The Bisoke Volcano, 3,711 m above sea level is located on the borders of Rwanda with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bisoke is one of the seven series of the volcanoes in the Virunga Region. An eruption in 1957 formed two small cones on the north flank of the volcano, 11 km from the summit, which supports a beautiful crater lake, Lake Ngezi.
Many travelers who take safaris in Rwanda would like to climb the Bisoke Volcanoes. A day hike to its cone is possible on a day trip in the Volcanoes National Park. Hiking to the crater Lake requires four hours up a steep trail from the Bisoke departure point, to reach the summit. The walk around the Crater Lake rim is highly recommended. Allow seven hours for the entire trip. Lake Ngezi a small, shallow crater lake is the easiest hike in the park; it takes only three to four hours round-trip from the Bisoke departure point.
Climbing Mt Visoke
Mt Visoke stands at 3700m, it has the typical conic shape of a “perfect” volcano and in its crater lies a deep crater lake. For those interested in climbing Mt Visoke the volcano does not present an exceptionally demanding climb but it is nevertheless still a tough hike. The high elevation demands extra strength of climbers and the whole excursion can take between 5 hours and the whole day depending on the speed of the walk and the frequency of stops. The ascent typically takes around 3 hours.
During the climb, you will cross a series of different vegetation habitats starting with bamboo forests, then moving into Hagenia – Hypericum forest and finally moving through Senecio – Lobelia bush near the summit.
Current park fees for the climb are USD$ 75 per person, this includes the park’s guide and can be purchased on the day of the trek from the parks headquarters, no advance booking is necessary. The trek starts at 07:00am from the Park’s headquarters in Kinigi from where visitors will drive / be driven to the start point of the trek. Porters can also be hired from the park headquarters.