Mount Karisimbi located in the Virunga massif is the highest mountain of the 8 Virunga ranges and straddles the borders of Rwanda and DRC. At 4507 meters, mount Karisimbi commands its reputation as the king of the skies in the Virunga and Rwanda at large.
Encounter the highest peak in the volcanic Virunga Mountains of East-Central Africa. Standing at 4507 meters above sea level, lies on the Rwanda-DRC borders and is shared by volcanoes and Virunga national parks in Rwanda and DRC respectively.
With four vegetation belts, mount Karisimbi has dense vegetation at its base, a bamboo zone up to a barren volcanic core at its climax. Hiking to the eclipse of Mount Karisimbi provides rare views of the red-hot active Nyiragongo volcanic eruptions in DRC and scenic views of the entire Virunga mountain tops and the dense forests surrounding them.
With either your camera or bare eyes, memorable pictures and views will be forever painted on your mind or gadget disc.
When did Mount Karisimbi last erupt?
Mount Karisimbi is considered a dormant volcano for it last erupted 130 years ago in 1894 and now its geology is a complex rock composition of basalt and andesitic flows.
At 4507 meters in height, it takes the 10th spot in the highest mountains on the entire continent.
What is the origin of Karisimbi name?
Karisimbi its name was derived from a local Kinyarwanda word “omusimbi” which means “snow” as snow is always observed during the dry months of June, July, or even August.
Where is the Karisoke research center found?
This amazing stratovolcano shares its boundaries with Mount Bisoke to the south and forms home to Dian Fossey’s gorilla research center at Karisoke a name merged from Karisimbi and Bisoke.
Why mount Karisimbi is called a stratovolcano?
Mount Karisimbi is a stratovolcano meaning it’s made up of alternate layers of lava and ash, the very reason farming around this mountain is productive beyond expectations.
How much is a permit to hike Mount Karisimbi?
A permit to enjoy the Mount Karisimbi hiking experience costs $400 and oh boy, it is all worth it. It is named after a chain of dormant volcanoes that together form the Virunga massif.
Talk about value for money and I will tell you about a Mt. Karisimbi hike which will reward you with mountain gorilla experience, exotic plants, and how about its four vegetation belts and getting All this for $400!!!.
When is the best time to hike in Mount Karisimbi?
The best time to hike up Mount Karisimbi is between June to August in the dry season. Even then, mount Karisimbi is snow covered a reason some Rwandans call it” a white shell”
Which gorilla group is found on Mount Karisimbi slopes?
On your next Mount Karisimbi hike, you will be rewarded with one Karisimbi family under the stewardship of the dominant silverback Nyagakangaga which was originally Susa B after its split from the Susa family.
Why Karisimbi hike experience?
- Encounter with mountain gorillas on your up the mountain
- Scenic views of the surrounding volcano peaks
- Encounter with the exotic plants on its slopes
- Rare views of the Nyiragongo crater westwards in the DRC
- Conquering one of the top 10 highest mountains of the continent.
- All this at only $400
How does mount Karisimbi hike feel like?
The feeling of joy, success, and conquering meets the lush love from the sailing fresh air up in the mountain as different calls from several creatures mingle to form melodies.
It’s a feeling like no other. Take a moment to hold your breath, stay silent and live the moment. It’s indeed unmatched and therapeutic as you let your inner soul interact with nature.
Are you joining us in our next Karisimbi adventure? Let’s lace up and get the hiking training underway because this is adventure at its extreme.
Before you pack those bags,
The best thing before everything is to get in touch with your operator and get all the necessary information about the requirements of the hiking adventure.
Remember that with proper planning and preparations, a lifetime adventure awaits you up in the peaks