3 Days Mount Karisimbi Hiking tour is designed for those who love mountain climbing and the adventurous opportunities that come with it. Mount Karisimbi is found at the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. At 14,787 ft., it is the highest mountain within the Virunga ranges and one of the top ten in Africa. It is surrounded by Mount Mikeno, Bisoke and Nyiragongo. The mountain was formed as a result of earth movements around the time when the East African Rift Valley was formed.
Hiking mount Karisimbi is one of the activites at the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Unlike the nearby Bisoke volcano which requires only one day to get to the summit, one needs two days to reach the summit of Karisimbi. The reward is reaching the top of one of Africa’s tallest mountains and a chance to witness its snow-capped peak especially during the dry season. From the summit, hikers will be rewarded with beautiful views of the other Virunga volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park and the neighboring ones in Congo and Uganda. Hikers are also rewarded with beautiful night views of light coming out from the lava lake at the summit of Mount Nyiragongo in Congo.
Climbing mount Karisimbi may not require advanced climbing skills but one needs to be in top shape to endure the strain that comes with two days of hiking and descending. This 3 days Karisimbi hike starts and ends in Kigali Rwanda. It includes a Kigali city tour and visiting the Gorilla Guardians Village. It can be combined with gorilla trekking in our 4 days Karisimbi Hiking and Rwanda gorilla package. We also have the 4 days Uganda gorilla tour and Karisimbi Hiking package which is cheaper given that gorilla permits in Uganda cost $700.
Highlights
Day 1: Kigali city tour – travel to the volcanoes national park – Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village
Day 2: Hiking the Karisimbi volcano
Day 3: Reach the summit, Descend and travel back to the airport or hotel in Kigali
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Kigali city tour – Travel to the Volcanoes National Park – Visit the Gorilla Guardians Village
Have morning breakfast at your hotel and wait for the company Guide to show up. If arriving from the airport, the driver will pick you up and take you for a tour of Kigali after briefing you about the tour. 
Though relatively small compared to other neighboring African capitals, Kigali is charming, neat and well organized. The city has several hills, modern roads, beautiful street lights and interesting suburbs. You will learn about the history of the city and visit the former presidential palace, the Gisozi genocide memorial center, the main city market and artisan shops to do some souvenir shopping. Lunch will be in Kigali after which, you will head for the volcanoes national park in a journey that takes three hours. Along the way, you will see the full scale of Rwanda’s beautiful countryside which is characterized by rolling green hills, beautiful plantations and smiling peasants.
Once you reach your hotel, you will check in, shower if you like and prepare to go to the Gorilla Guardians Village. Formerly known and the Iby’iwacu Cultural Village, the village started a place where former poachers would sell souvenir to tourists. It has now been rebuilt with very modern structures and all tribal groups from Rwanda come together to showcase their cultural heritage. Expect to take part in traditional dance performances, dance and drama. You will also have a chance to put on traditional royal costumes with a spear in hand.
Dinner and overnight at Mountain gorilla view lodge (Luxury), Davinci lodge (Mid-range) and Hotel Muhabura (Budget).
Day 2: Mount Karisimbi Hiking.
You will wake up early to take breakfast and be taken for briefing at the park headquarters in Kinigi. At Kinigi, you will be registered along with other hikers at around 9:00am. After registration, you will be assigned guides and a Ranger who will lead you to the summit. The Guides will brief you about the park, the mountain, what to expect and how to prepare. The actual hike starts at around 10:00am but not until you have been given hiking sticks to help you balance on your way up the mountain. Come with packed lunch from your hotel. You must also bring along hiking gear, drinking water, a walking stick and hand gloves. Our company includes the cost of a chef and porters who will carry supplies, tents and 
food to prepare while on top of the volcano.
After the briefing, you will be driven to the starting point. You can hire an extra porter at the starting point to help you carry any extra luggage or a heavy camera. As you ascend the volcano, you will go through various sections including ridges, bamboo forests, calderas and steep sections. Instead of hiking straight to the summit, you will stop when about to reach to rest, eat and sleep. A camp will be set up were you will have dinner and sleep for the night. The chef we hired will be responsible for preparing dinner and tea.
Day 3: Reach the Mount Karisimbi Summit and Descend thereafter
After resting the previous day, you will wake up early morning to begin climbing to the summit. This takes between 3-4 hours depending on the overall fitness of the group. Once at the summit, you will be 
treated to spectacular views of the Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo active volcanoes, dense forests, beautiful landscapes, surrounding communities and the greater Virunga ranges. Take and many photos as you can of yourself at the summit and also with your group. You will then begin your descent back which will take the remainder of the day. Once you arrive at the starting point, our Guide will take you for lunch and a specific location where you can clean your boots. The Guide/Driver will then start the journey back to Kigali or to the airport if you have a late night departure flight.
End of Hike
What does the tour include?
The tour cost will include: –
- Karisimbi Permit ($400)
- Karisimbi Package ($250) which includes a tent, food, water, a chef and porters
- A car and fuel
- Full Board Accommodation for one night in a lodge
- English Speaking Tour Guide/Driver and his allowances
- Mineral water and lunch when out of the hotel or when traveling
Accommodation
Hotel Muhabura: Hotel Muhabura is a budget Hotel with over 20 rooms. All rooms have free internet access, a mosquito net, a balcony, warm showers, a bath, satellite TV, tables and chairs. Other amenities include beautifully manicured gardens, laundry services, a children’s playground, a small shop, a bar, restaurant and swimming pool. If you are looking for a pocket-friendly hotel but of good quality, then this is the place to consider. Expect to find tourists who have come for golden monkey tracking, gorilla trekking, hiking the Bisoke Volcano and visiting the Grave of Dian Fossey.
Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge: This mid-range lodge is situated in Kinigi. It takes only 15 minutes of driving to reach the park offices from the hotel. The hotel may be categorized as mid-range but its services and rooms compare favorably to some of the luxury lodges in the area. The rooms are all self-contained, spacious and private. Each room has a safe, large bed, working table/chair, sofas, flash toilets, warm showers and much more. Other featured amenities include laundry services, daily newspapers at the lobby, a shuttle, parking space, a swimming pool, free internet access, Spa, complimentary breakfast, a restaurant, a bar, a smoking area and a storage room.
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: This is one of more affordable luxury lodges in Musanze. It is located in the village of Kinigi and at the foot of Mount Karisimbi. Kinigi is where the park offices are located. The lodge provides all the comfort that one would require while exploring the park. Visitors are also rewarded with great views of the Virunga Volcanoes and more. The rooms are in form of 30 private stone chalets. Each chalet has a thatched roof, a sitting room, a fireplace and bathroom. The central house that has the offices and main lounge has a bar and restaurant. The lodge supports the local community by employing them and buying their farm products.
