Mount Karisimbi is located on the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo and is the highest of the eight Virunga volcanoes, with its peak reaching an elevation of 4,507 meters.
Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano, and the name “Karisimbi” is derived from the Kinyarwanda word amasimbi, meaning snow.
Mount Karisimbi is bordered by Mount Mikeno to the north, Mount Bisoke to the east, and Mount Nyiragongo to the west.
Between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke lies the Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey to study the mountain gorillas in the area.
Hiking Mount Karisimbi
The best place to hike Mount Karisimbi is in Volcanoes National Park.
The hike begins with a briefing early in the morning at the park headquarters, after which tourists are led by well-trained park rangers to hike the volcano.
Along the hike, tourists encounter stunning landscapes, volcanic features, and dense forests as they ascend to the summit.
Various wildlife species can be spotted, such as birds, golden monkeys, and mountain gorillas.
Tourists will also have the opportunity to visit Dian Fossey’s grave. Hiking Mount Karisimbi takes two days to complete.
Cost of Hiking Permits
Mount Karisimbi permits cost USD 400 per person.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mount Karisimbi is during the dry season, when there is little rainfall and the steep slopes are not muddy, making climbing easier.
The dry months are from June to August and December to February.
What to Carry
- Hiking shoes
- Camping tent
- Sleeping bag
- Packed food
- Warm clothes
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars
- Cameras
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Long trousers
Other Activities
- Gorilla trekking
- Bird watching
- Golden monkey trekking
- Cultural tours
- Community visits
Mount Karisimbi is a breathtaking feature that provides tourists with unforgettable experiences as they explore it.
