Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi is among the 8 volcanoes in the Virunga Conservation Area found in Rwanda. It is located in the Volcanoes National Park. It is the highest among the 8 volcanoes. This mountain is about 4507 meters above sea level and is also the 11th highest mountain in Africa. It is a dormant volcano and is mostly tough on the Rwanda side. Mount Karisimbi is at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Additionally, Mount Karisimbi is surrounded by other volcanoes like Bisoke, Mikeno, and Nyiragongo. It is named Karisimbi which is a local Rwandese word meaning “white shell” because of the snow which is usually on the peak of the peak.
Furthermore, Mount Karisimbi is within the Albertine Rift Valley which is viewed in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Uganda, it can be viewed on a visit to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. On the other hand, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mount Karisimbi can be seen in the Virunga National Park. Mount Karisimbi has a crater known as Mutango which is about 100 cones connected to Lake Kivu. The mountain is characterized by dense forests, exotic plants, and volcanic cores at the summit.
How long does hiking Mount Karisimbi take?
Hiking Mountain Karisimbi takes about 2 days and the hike is somehow challenging. The hike starts with a briefing at the park headquarters of Volcanoes National Park. On day 1 after the briefing, hiking takes tourists to about 3700 meters above sea level. Upon arrival at this level, they will start over with camping for the rest of the night. On day 2, travelers will continue hiking to the highest peak of the mountain. As they arrive, they will take some time for relaxation and descend back to the starting point. In 1908, the hike to this mountain was led by Von Egon Krischkstein. This led to the death of over 20 porters as they were coming down from Branca crater. The death was due to the hail and storm.
What to see in Mount Karisimbi?
While on a safari to Mount Karisimbi, there are several attractions to see during the visit they include;
Wildlife
During a visit to Mountain Karisimbi, there are several wildlife that can be seen during the safari. The wildlife usually spotted include olive baboons, golden monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, mountain gorillas, and many others. The wildlife is spotted around the forested areas of the mountain.
Karisoke Research Centre
The Karisoke Research Center became famous during the reign of Dian Fossey who was a conservationist aiming at gorilla protection. It originates its name from Karisimbi and Bisoke to get Karisoke. It was founded on 24 September 1967 and was engaged to study mountain gorillas. The research center started with the tents and later there was the construction of the houses.
Bird species
In the mountains, there are several bird species including over 100 species around the mountain with Albertine species. The bird species in the mountain include; spur-winged lapwing, grey-backed fiscal, African fishing eagle, Turacos, and many others.
What to pack for the Mount Karisimbi hiking adventure?
While on a safari to Mount Karisimbi, there are several requirements for packing for a safari and they include;
- Hiking and sturdy shoes.
- Walking sticks.
- Water bottle to keep you hydrated.
- Camping tents.
- Hiking sticks.
- Insect repellents
How much is hiking Mount Karisimbi?
While planning to hike to the mount Karisimbi, there are several tariffs which travelers should know to hike the mountain. They include 400 dollars for foreign nonresidents, 250 dollars for foreign residents,300 dollars for East African residents, and 200 dollars for Rwandese and East African citizens. All these charges include the park entrance, camping, guide fee, and hiking.
Activities to combine with hiking Mount Karisimbi
While in the visit of Mount Karisimbi, there are several activities that travelers can engage in for the safari and they include;
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
While on the safari to visit Mount Karisimbi, gorilla trekking is another activity that travelers on their safaris can engage in. The gorilla trekking in the park starts with a briefing about the activity. Then travelers go ahead with the activity which takes about 2 to 7 hours of the day. The tracking of the gorillas is done to the habituated of the gorilla families. The habituated gorilla families are usually used to the presence of humans. Travelers to track gorillas are supposed to have a gorilla permit to ensure availability. A gorilla trekking permit costs about 1500 dollars for foreign nonresidents, 500 dollars for foreign residents, and 200 dollars for Rwandese and East African residents.
Golden monkey trekking
During the safari, golden monkey trekking is another activity that travelers on their Rwanda safaris can engage in. The activity takes about 2 to 4 hours of the day. The activity takes you on a walk through the forests in search of the shy monkeys. Travelers can see these shy primates in the forest while they are playing, eating, and resting.
Visit to the Dian Fossey Grave
Dian Fossey’s tomb is within the Volcanoes National Park where Dian Fossey was killed during her research. She was killed by poachers on December 26th, 1986. The tomb lies within the park with other 20 tombs of the conservationists who were killed by poachers.
How to access Mount Karisimbi?
Mount Karisimbi is accessed by road transport and it is about 130 kilometers away from Kigali. The area is accessed through Musanze. Travelers take about 4 hours to reach the park. Also, travelers can either use private means or public means of transport.
What is the best time to visit Mount Karisimbi?
Mount Karisimbi is available for travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season June to September and December to February when the area is dry and clear for the hike. Also during the dry season, the hiking trails are dry and good for the hike.
