Hiking Adventures in Rwanda

Hiking Adventures in Rwanda: Rwanda’s unique attractions include the Virunga Mountains which is a group of mountains having features of a volcano located in Rwanda, Uganda, and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not only is this area well known for its beautiful scenery and wildlife such as the mountain gorillas that are an endangered species, but it is also famous for its beautiful hiking trails. For those who like adventurous trips and like discovering nature and Wildlife in their raw and natural form then getting into the Virunga Mountains perfect way to explore Rwanda’s natural beauty.

An Overview of the Virunga Mountains

Virunga Mountain is situated in the Albertine Rift which is a branch of the East African Rift System. The range comprises eight major volcanoes, of which five are located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura.

Mountain gorilla tour destination, Volcanoes National Park was established in 1925 and is Rwanda’s oldest park hosting these mountain gorillas in the dense vegetation on the slopes of these dormant volcanoes. It also hosts other wild lives like Golden monkeys, buffaloes, elephants, and several species of birds are found in the park. This has been facilitated by the natural endowment of Virunga Mountains featuring as one of the lists of energetic hiker’s and trekker’s paradise regions due to its prolific stock of bio-diversity and geographical beauty.

Popular Hiking Trails in the Virunga Mountains

1. Mount Karisimbi: For Rwandans, it remains a conquest that like any other physical achievement will remain etched in their memory as they conquered Rwanda’s highest peak.

Karismi, the highest of the five major volcanic cones on the Viru, is the tallest mountain in Rwanda; it reaches an elevation of 4,507 meters/ 14,787 feet. Climbing is one of the most fascinating activities that take hikers through the stony territory of Karisimbi which is involved in detailing problems involving climbing a difficult Mountain in Rwanda that contains five ecosystems, including a rainforest and an alpine zone.

Trail Highlights:

 – Two-Day Trek: Normally the trip to Karisimbi takes two days during which one spends a night at one of the camps within the Mountain. The trail is inclined and rugged; at some point, climbers may find it tiresome particularly around the last part of the climbing due to high altitude whereby even breathing becomes a problem. But the times one looks down the steep and deep valley and the feeling of achievement makes all the efforts worthwhile.

 – Flora and Fauna: While hiking through and across the lava trail, the tourists have an ability to notice and distinguish various vegetation covers including the montane forests full of birds and monkeys before arriving at the higher altitude regions with large lobelia wood and Senecio plants. These included the vegetation, the different species of animals, and other aspects that make the hike more exciting.

 – Panoramic Views: As one gets to the top of the mountain, one will get to have a view of the surrounding volcano, The Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Lake Kivu on a clear sky.

2. Mount Bisoke: The second iteration – which features a picture of Crater Lake on the cover – is more officially inclined with a hint of adventure; A Crater Lake Adventure.

There is another powerful volcanic cone in the Virunga range namely Mount Bisoke which has an altitude of 3,711 meters or 12,175 feet. It is conspicuously known for having the most captivating crater lake at the top thus a perfect destination for hikers seeking a relatively difficult but shorter hike than on Karisimbi.

Trail Highlights:

 – One-Day Hike: It will take one about six to seven hours round trip when attempting to hike the mountain through Mount Bisoke slopes. The trail is very steep in some sections, and becomes very muddy in the rainy season but generally, the trail is easier for hikers of average fitness.

 – Crater Lake: Among the things you should know about the Bisoke hike is that the top has a gorgeous crater lake. This kind of terrain around the lake with mist on it and lush vegetation all over contributes to making it be perfectly suitable for holding of a picnic or even taking some time to contemplate.

 – Gorilla Encounters: The hiker may be allowed to come across mountain gorillas on the trek making the event even more appealing. That is why people can hardly protect them from extermination: watching these huge animals in their natural environment is a real sight.

3. Mount Sabyinyo: How we escalated to the meeting point of three countries

Mount Sabyinyo with a height of 3,634 meters (11,923 feet) is a very extraordinary trekking spot in the sense that, the peak itself is split between Rwanda, Uganda as well as the Democratic Republic of Congo. The trail to reach Sabyinyo is a bit difficult as it has steep slopes and the terrains are rough but anyone with hiking experience will love this hike.

Trail Highlights:

 – Three Peaks: A scenic trek, there are three prosperous climbs on the Mount Sabyinyo route to its top. The last part, which is the final hike to the third and highest summit, needs one to use a ladder and pull through over rocks making it more of an adventure.

 – 360-Degree Views: At the summit, hikers get to have a view of all the four directions taking central Africa, this includes the Virunga range, the Rwenzori range in Uganda and the forest in DRC. The view is the most outstanding one, there is nothing else like it, it is worth the hike up the mountains.

 – Wildlife Sightings: The country is blessed with many wonderful primate species; while on the lower slopes of Sabyinyo, you may be lucky enough to see these amusing monkeys known as the golden monkeys. It also hosts a rich bird population, therefore an ideal location for bird-watching exercise to be carried out.

4. Mount Gahinga: There is another that is referred as the Bamboo Forest Trail.

Gahinga is also one of the smallest Volcanoes in the Virunga range with a height of 3,474m/11,398ft; However it provides a great hike that takes trekkers through thick bamboo forest. The path to the viewpoint is moderate and it can be attempted by even the novice-level hiker.

 Trail Highlights:

 – Bamboo Forests: They are hiking trail on the Gahinga which leads to the highest point of Mount Gahinga where hikers encounter a number of attractions which include bamboo forests, golden monkeys, and birds. There is a soft sound of bamboo leaves falling and the noises of some animals make people comfortable.

 – Swampy Crater: At the summit, hikers meet a deep crater that is filled with swamp and constantly shrouded with mist. The mystical atmosphere of the crater complements the experience of the hike and thus is a bonus.

 – Cultural Insights: Just neighboring the Batwa Cultural Village, one can visit Mount Gahina, and learn more about the Batwa native people, who are considered to be one of the first-ever African tribes. There is an opportunity to discover cultural values of the village — dances, songs, and stories.

Hiking Adventures in Rwanda: Conclusion

Hiking can be used in exploring the Virunga Mountains which is a guarantee of experiencing the Rwandan natural and wild life. Starting from a trek settling to the top of Mount Karisimbi, the stunning view of the crater lake of Mount Bisoke and or exploring the steep slopes of Mount Sabyinyo, every trek is a new experience and a way of interacting with the beauty of this part of the world. Is there anything more rewarding than hiking in the Virunga Mountains with its variety of trails, mesmerizing views, and boosting Rwanda’s biological diversity?