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Mount Bisoke Hiking – Explore Rwanda’s Volcanic Crater Lakes

Mount Bisoke – The word “Bisoke” means “soaked with water,” derived from the two crater lakes found on Mount Bisoke.

Mount Bisoke, also known as Visoke, is part of the Virunga Mountains in the Albertine Rift Valley, which is the western branch of the East African Rift Valley. It lies on the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, though it is primarily located in Rwanda, approximately 35 km northeast of Goma town and the adjacent Lake Kivu.

Mount Bisoke is an active volcano with an elevation of 3,711 meters (12,175 feet), a prominence of 581 meters (1,906 feet), and coordinates of 1°27’39°S 29°28’54°E. Its last eruption occurred in August 1957.

The vegetation on Mount Bisoke is diverse, including bamboo forest, hagenia-hypericum forest, and senecio-lobelia bush near the summit.

Mount Bisoke has two major hiking trails, each leading to one of the crater lakes. The most popular trail leads to the summit, while the other leads to the shorter trail to Crater Lake Ngezi.

Time Taken to Hike Mount Bisoke

Different trails require varying amounts of time to hike:

  • It takes roughly 6 hours to hike to the summit, including 4 hours for ascending and 2 hours for descending.
  • It takes 3 hours to hike to Crater Lake Ngezi, including 2 hours for ascending and 1 hour for descending.

Best Time to Hike Mount Bisoke

While it is possible to hike Mount Bisoke at any time of the year, the best time to hike is during the dry season, from June to September and December to February.

Cost of Hiking Mount Bisoke

The cost of hiking Mount Bisoke is USD 75 per person.

Other Activities That Can Be Carried Out

  • Bird watching
  • Nature walks
  • Gorilla trekking
  • Visit to Dian Fossey’s grave

Items to Carry

  • Hiking gear
  • Boots
  • Cameras
  • Insect repellents
  • Hats

Mount Bisoke offers a whole lot of adventure in itself.



Go Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi National Park

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is renowned for housing half the population of the endangered mountain gorillas. The name “Bwindi” is derived from the local Runyakitara word “Mubwindi,” meaning “place full of darkness.” Bwindi Forest is one of the most biologically diverse forests on Earth. Discover Bwindi National Park below.

Explore mountain gorillas in the most incredible way!

Whether you choose Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable National Park or Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park, each moment promises unforgettable encounters with the mountain gorillas of Africa.

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