Introduction about mountain Karisimbi.
Mountain karisimbi is an inactive volcanoe in the Virunga mountain on the border between Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo on the western branch of the East African rift valley.it rises at 4507 meters above sea level and it’s the highest of the eight major mountain of the mountain range. The name karisimbi derived from the word ‘Amasimbi’ in Kinyarwanda which means ‘white shell’, referring to the white capped summit which is often seen on the top of this volcanoe. During the hike your sight should be sharp because you will be able to see a variety of birds, primates like monkeys and gorillas since the volcano lies in the primates’ park (volcanoes national park).it’s also known for its exotic plants in its four belts of vegetation, from the dense forest to the barren volcanic core at the summit.The hike up is characterized of muddy trails especially during the rainy seasons though due to the altitude it can rain anytime of the day.
Day 1: Start the Karisimbi hike.
In order to be fit and ready for the hike we advise an overnight in Musanza, just near volcano national park headquarters where the briefing will take place early morning. But also if you decide to come from Kigali, you will leave Kigali at 5:30 am and straight for the briefing. The climb starts early in the morning taking 6 hours and involves navigating through the Bisoke side before reaching the first stopping place at an altitude of 3,700 meters for overnight camping before finishing off the journey the next day. Early morning you will be guided to the headquarters where you will be briefed about your hike to mount karisimbi and then you can either hire a porter at 20$ for the day to carry your luggage as you hike or simply carry it yourself.the guide will lead the hike on the pace of the slowest person. accommodation will be camping.
Day 2: Descend volcano and transfer back to Kigali
Today morning after your breakfast you will hike up to the summit rewarding you with great views of the creator lake at the top of volcanoe and you will also have a view of other volcanoes of the Virunga conservation region. And later you will descend mountain where you will find your driver/guide who will be waiting for you to drive you back to your hotel for lunch and then transfer you to Kigali for your drop off.
END OF TOUR
Accommodation; camping
Included in the package
- A bottled water
- Ground transportation
- Accommodation (full board) camping
- Activities
- Entrance fees
Excluded in the package
- Tips
- Visas and air fares
- Alcoholic drinks
- potters