Mount Bisoke is one of the fascinating hiking spots in Rwanda, the volcano also known as Mount Visoke forms part of the Virunga Mountains chain of 8 Volcanoes. With its largest part and summit in Rwanda, Mount Bisoke straddles the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mount Bisoke stands at an altitude of 3,711m ASL and its summit has a tranquil crater lake which is a prize for hikers. In addition to the crater lakes, the sweeping views over other Volcanoes in a range, Volcanoes National Park, Rwenzori Mountains, and the Congo Forests are to die for. Mount Bisoke Hike is offered in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, on this Rwanda adventure all hikers are required to be at least 15 years and above.

The excursion starts as early as 7:00 am with a briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi, then head to the Bisoke Trail with a ranger guide and porters. The Bisoke Trail is situated a distance away from the headquarters in Kinigi which requires you to have your transportation to avoid a scenario of having no tourist vehicle available for you to join. Hiking Mount Bisoke takes you through different vegetation zones covering the slope of the volcanoes with chances of stumbling upon the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys plus several other animals most especially during the initial ascent of the trek. At the summit of Mount Bisoke, there is a crater lake which is considered to be the biggest in the Virunga ranges. The whole Mount Bisoke takes 6 hours and expect to encounter some challenges. Here is how to prepare for your Mount Bisoke Hike

Check Your Physical Fitness

Though Mount Bisoke Hike is considered less demanding, it still requires the hiker some level of physical fitness to be able to deal with a high-altitude trail taking through rough terrain. Therefore, you are advised not to dare the Bisoke hike without prior workouts such as jogging and any other physical exercises that are good at preparing your body and mind for the trek. Also, visit your doctor to check for HBP and some other medical conditions that can be triggered by elevation again.

Packing List for Bisoke Hike

For a wonder Mount Bisoke Hike Adventure, your packing list should have the following essential items

• Comfortable Hiking Shoes – they should have a firm grip to walk through the muddy and slippery trails
• Long hiking pants and shirts/tops – to protect your body from the stinging beetles, these can itch at even the slightest contact with your skin, and their effects can be beyond the swelling
• A raincoat – to be prepared in times of rain
• Garden gloves and headgear – the gloves will protect your hands from mad and have a grip on thorn branches when hiking, and the headgear will protect you from insects and sticky plants
• A small pack – to carry your packed lunch and water
• A Camera – to capture magical moments when hiking
• Bottled water and snacks – to keep you energized and hydrated throughout the hike

Securing A Permit For Bisoke Hike

Securing a permit for Bisoke is easy and you can secure it a day or in advance. Bisoke hiking permits can be obtained by the visitor or can be conveniently obtained through a tour operator. Bisoke Hiking Permit costs $75 for international tourists, $ 65 for a foreign resident in Rwanda, and RWF 4,000 for a Rwandan Citizen. Payments in cash are not accepted at the park so be prepared to pay by Visa or Mobile Money.

Note: Bisoke Hike permits are limited to a specific number of visitors per day so it is always advisable to plan in advance to avoid any disappointments.

Hire a Porter And Get A Walking Stick

Hiring a porter on a Mount Bisoke Hike is very essential as he will lead you a hand during the hike, the porters are local people from the neighboring communities, and hiring them is the same as supporting the locals. Hiring a porter costs $ 10 per day. Please Note that these porters are taken through some essential training before being offered the porterage jobs at the park.

The Best Time To Visit Bisoke Hike

Mount Bisoke Hike can be done throughout the year, however, the best time to get the most out of the adventure is during the dry season. In the wet months with heavy rains, the trail is difficult to navigate due to a lot of mud and vegetation overgrowth. During the dry season which is June to September and December to February, the weather is favorable with clear skies, the trails are navigable and offer great photo opportunities. However, note that there is still no guarantee that the dry season months to be dry during your hike because of the nature of the terrain being hilly. Rains always come unexpectedly.