The Virunga Range Volcanoes are shared between Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This mountain chain consists of eight volcanoes, two of which are still active. The slopes of these volcanoes are home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
The Virunga Mountains include Mount Bisoke, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Mikeno, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, and Mount Gahinga. All these volcanoes are located within the national parks of the three countries.
Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke, also known as Mount Visoke, is one of the easiest Virunga volcanoes to climb. It stands at an elevation of 3,711 meters above sea level and has the classic conical shape of a volcano.
Mount Bisoke lies along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with its summit entirely within Rwanda. Its last eruption was in 1957, forming a beautiful crater lake at the summit, about 400 meters wide. Another crater lake, known as Lake Ngezi, lies about 11 kilometers from the summit.
The mountain was formed by rift activity along the East African Rift Valley. The name “Bisoke” comes from a Swahili word meaning “soaked with water,” likely because the mountain contains two crater lakes.
The vegetation on Mount Bisoke includes equatorial rainforest, bamboo zones, hagenia trees, hypericum forest, and lobelia bushes. While hiking, visitors can see primates, birds, and other wildlife along the trail.
The Hike
The Mount Bisoke hike begins at Kinigi Park Headquarters at 7:00 a.m. After a short briefing, hikers set off with an experienced park ranger and can hire porters if needed. Hiking sticks are available at the park office.
The hike usually takes about six hours, with four hours ascending and two hours descending, though experienced hikers may take less time.
A permit to climb Mount Bisoke costs USD 75 per person.
Mountain Gorillas
Mount Bisoke is home to several mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park. It is also near the site where Dian Fossey, the famous American primatologist, established her research center to protect and study mountain gorillas.
Combining gorilla trekking with your Mount Bisoke hike makes the experience even more memorable. Mountain gorillas share 98% of their DNA with humans and are found only in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs USD 1,500 per person. The trek starts early in the morning and can last between 30 minutes and seven hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Once you find a gorilla family, you can spend one hour observing and taking photos.
What to Carry
Travelers planning to hike Mount Bisoke should bring:
- Strong hiking boots
- Raincoats and jackets
- Warm clothes
- Garden gloves
- Insect repellent
- Sunglasses and hats
The best time to hike is during the dry season, when the trails are less slippery and the skies are clear for better views.
Dian Fossey’s Tomb & Karisoke Research Center
Dian Fossey was known for her lifelong dedication to studying and protecting mountain gorillas between 1967 and 1985. Her conservation work helped save the species from extinction and reduced poaching in the region.
A hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb takes about 3–4 hours, starting early in the morning from the park headquarters. The trail follows the same path as the Mount Bisoke hike before branching off to her grave site. The tomb lies next to that of her favorite gorilla, Digit, along with over 15 other gorilla graves. Guides share detailed stories about her research and conservation efforts.
The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Fossey in 1967, sits between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, from which it gets its name. Although Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985, the center continues her legacy as part of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International. The main offices have since moved to Musanze, where the center continues to promote gorilla conservation, education, research, and community development.
Other Activities in Volcanoes National Park
In addition to gorilla trekking and hiking Mount Bisoke, visitors to Volcanoes National Park can enjoy:
- Golden monkey trekking
- Nature walks
- Cultural tours
- Bird watching
Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park
Mountain gorilla trekking is the main attraction in Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to several habituated gorilla families, and visitors are advised to book permits at least three months in advance.
Treks begin early in the morning from Kinigi Park Headquarters, where visitors are assigned to a gorilla family based on age and physical ability. Each group is limited to eight visitors, all aged 15 years and above. The trek can take 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location and the group’s pace. Once you find the gorillas, you are given one hour to observe and photograph them.
