What to pack for Mount Bisoke hike
What to bring on the hike up Mount Bisoke: Located in the Virunga Mountains of the Albertine Rift, the western arm of the East African Rift, Mount Bisoke, also called Visoke, is an active volcano. The summit is held in Rwanda, even though it crosses the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The peak rises to a remarkable height of 12,175 feet (3,711 meters) above sea level. It is a well-liked location for day treks and has a striking crater lake. Trekkers are captivated by the equatorial rainforest and alpine meadows that cover the high slopes of Mount Bisoke. It is noteworthy since it is one of the mountains where the endangered mountain gorilla may be found. Be ready for a challenging but manageable climb if you intend to explore this amazing summit.
Ngezi, a charming crater lake, is one of Mount Bisoke’s most notable features. This breathtaking natural wonder enhances the mountain’s appeal and is located inside the volcano’s caldera. The ascent offers breathtaking sweeping views of the surrounding verdant rainforests, undulating hills, and nearby volcanic summits.
In addition to its natural beauty, Mount Bisoke is very important for research and conservation. Numerous rare species, including the critically endangered mountain gorillas, can be found on the peak. These amazing animals and their delicate habitat are being preserved thanks to local conservation efforts.
Mount Bisoke provides an unmatched chance for nature lovers and adventurers to experience the untainted splendor of Rwanda’s terrain, become enmeshed in its abundant wildlife, and set out on an incredible voyage of exploration and discovery.
Mount Bisoke is home to a number of amazing tourist attractions, including primates like mountain gorillas and golden monkeys, which are among Rwanda’s top tourist destinations, in addition to the crater lakes, which are the primary reason for the hike.
It takes about six hours to hike Mount Bisoke in a single day, and two hours to return. At Kinigi, where the volcanoes national park’s park offices are located, the hike begins with a briefing.
Following the briefing, Love Adventure is driven to the climbing trailhead and escorted along the prominent paths through the thorny horns at the base of the mountain, reaching the first Crater Lake before continuing to the summit to view the second lake, where you will be rewarded with a variety of sights, including primates like golden monkeys and mountain gorillas.
A wide range of other wildlife species, including lions, cape buffaloes, forest elephants, and many more, are also visible to hikers. However, as these primates may be aggressive and hazardous to humans, you are not permitted to take any photos of them.
Additionally, the summit offers you awe-inspiring views of the entire Volcanoes National Park, including its thick forest and the neighboring nations of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How much time does the Mount Bisoke walk take?
Although challenging, the hike is doable. The ascent and descent often take four and two hours, respectively, and take about six hours in a single day. Experienced hikers just need five hours. Three hours of climbing and two hours of descending
Packing list for tourists going to Rwanda to hike Mount Bisoke
Good hiking shoes are essential for maintaining your stability on the rugged terrain, which can become extremely muddy in the event of rain. However, the shoes must be lightweight to avoid adding to your weight.
poncho or rain jacket. You should be ready for rain because the weather can change at any time.
What to bring for a trip up Mount Bisoke
cozy sweater. You might need something to stay warm, particularly if you believe that temperatures at higher elevations can fall below five degrees.
Long sleeves and long pants are appropriate outdoor attire. The long options are to shield your body from thorny bushes and stinging nettles. Wearing the right clothes also makes it easier for your body to move when hiking on high terrain.
If you need to push plants or branches out of the way, wear garden gloves to protect your hands and keep them warm. It is dangerous to come into contact with a stinging nettle.
Sunscreen is necessary because the sun can burn your skin when it shines.
Although a trekking stick is occasionally given out at the briefing, it is still appropriate and crucial to bring your own.
If you need help carrying a heavy backpack, don’t forget to hire a porter.
Headgear to keep your head warm at the hostile higher elevations and shield your hair from debris that falls from trees.
Drink enough water to stay hydrated when hiking.
Enough food to sustain your energy levels while working on the challenge
a duplicate of your passport. You must have this in order to register at the Kinigi park office. You won’t be able to register for the activity and participate in the hike without it.
As always, a camera is necessary to record any moments you spend on your excursion.
Using insect repellent will help you keep insects away.
The cost of the Mount Bisoke hike
A park guide is provided by the Volcanoes National Park headquarters in Kinigi as part of the $75 per person Mount Bisoke hiking permit. In addition, climbers can acquire a wooden stick from the local art shops and hire a porter from the park headquarters for $20 USD. Visitors buy climbing permits at the park’s headquarters in Kinigi, where the hike starts at 7:00 a.m.