Rwanda Hiking Safaris
Are you an adventure traveler? Enjoy our customized hiking safaris in Rwanda for a lifetime experience. Rwanda is one of the best places for hiking experiences. Rwanda is home to three defunct volcanoes which offer you with best hiking experiences. Whereas most safaris to Rwanda focus on primate trekking, volcano hiking is yet another interesting adventure you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Hiking in Rwanda is normally done as a complete to other wildlife experiences such as mountain gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, chimpanzee trekking, canopy walk, big five game and Kigali city tour which altogether make a complete safari package. Hiking safaris in Rwanda entail:
Mount. Karisimbi
Standing at 4,507 meters (15,787 ft.) above the sea level, Mount. Karisimbi is the highest volcano in Rwanda situated in the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mt. Karisimbi is the most hiked volcano in Rwanda whose summit overlooks other Virunga volcanoes, Volcanoes N/park and Rwanda’s local communities. A 2 days Mt. Karisimbi volcano hike is a suitable package to conquer this tall volcano. On the first day, travelers start off the hike and spend a mountain slopes. On the second day, travelers ascend to the summit and descend back. Interestingly, the slopes of Mount. Karisimbi shelter the endangered mountain gorillas and other primates in the park which you stand high chances of meeting. Karisimbi is a local Kinyarwanda language which means “snow”; as seen at the summit of this strata volcano. Hiking Mt. Karisimbi is a strenuous adventure which requires physical fitness. Travelers intending to hike this dormant volcano are therefore advised to do physical exercises and ensure fitness to avoid embarrassments.
Mount. Bisoke
Mount. Bisoke which stands at 3711 meters above the sea level is yet another interesting volcano to include on your Rwanda hiking safari. The volcano is located on Rwanda borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo but it’s hiked from Rwanda side. The summit of the volcano shelters a wide crater lake best for photography. Travelers can hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke and back in one day. Therefore, a one day Bisoke hiking tour is the best package for you. More so, hiking Mont Bisoke is not as strenuous as hiking the sister Mount Karisimbi. Hike from the base to the summit of Volcano can take roughly 4 hours and 2 hours to hike down. The hiking day starts with a briefing at Kinigi Park headquarters. Thereafter, transfers are driven to the hiking starting point roughly 40 minutes’ drive from the park headquarters. A porter and hiking stick are very recommended for hiking Mount. Karisimbi.
Mount. Sabyinyo
Mount. Sabyinyo is shared in the borders of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount. Sabinyo stands at 3,669 meters above the sea level and its summit is shared by the three countries. You can hike from either country. Sabinyo is a local Kinyarwanda word which translates as “old man’s tooth” due to the tooth-like shape of Mount Sabinyo. It’s one of the toughest volcanoes to hike in the Virunga conservation area but the magical feeling of standing at the summit in three countries is worth the effort. Ridges have been out to ease the hiking of this adventurous volcano. More so, the slopes of Mount. Sabinyo shelter the endangered mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and many bird species.
Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike
In addition to the volcanoes, you can join a hike to the graveyard of Dian Fossey, an American primatologist who lost her life to poachers in her campaign to save the endangered mountain gorillas which were at the verge of extinction. The permit to hike Dian Fossey graveyard costs $75 but the experience is worth it. Upon reaching the site, a ranger from Volcanos National park will explain how the whole campaign of Dian Fossey is like from the start to end. Also, books, magazines and documentaries are available at Karisoke research Centre. The hike offers you chance to meet other wild animals including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, baboons and birds which live in Volcanoes National park.
Guide to Rwanda hiking safaris
When coming for Rwanda hiking safaris, ensure to book your permit in time, do physical exercises and be mentally ready for this adventure. Among the things to pack for hiking safaris in Rwanda include hiking boots/shoes, garden gloves, first aid kit, drinking water and energy giving snacks to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable hike.
Other things to do in Rwanda
Besides hiking, travelers on Rwanda safaris have a long list of things to see and do. The other interesting activities and attractions in Rwanda include: Mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, Golden Monkey trekking n Volcanoes National Park, Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park, Big five game in Akagera National Park, Canopy walk in Nyungwe Forest, Musanze caves, Burera and Ruhondo caves and Kigali city tour among others. Rwanda hiking safaris ought not miss on your trip to Africa. Book a hiking tour to Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mt Sabyinyo and Dian Fossey graveyard for a memorable Rwanda hiking experience.
