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December 14, 2024Mount Karisimbi is the highest mountain in Virunga massif range and is the 11th highest peak all over Africa with two peaks both with craters. The mountain is in volcanoes national park of Rwanda. The park is mostly famous for the endangered mountain gorillas with over 20 habituated gorilla families living in the park. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to meet some of the gorillas on your way to the peak of the mountain.
Other animals that you are likely to encounter on your way to the summit of the mountain are the joyous golden monkey which are also declared endangered and found at a slightly lower altitude compared to mountain gorillas. The park is also a haven to the birds with various birds being encountered during the hiking of the mountain
The mount Karisimbi hiking prices for all categories
| Visitor category | Adult | Student/child |
| Foreigner | $400 | – |
| Foreigner resident in Rwanda | $250 | $180 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 30000 | RWF 15000 |
| East African citizen | $200 | $180 |
| East African foreign resident | $300 | $180 |
The process of mount Karisimbi hiking
Mount Karisimbi hiking start with the briefing at the volcanoes national park headquarters, with the briefing from the park guide. After the briefing you will start hiking the mountain together with the guide and the porters. You can choose to hire a porter for yourself who will help you to carry your luggage. The hiking for the first day will stop at around 3000 meters above the sea level where you will spend the night. The place is gazetted for accommodation.
The next day you will proceed to the summit of the summit where you will be able to spot different volcanoes that are found within the Virunga massif range.at the summit of the mountain you will also spot the twin lakes and other two parks of Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo. After some relaxation and enjoyment at the peak of the mountain, you will return to the base of the mountain and that will mark the end of your two-day mount Karisimbi hiking experience.
Other costs for the hiking and the total cost of the whole safari
| ITEM | COST |
| Camping gear (C.G) | $300 |
| Logistics and transportation (L.T) | $500 |
| TOTAL COSTS | $800 |
Total cost of the Karisimbi hiking safari including the permit
Total cost will be the permit in a certain category+ $800
| Visitor category | Adult | Student/child | C.G+L+T | Adult total | Child total | |||
| Foreigner | $400 | – | $800 | $1,200 | – | |||
| Foreigner resident in Rwanda | $250 | $180 | $800 | $1,250 | $980 | |||
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 30000 | RWF 15000 | $800 | $810 | $805 | |||
| East African citizen | $200 | $180 | $800 | $1,000 | $980 | |||
| East African foreign resident | $300 | $180 | $800 | $1,100 | $980 | |||
What is the best time to hike mount Karisimbi
The best time to go for the mount Karisimbi hiking is during the dry season of June to September and January to February. During this time the trails are dry and less slippery, the sky are not froggy which facilitate the visibility and the movement during the hiking.
During the wet season the hiking trails are more challenging and slippery which makes hiking more challenging especially for the armature/ beginner hikers
Do I need any fitness level to hike mountain Karisimbi?
Yes, you need to be mentally and physically prepared and ready to hike mountain Karisimbi. You will be required to do some physical exercise to prepare your body for the physically challenging activity. Also prepare your body mentally for this challenging event. Furthermore, you will to do some acclimatization to ensure that you are ready for the reduction in oxygen levels as you are ascending to the top of the highest peak in Virunga massif.
