Mountain Bisoke Volcano

Mountain Bisoke Volcano is an active Volcano located in the Western Branch of the East African Rift Valley spanning the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo 35 kms northeast of Goma Town and adjacent Lake Kivu.

The Mountain Volcano has two crater lakes i.e Crater Lake named Lake Ngezi that is 11km from the summit, equatorial rainforest with fog and alpine meadows which inhabit the Mountain Gorillas. The Volcano has the Karisoke Research Center which was founded by Dian Fossey who sacrificed her life to save that of the Mountain Gorillas that were murdered a lot at the time.

Vegetation at Mount Bisoke Volcano

Mount Bisoke Volcano has different vegetation zones that range from bamboo at the 2800m, through Hagenia Hypericum (2800m – 3200m) to Sub-alpine zone at the top. Mountain Gorillas, Golden Monkeys and other wildlife animals like elephants, buffaloes and duikers are fond of inhabiting the forest vegetation.

How long is Crater Lake hike

The Crater lake Hike takes you 6 hours i.e 4 hours ascent and 2 hours descent so all hikers are required to be physically fit. While on your hike, view stunning trees, shrubs, plants, Volcanic cones like Mountain karisimbi Volcano, Mount Nyirangongo Volcano, Mount Mikeno Volcano, Mount Gahinga Volcano, Mount Sabinyo Volcano, Mount Muhavura Volcano. You can also watch the Mountain Gorillas too.

Dian fossey/ Karisoke Research Center

Dian Fossey/Karisoke Research Center is situated along the slopes of Mount Bisoke Volcano and was founded after Dian Fossey who sacrificed her life to save that of the Mountain Gorillas. While here, you are informed about Dian Fossey and the many techniques she implemented to save the lives of the Mountain Gorillas at the time.

Hiking procedure to Dian fossey Tomb/ karisoke research center

Go to the starting point at the bottom of the mountain volcano where you are briefed on conduct as you hike to the top of the Mountain volcano. You are allocated in groups with a park ranger guide for protection and leadership then later embark on hike to the karisoke research center.

Hike for 7 hours as you view the vegetation terrain, birds and after a while you reach the karisoke research center. When here, you are informed you about Dian Fossey who sacrificed her life to save the Mountain Gorillas that where hunted illegally for bush meat and trade. Watch the walls with Dian fossey photos, videos and books about her life and what she exactly did at the time. After the experience, transfer to the Dian Fossey Tomb, take photos to keep.

After a while, descend along the slopes of the mountain volcano to the starting point then to lodge or airport to board flight back home.

Things to Pack for Mount Karisimbi Volcano

  • Hiking/ Trekking Boots
  • Long sleeved T-shirts
  • Long Pants not jeans
  • Sweaters
  • Hat/Cap
  • Gardening Gloves
  • Bottled water/ snacks
  • Rain Jacket
  • Warm stockings
  • Binoculars/ A Good Camera
  • Insect repellents and sunscreen
  • Sleeping Bags
  • A tent for camping overnight
  • Packed food for the overnight stay before reaching the summit
  • Porters to help carry your backpack, tents