Mount Bisoke – Mountain Bisoke Rwanda

Are you ready for an adventure? Consider visiting Mount Bisoke, an active volcano in Rwanda that you can trek during your Rwanda safari!

Mt. Bisoke, also known as Visoke, is a majestic volcanic mountain in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, standing at 3,711 meters (12,175 ft) tall with a base diameter of approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) that is a major tourist attraction for visitors on Rwanda safaris.

To see this magnificent mountain, visitors on Rwanda safaris need to partake in a guided Hike Bisoke tour and revel in its natural beauty, which will leave anyone in awe.

Hiking Mount Bisoke summit offers an unforgettable adventure as it enables you to see stunning landscapes, dense forests, and diverse wildlife species, including mountain gorillas.

This Mount Bisoke hike often takes approximately 5-7 hours for inexperienced hikers or 2-4 hours for experienced hikers with a hiking permit and precautions attained and followed, respectively.

Mountain Bisoke Rwanda is part of the Virunga Mountains, a chain of volcanoes in the Virunga massif/Virunga region stretching across Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Virunga National Park), and Uganda.

The mountain is home to diverse landscapes, verdant forests, and open meadows that pack a vast array of rich wildlife, including mountain gorillas and forest elephants.

Bisoke Mountain also has historical significance and is considered safe for guided hikes and other activities tourists may like to combine with hiking safaris like gorilla trekking safaris or gorilla tracking tours, making it a popular attraction in the Parc National des Volcans.

Let’s delve into the additional information about this stunning beauty of Mount Bisoke.

Interesting Facts About Mount Bisoke

Some of the facts about Mt. Bisoke include:

1. Location, Elevation, and Size

Mt. Bisoke, also known as Visoke Volcano, is a stratovolcano located in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, in the Virunga mountains’ range that spans the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda, just 35 kilometers northeast of Goma town and Lake Kivu.

It stands at 3,711 meters (12,175 ft) above sea level, with a base diameter of approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles).

2. History of Mount Bisoke

It was formed by the separation of tectonic plates, which created the East African Rift Valley. The volcano has had two recorded eruptions, in 1891 and 1957, and is considered active.

The 1957 eruption created two small cones on the volcano’s north flank and scientists believe the area is still geologically active, suggesting a future eruption could happen.

The name “Bisoke” comes from the Swahili word for “water,” referring to the two crater lakes at its Bisoke summit.

3. Tourist Activity

Hiking Mount Bisoke is the top tourist activity on Mt. Visoke.

The mountain offers popular hiking and trekking trails, including the Bisoke Hike, which takes 6-8 hours round trip.

The Mount Bisoke hike is moderate to challenging, passing through equatorial rainforests and alpine meadows.

It’s also a popular tourist destination, with guided climbs, nature walks, and birding done by visitors on Rwanda safaris offering them stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and the Mount Visoke crater lake, Lake Bisoke.

4. Biodiversity

Visoke is home to diverse ecosystems, including bamboo forests, alpine meadows, and various wild animals such as endangered mountain gorillas, bushbucks, golden monkeys, and buffalo, among others.

5. Cultural Significance

Mt. Bisoke also holds cultural significance and is home to the Dian Fossey Grave, a famous American primatologist’s resting place.

6. Accessibility

Bisoke Mountain is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world, with a relatively straightforward hike to the mountain summit.

All these facts listed above make Mt. Bisoke a perfect travel destination for travelers from across the world on Rwanda safaris.

Where to Find Mount Bisoke? – Volcanoes National Park

Mountain Bisoke, also known as Visoke, is a dormant volcano (12,175 ft above sea level) featuring a crater lake at its summit found in Parc National des Volcans on the Rwandan side in East Africa and on the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Parc National des Volcans, where Mt. Bisoke is situated, is a popular tourist destination for gorilla trekking or gorilla tracking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The park covers 160 square kilometers (61 square miles) and is home to five volcanoes, including Mount Bisoke (12,175 ft), Mount Gahinga (11,394 ft), Mount Sabyinyo (12,037 ft), Mount Muhabura (13,540 ft), and Mount Karisimbi (14,787 ft).

Stone walls enclose areas of the park, deterring trespassers and protecting farmland from wildlife raids.

Mount Bisoke Hike—How to Explore Mount Bisoke?

To marvel at and see the beauty hidden in Mount Bisoke, you need to partake in a popular tourist activity called “hiking Mount Bisoke,” which enables you to see Mt. Visoke in a new light.

It is done through trekking along the Mt. Bisoke designated hiking trails laid out in Parc National des Volcans for adventure seekers, including the Bisoke Summit Trail, Gahinga Trail, and Golden Monkey Trail.

Mountain Bisoke stands at 12,175 feet tall in the Virunga Mountain ranges, so hikers can expect a good challenge and breathtaking views of the Virunga Mountains, Lake Kivu, and surrounding landscapes, as well as encounters with unique alpine flora and fauna.

The Mt. Bisoke hike is moderately difficult and requires hikers to be reasonably fit and prepared for steep inclines and changing weather conditions.

Other Top Tourist Activities Done at Mount Bisoke

• Chimpanzee tracking (tracking and observing habituated eastern chimpanzees)
• Mountain Gorilla Trekking (track and observe the habituated mountain gorillas in their natural habitat)
• Golden Monkey Tracking (track and observe the endangered species of golden monkeys)
• Cave Exploration (explore the caves on Mt. Bisoke, including the Musanze Cave and the Gahinga Cave)
• Birdwatching (spot a variety of bird species, including the endangered Rwenzori turaco)
• Photography (capture stunning photos of the mountain scenery, other wildlife, and flora, including the Hagenia forest)
• Wildlife Viewing (observe a variety of wildlife, including forest elephants, buffalo, and duikers)
• Community Visits (explore and learn about the culture and way of life of people in local communities)
• Mountain Biking (take a mountain ride through the designated trails of Mt. Bisoke)
• Nature Walks (take a leisurely walk through the forests and meadows of Mt. Bisoke)

Hikers can choose from various hiking Mount Bisoke safari packages offered by Rwanda tour operators and they may as well combine them with other activities for a memorable Rwanda safari.

Amazing Things to See at Mount Bisoke

Mt. Bisoke in Rwanda offers a diverse range of tourist attractions to visitors, such as

1)   Mountain Gorillas on Mt Bisoke

The mountain gorillas found at Mt. Bisoke are the highlight of any Bisoke safari tour visitors look forward to seeing.

Gorillas are a subspecies of the eastern gorilla and are characterized by their thick fur, which is adapted to the cold climate of the mountainous region.

They are the largest primates on Earth and are known for their intelligence, social behavior, and gentle nature.

2)   Crater Lakes on Mount Bisoke Rwanda

Bisoke’s summit boasts two stunning crater lakes: Lake Bisoke (also known as Lake Visoke), approximately 400m in diameter, and Lake Ngezi, located 11km from the summit.

The latter being one of the largest crater lakes in the Virunga Mountain range, Lake Bisoke is a must-visit attraction at Mt. Bisoke volcano in Parc National des Volcans Rwanda.

3)   Other Animals on Mount Bisoke

Explore the natural habitat of Bisoke and get to see endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys in their habitat, plus forest elephants, buffalo, duikers, bushbucks, gorillas, and chimpanzees when on a thrilling hiking Mount Bisoke adventure.

4)   Bird Species on Mt. Bisoke

Mt. Bisoke is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species, including 17 endemics to the Albertine Rift, including

The park’s unique ecosystem, with montane forest and alpine vegetation, supports a diverse range of avifauna, making birdwatching a popular activity in the area.

5)   Unique Vegetation at Mount Bisoke

Visoke boasts an incredibly diverse range of vegetation, including alpine plants (Hagenia forests), montane forests, bamboo groves, tree ferns, mosses, lichens, wildflowers, and grasslands, providing habitat for mountain gorillas, buffalo, and antelope.

6)   Stunning Landscapes

When hiking Mount Bisoke, you can see various breathtaking scenery of the surrounding landscapes, including the Virunga Mountains, Lake Kivu, Lake Bunyonyi, and nearby towns like Musanze, rainforests, hills, and volcanic peaks.

Other unique things to see when visiting Mt. Bisoke are:

• Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey, with glimpses into conservation efforts
• Hiking Trails, e.g., the popular Bisoke Hike
• Dian Fossey Grave (visit the grave of the famous American primatologist)
• Local communities of the Batwa and Pygmy, among others

You can view all these when on hiking Mount Bisoke safaris.

Guidelines For Visiting Mount Bisoke

To ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking Mount Bisoke experience, tourists must follow these regulations and rules set by the park authorities, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and local authorities:

1. Before embarking on a hike of the Mount Bisoke tour, obtain a hiking permit from the Parc National des Volcans park offices or a licensed tour operator, hire a licensed armed ranger or join a guided group for summit hikes, hire porters, and register with the park authorities.
2. During the hike, it is essential to stay on designated trails to protect vegetation and prevent soil erosion and to take necessary precautions such as wearing waterproof boots and carrying rain jackets.
3. Additionally, maintain a safe distance from wildlife, keep the group size to 8 people or less, be respectful of cultural community beliefs and private properties, and ensure to carry out all trash and leave nothing behind.
4. To ensure a safe hiking Mount Bisoke experience, declare any medical conditions or concerns before starting the hike, be prepared for changing weather conditions, and attend park briefings to learn emergency protocols.
5. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers hiking activities and plan your hike to begin early and descend by 5 pm to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

How To Get to Mount Bisoke in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park?

To reach Mt. Bisoke (extinct volcano) for a tour, you have several options:

Option 1:

Fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Rwanda, then take a road trip from Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, to Musanze (approximately 2 hours) and then continue to the park entrance (approximately 1 hour) and then to the hike’s starting point.

Option 2:

Use public transportation whereby you take a bus or shared taxi from Kigali to Musanze, then hire a motorcycle taxi to reach the park entrance. OR rent a car and self-drive from Kigali to Musanze, then stop at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters to register and obtain necessary permits for activities to partake in.

Book guided Rwanda safaris with a reputable Rwanda tour operator that includes airport transfers, armed rangers, transportation, hiking permits, accommodation, and more.

Option 3: (Traveling from Neighboring Countries)

• From Uganda, you can take a taxi from Kampala city to the Cyanika Border Post, then cross the border (having the required visas) and find transportation to Musanze.
• Via the Democratic Republic of Congo, you can take a bus or taxi from Goma to Volcanoes National Park.

Where To Stay When on Mt. Bisoke Safaris?

There are several lodges and campsites near the Parc National des Volcans available for a tranquil stay for visitors on Mt. Bisoke safaris, including:

Mount Bisoke Costs and Tariffs

Some of the costs involved in Mt. Bisoke costs are:

• Hiking Mount Bisoke Permit is $75 per person (foreign residents and non-residents).
• A Covid test (antigen) is around $5.
• A bus from Kigali to Ruhengeri costs around $2.
• Entrance fee (includes entrance, hike, and park rangers) goes for $55-$75 per person.

Please note that a Mt. Bisoke permit is available for purchase on the day of the hike at the park offices.

Best Time to Visit Mount Bisoke

The most ideal time for the Mt. Bisoke tour is the dry seasons from June to October and December to February for favorable outdoor activity conditions, while others may prefer the rainy season from March to May and October to November for lush and colorful surroundings.

What To Wear for Hiking Mount Bisoke Safaris | Clothing

When heading for a safari in Mt. Bisoke, ensure that you wear proper attire such as:

What To Pack for Mt. Bisoke Safaris | Personal Essentials

You should consider some of these personal items, such as:

Mt. Bisoke FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Long Is the Mount Bisoke Hike? | How Long Does It Take to Hike Mount Bisoke?

The Mount Bisoke hike is 12 km and takes 6-8 hours of moderate-challenging trekking, with a 1,000 m elevation gain. Experienced hikers take about 3 hours up; 6 hours is how long hikers (on average) take up and 2-3 hours to descend.

2. Can You Swim in Mount Bisoke?

No, swimming is not permitted in Mt. Bisoke’s crater lake, as it’s not suitable for swimming.

3. When Did Mount Bisoke Last Erupt?

Mt. Bisoke’s last eruption was experienced in August 1957.

4. What Are the Interesting Facts About Mount Bisoke?

• Mt. Bisoke is located on the border of Rwanda and the DR Congo.
• It is a stratovolcano.
• Has two crater lakes
• Has alpine vegetation comprised of Hagenia forest
• Packed with diverse wild animals
• Offers stunning views (Mount Mikeno in Congo, Mount Karisimbi) and hiking opportunities
• Holds cultural and spiritual significance to local communities
• A Bisoke Hike permit is available for $75 per person.
• The Mt. Bisoke hike lasts 6-8 hours on the trail to the 3,711m summit.

5. How Hard Is the Mount Bisoke Hike in Rwanda?

The Mount Bisoke hike in Rwanda is a moderate to challenging experience that is physically demanding for inexperienced hikers. The 6–8-hour hike done by hikers covers 12 km and involves steep ascent and descent, rough terrain, and higher altitudes.

6. How Tall Is Mount Bisoke?

Mt. Bisoke, or Bisoke Volcano, is 3,711 meters (12,175 feet) above sea level and has steep sections, slopes, and inclines.

Book your next Rwanda mountain climbing safari in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans and hike Mount Bisoke on a guided tour with armed rangers, creating lifetime memories.