Inquire Now

+256774382674

Insight Safari Holidays

2 Days Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike from Kigali

2 Days Rwanda Mount Climbing
Misty silhouettes of Virunga volcanoes over dark forest, Volcanoes National Park, RwandaVolcanoes over terraced farmland, Volcanoes National Park, RwandaVolcano rising over green farmland with clouds, Volcanoes National Park, RwandaVirunga volcanoes above green ridge with lodge, Volcanoes National Park, RwandaLake Kivu islands seen from hillside, Lake Kivu, Rwanda

A 2-day hiking trip from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park, with a night in Kinigi and a guided climb of Mount Bisoke (3,711 m) to the crater lake on its summit.

A short hiking trip for travellers who want to climb Mount Bisoke without booking a gorilla permit. Spending the first night in Kinigi means you are at the park office for the 7 am briefing, fresh for the climb.

Why this safari works

Mount Bisoke is the most rewarding single-day climb in Volcanoes National Park, and it does not need a gorilla permit. Sleeping in Kinigi instead of driving up from Kigali before dawn means you start the hike rested. The trip suits fit travellers with a spare weekend in Kigali, or anyone who wants to see the Virunga volcanoes from the top, not just the base.

Highlights

  • Guided climb of Mount Bisoke, 3,711 m
  • Crater lake filling the summit of the volcano
  • Bamboo, hagenia forest and giant lobelia zones on one trail
  • Chance of buffalo, golden monkeys or gorillas on the lower slopes
  • Views across the Virunga volcanoes into Uganda and DR Congo
  • Night in Kinigi, minutes from the park headquarters

Your route

  1. Kigali Rwanda
  2. Volcanoes National Park Rwanda · 1 night
  3. Kigali Rwanda · Departure

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day1
    Volcanoes over terraced farmland, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Kigali to Kinigi and the Volcanoes National Park Foothills

    Our driver-guide collects you from Kigali International Airport or your hotel in the city, depending on your arrival time. The road north climbs out of Kigali through the hills of Rwanda’s terraced farmland, and the drive to Musanze and on to Kinigi covers about 110 km in roughly two and a half hours. Along the way the first volcanoes of the Virunga chain appear above the banana plantations: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura. If you arrive early enough, we can stop at the Kigali Genocide Memorial before leaving the city, or take a short detour to the viewpoint above Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, the twin lakes that sit below the volcanoes. In the afternoon, settle into your lodge in Kinigi, a few minutes from the park headquarters, and prepare your kit for tomorrow: boots, rain jacket, warm layer, gloves and plenty of water. Volcanoes National Park was created in 1925, making it the oldest national park in Africa. Dinner and overnight at Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge.

    • Drive to Kinigi
    • Mountain Gorilla View Lodge or Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
    • Lunch, dinner
  2. Day2
    Misty silhouettes of Virunga volcanoes over dark forest, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

    Climb Mount Bisoke to the Crater Lake and Return to Kigali

    After an early breakfast, we drive to the park headquarters in Kinigi for registration and a briefing from the Rwanda Development Board rangers at about 7 am. A short, bumpy drive then takes you to the trailhead at the edge of the farmland. The climb to the summit of Mount Bisoke, at 3,711 m, usually takes three to four hours up and around two down, so plan for six or seven hours on the mountain. The trail passes through bamboo, then hagenia and hypericum woodland draped in moss, and finally the open zone of giant lobelias and senecios near the top. Armed rangers walk with you, and you may hear or see buffalo, duikers, golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, as several gorilla families range on the lower slopes. The reward at the top is the round crater lake filling the summit cone, often wrapped in cloud and then suddenly clear. Porters are available to carry your bag. After lunch back at the trailhead, we drive back to Kigali for your hotel or a flight. End of the trip.

    • Mount Bisoke hike
    • Breakfast, packed lunch

Where you will stay

Volcanoes NP (Kinigi) Rwanda — Night 1
Show:

What's included

Included

  • Mount Bisoke hiking permit
  • Park ranger guides
  • Private 4x4 vehicle with English-speaking driver-guide
  • One night in Kinigi with meals as listed
  • Packed lunch and bottled water on the hike
  • Walking stick

Not included

  • Flights to Kigali
  • Rwanda visa
  • Porter fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Drinks and personal items

Optional add-ons

  • Kigali Genocide Memorial visit on Day 1
  • Extra night in Kinigi with a golden monkey trek
  • Gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
  • Hike to the Dian Fossey tomb

Hire a porter at the trailhead. It costs little, it supports a family from the villages around the park, and having your bag carried on the steep, muddy upper section makes a big difference. Bring gloves too: you will grab roots and branches on the way up.

Insight Safari Holidays team

Frequently asked questions

Can Mount Bisoke really be done in one day?

Yes. The climb is a long day, about six to seven hours including time at the summit, but no overnight camp is needed. This 2 day Rwanda trip uses the first day for the drive from Kigali so that the hike day starts at the park office in Kinigi at about 7 am.

How hard is the Bisoke hike?

It is steep, and after rain it is muddy and slippery, but no technical climbing is involved. Anyone who walks regularly and can manage a long hill walk should cope. The guides set a steady pace and stop often.

Do I need a gorilla permit to hike Bisoke?

No. You need the separate Mount Bisoke hiking permit from the Rwanda Development Board, which we book for you. Gorilla families do live on the slopes, so you may hear or see them, but the hike does not include time with a gorilla group.

When is the best time to climb Bisoke?

The drier months, from mid-December to February and from June to September, give firmer paths and the best chance of a clear view into the crater. The climb runs all year, and in the wet months you will have the trail more to yourself.

Will I see the crater lake?

Usually, but the summit is often in cloud. Cloud can lift in minutes, so the guides often wait at the top for a while. Mornings in the dry season give the best odds.

Where does the trip start and end?

It starts and ends in Kigali, at the airport or your hotel. The drive to Kinigi takes about two and a half hours each way.

What should I pack for Mount Bisoke?

Waterproof hiking boots, long trousers, a rain jacket, a warm fleece for the summit, gloves, a hat, sunscreen and at least two litres of water. Gaiters help on the muddy sections.

Can I add a gorilla trek or golden monkey trek?

Yes. Adding one or two nights in Kinigi lets you trek gorillas or golden monkeys before or after the hike. Our 4-day Bisoke and gorilla trip combines all three.
Enquire Now

You May Also Like

3 Days Rwanda Walking Safari
3 Days
Chimpanzee

3 Days Rwanda Walking Safari

A 3-day walking safari in Rwanda: arrive in Kigali, drive to Nyungwe Forest National Park for a guided nature walk, then trek chimpanzees before returning…

Safari Details
6 Days Rwanda Volcano Hiking: Bisoke, Karisimbi and Dian Fossey Tomb
6 Days
Mount Climbing

6 Days Rwanda Volcano Hiking: Bisoke, Karisimbi and Dian Fossey Tomb

A 6-day hiking trip in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park: the Dian Fossey tomb trail, a day on Mount Bisoke to its crater lake and a…

Safari Details
4 Days Mount Bisoke Hike, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys
4 Days
Gorilla Trekking

4 Days Mount Bisoke Hike, Gorillas and Golden Monkeys

A 4-day Rwanda trip based in Kinigi that combines a mountain gorilla trek, a full-day climb of Mount Bisoke to its crater lake and a…

Safari Details