

Book with us the 5 Days Rwanda gorillas and Karisimbi Volcano Hike.

With this 5-day adventure package, you can explore the scenic Mount Karisimbi in the Volcanoes National Park.

Here is a breakdown of the day-by-day activities of your memorable 5 Days Rwanda gorillas and Karisimbi Volcano Hike.

Day 1: Arrival & tour Kigali –optional

Day 2: Transfer by road to Kinigi (Volcanoes National Park)

Day 3: Gorilla trekking & visit the Gorilla Guardian Village

Day 4: Trek to the Karisimbi summits

Day 5: Ascend to Karisimbi and return to Kinigi –Connect to Kigali

Other possible hiking packages

• 3 Days Mt. Karisimbi Hike -Rwanda
• 2 Days Bisoke Hike –Rwanda

Gorilla trekking and Virunga Volcano hike

Combining Rwanda gorilla safaris and volcano hiking tours is possible.

Get in touch with our expert to organize your gorilla trekking tours and Virunga Mountain hike.

We offer unforgettable hiking adventures and gorilla trekking experiences to nature enthusiasts globally.

Whether you are from Nepal, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK. Argentina. Norway. the USA. Russia. the Czech Republic, Chile, or Australia, you can reach out to our team and secure a hiking slot to Rwanda.