Conquer the Heights: An Adventure at Mount Karisimbi

Getting There

• Car

  If you are traveling by car, start from the town of Musanze. Take the main road (Route 2) heading south towards Kigali for approximately 12 kilometers. Look for signs indicating 'Karisoke' and 'Mount Karisimbi' and turn onto the road leading to the Volcanoes National Park. Continue to follow the signposts for about 20 kilometers until you reach the park entrance. Be prepared to pay an entrance fee, which is typically around $50 for foreign tourists. From the entrance, you will need to drive another 10 kilometers on a rough terrain road to reach the starting point for the trek near the Karisimbi base camp.

• Public Transportation

  For those using public transportation, take a bus from Kigali to Musanze. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours and costs around $5 to $10. Once in Musanze, look for a local taxi or motorcycle taxi (known as 'moto') to take you to the Volcanoes National Park entrance. The taxi fare should range from $5 to $15 depending on your negotiation skills. After reaching the park entrance, you can hire a local guide for the trek to Mount Karisimbi, which is mandatory, and the cost of the guide is usually about $25 to $50.

• Hiking

  Once you reach the base camp, prepare for a hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi. The hike is challenging and typically takes about 6-8 hours to reach the summit, and an additional 4-6 hours to descend. It is recommended to start early in the morning to avoid afternoon rains. Bring adequate gear, food, and water. Hiring a local guide is essential for safety and navigation, and they will help you with the trail and provide information about the local flora and fauna.