Hiking and Climbing Rwanda’s Volcanoes

Exploring Rwanda’s Volcanoes through Hiking and Climbing – Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabinyo, and Mount Karisimbi

Rwanda, with its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant climate, and magnificent wildlife, offers a remarkable opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to discover its beauty on foot. The western half of the country, from Volcanoes National Park in the north to the fringes of Lake Kivu in the west, and down to Nyungwe National Park in the south, provides some of the best hiking experiences.

The Virunga Massif, a range comprising six extinct and three active volcanoes, graces Rwanda’s landscape with altitudes ranging from 2,400m to 4,507m. The Rwandan sector of the Virunga Massif is protected by Volcanoes National Park, while the neighboring slopes fall within Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

While the park is renowned for mountain gorilla tracking, it offers a host of other captivating activities. For a relatively short and easy hike, one can venture to Lake Ngezi, a picturesque lake nestled in a volcanic depression at the base of Mount Bisoke. This three-hour trek may reward hikers with wildlife sightings and stunning views of the Congolese forests.

For the more adventurous, summiting Mount Bisoke is an option, culminating in a crater lake at 3,700m. This journey can take anywhere from five hours to a full day.

Mount Karisimbi, the highest peak in Rwanda at 4,507m, offers a strenuous yet rewarding two-day hike with camping along the way. Given its proximity to gorilla territory, this trek may also bring unexpected encounters with primates and diverse bird species.

Between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke lies the Karisoke Research Centre, founded by Dian Fossey in 1967 and the site of her final resting place. The ascent to this site takes approximately one to one and a half hours, starting with a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters.

Beyond these iconic peaks, other hiking opportunities beckon in Rwanda. Mount Muhavura, a demanding full-day climb to 4,127m, presents a formidable challenge. The scenic twin lakes of Burera and Ruhondo, though accessible by car to reach viewpoints, offer picturesque vistas and boat rentals for a delightful lake cruise.

Consider exploring the Buhanga Eco-Park, a place for more leisurely wandering than rigorous hiking. Its paths, constructed from lava stones, interconnect observation platforms and meander between ancient ficus trees adorned with clinging creepers.

The Buhanga sacred forest, where Rwandan kings of old were crowned, holds cultural significance and boasts rare orchids and vibrant butterflies in addition to its natural beauty.

For these adventures, permits and guides are required. However, Mount Kabuye offers a different experience as it is accessible freely, lying outside Volcanoes National Park to the southeast. Popular among volunteers in Rwanda, the ascent to its 2,700m peak takes approximately five hours.

Besides the volcanic terrain, Rwanda offers the Congo Nile Trail, a popular route for both cyclists and hikers. Stretching 227km from end to end, it typically takes ten days to complete on foot, although it can be broken into shorter sections. This trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the daily life of traditional villages, explore historic churches, swim and paddle along the lake shore, and savor locally grown coffee.

With numerous attractions along the way, including twelve coffee-washing stations, three tea plantations, three cities, dozens of villages, and countless beaches, coves, waterfalls, valleys, and vistas, the Congo Nile Trail provides some of the most rewarding hiking experiences in East and Central Africa.

Winding through the lush hills and along the edges of Lake Kivu, the Congo Nile Trail is as challenging as it is gratifying, with a peak elevation of 2,630m offering a serious workout. Campsites and guesthouses are available for hikers seeking comfort, and small shops along the route provide refreshments.

Exploring Nyungwe’s Hiking Trails

In the southwest, Nyungwe’s steep landscape makes it an ideal destination for hikers of all levels, boasting an extensive network of scenic hiking trails:

Karamba Trail: Located on the former site of a gold mine, market, and army camp, this relatively easy hike is a birding hotspot flanked by numerous fern trees.

Umugote Trail: Providing marvelous views of ridges, rainforests, and beautiful flowers, this hike offers prime locations for primate viewing and birding, along with the possibility of glimpsing Kibira National Park in Burundi on clear days.

Umoyove Trail: Also known as the Mahogany Trail, this hike features waterfalls, towering trees, and aromatic leaves, creating a tranquil atmosphere. It also provides access to side trails used for chimpanzee viewing.

Uwinka Trail: Although considered a challenging hike, this trail leads hikers through lovely ravines, offering a perfect setting for listening to early morning bird calls.

Irebero Trail: Looping around two of the highest peaks in the park, this trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Kivu in Rwanda.

Imbaraga Trail: Geared toward experienced hikers, this trail showcases four stunning waterfalls, each providing a refreshing stop after trekking nearly 10 km.

Bigugu Trail: As the park’s highest peak, this trail features incredible flora and, on clear days, offers views of Lake Kivu, hills, and islands belonging to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Isumo Trail: This trail takes hikers through lush tea fields, steep rainforest ravines, and culminates at the largest waterfall in Nyungwe National Park.

Kamiranzovu Trail: Perfect for water enthusiasts, this trail explores the park’s largest wetland, an ancient swamp, and stunning waterfalls.

Muzimu Trail: Located in the remote northeastern part of Rwanda, this relatively easy hike leads through pine and eucalyptus forests.

Ngabwe Trail: Leading to a lovely picnic and camping site, this trail offers two paths to the summit.

Rukuzi Trail: This exhilarating hike provides excellent chimpanzee viewing locations and offers views of Banda Village, where the voices of children resonate up the mountainside.

These diverse hiking opportunities in Rwanda cater to all levels of hikers and offer the chance to explore the country’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.