A stratovolcano located among the Virunga Mountains, Mount Karisimbi is without doubt an impressive giant feature to admire. It lies along the Rwanda and D.R. Congo borderline, flanked by Mount. Nyiragongo to the west, Bisoke to the east and Mount. Mikeno to the north. Standing tall at the height of 4,507m above sea level, it is not only the highest of all 8 volcanoes in the Virunga region but also the 11th highest of all mountains in Africa. This dormant mountain is bordered by the Albertine Rift on both sides.
Karisimbi is a local Kinyarwanda word that is derived from “amasimbi” which translates to “snow” in English. This is because snow can be found on the peak of Mount. Karisimbi during dry season, especially in June, July and August. This complex volcano has a symmetrical sharp –pointed summit, which is home of the 2km wide branca caldera, two explosion craters and vicious lava flows. South of the peak, is the giant 1.2km wide Muntango crater while further south west you find an extensive lava plain and a long chain of parasitic cones. Over 100 parasitic cones erupted towards South-West, all the way from North-west towards Lake Kivu shores.
The latest known eruptions at Mount Karisimbi formed a group of dome-shaped vents east of the caldera which later fed the vicious lava flows that moved for more than 12km eastwards.
Apart from being an important habitat of the rare mountain gorillas, the lower slopes of Mount Karismbi have another historical advantage; it is here where the fallen gorilla heroine, Dian Fossey set up a work station during her early days of gorilla habituation and research which would later be turned into a world renowned gorilla conservation station.
The Karisoke research center is still an important center for mountain gorilla conservation, protection, tourism and research in Volcanoes National Park and the entire Virunga Conservation Area.
Hiking Mount. Karisimbi.
Regardless of its 4,507m height, Mount. Karisimbi’s summit can ideally be accessed within 2 days. This is an authentic hiking adventure taking visitors through tropical forests, bamboo plantations, and an optional tour of the Karisoke center at the bottom of the mountain.
It is highly advised to hire a porter and a walking stick to help carry heavy luggage and maneuver through rugged terrain. Along the climb, visitors traverse through a variety of vegetation types, including bamboo, mooth, hagania-hypericum forest, giant lobelia and senecio. Away from the flora, a wide array of primates and birds is present.
At 3,700m above sea level, you have a stopover, hot meal and a night stay. You can also have a camp fire to keep your night a bit warm. The next hike starts as early as 5am in the morning; this will be the last section of the hike which is quite demanding though not much climbing skills and experience are required. This hike lasts for only 2 hours and by 8:00am you’ll be already at the summit where views are stunning. At this point, you are in Rwanda and D.R. Congo at the same time.
When to climb Mount Karisimbi
Weather greatly influences when to go climbing Mount. Karisimbi; and therefore should only be attempted when weather is clear, especially during dry season months – June, July, August, September and December to February.
Mount. Karisimbi Hiking permits.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi is not free, but also not very expensive. With only 400$ per person, you get permission to climbing one of the highest and impressive volcanoes in Africa. The permit can be acquired on the very day of hiking but in peak season it is advisable to book in advance as it is characterized by heavy demand. You can book Karisimbi hiking permit online with a trusted tour operator or through Rwanda Development Board, a government agency which is in charge of tourism services.
