Hiking to Mount Karisimbi Peak is a key tourism activity in Rwanda that tourists should not miss during their Rwanda gorilla safari at Volcanoes National Park. Mount Karisimbi stands at an elevation of approximately 4507 meters above sea level. Mount Karisimbi is the highest volcano among the eight chained Virunga volcanoes, which makes Mount Karisimbi the 5th highest mountain in Africa. Click here to see Mountain gorilla trekking safaris 

 Within the western branch of the African Rift Valley, Mount Karisimbi extends up to the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Mount Karisimbi's name was derived from the Kinyarwanda word "amasimbi," which means “white shell," and was referred to as the white-capped peak. Mount Karisimbi is neighbored in the north by Mount Mikeno, in the east by Mount Bisoke, and in the west by Mount Nyiragongo. Mount Karisimbi is located within Volcanoes National Park, a popular destination for mountain gorilla trekking experiences in Rwanda. Click here to view mountain gorilla trekking safaris.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi is tiring but so rewarding in nature that it is normally combined with mountain gorilla trekking encounters at Volcanoes National Park. Climbing Mount Karisimbi starts in the morning; it takes 6 hours to reach the summit.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi’s summit also offers you a chance to sight several bird species, except primate species such as monkeys and mountain gorillas, since Mount Karisimbi stands in the primates’ park of Volcanoes National Park.

Travelers need to be in good health and have stamina to participate in hiking the slippery slopes of Mount Karisimbi to the white-capped summit due to the result of hail and sleet that congregate in the higher raised part.

Mount Karisimbi is near the Karisoke Research Center, where the graveyard for the popular American primatologist and mountain gorilla conservationist called Dian Fossey is located. This means that travelers may have a chance to visit the tomb as well as participate in golden monkey trekking or mountain gorilla trekking at Volcanoes National Park.

Mount Karisimbi climbing can be planned by a local tour operator. The tour operator helps in securing hiking permits, meals, organizing tents, and other climbing equipment. Porters are always present for hire at a cost of approximately $20. These porters can help you in carrying heavy cameras, bags, tents, and the remaining hiking equipment.

Mount Karisimbi Hiking takes 2 days to be completed. Hikers need to first report to the park headquarters for registration and then be briefed by the park warden and ranger guides. Hiking Mount Karisimbi starts immediately after the briefing, where hikers are driven to the starting point, which is situated on the foothills of Mount Karisimbi. Ascending to Mount Karisimbi summit takes 7 hours at most, but climbers always stop mid-way (at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level) for an overnight.

There is a camp, which is where dinner is cooked as hikers take a rest in preparation for the final climb the next day. After the cold night, have an early morning breakfast; climbers should be fresh and ready to start the final hike to the summit. This final hike takes about an hour but is the most challenging moment. That is because the last part from the camp to Mount Karisimbi summit is so steep and more difficult to hike—especially if there is mud, heavy winds, and fog that can reduce visibility.

Once at the top, hikers should enjoy breathtaking views of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the massive woods and plants of the Virunga ranges, the Nyamulagira and Nyiragongo volcanoes, and the Muhabura volcano. Hikers should prepare for a 6-hour descent back to the starting point and then to the park office.

The best time to hike Mount Karisimbi is in the long dry season, but it can be visited throughout the year. The long dry season is from June to September and from December to February. During the long dry season, the hiking trails are less muddy, and the sky is clearer, offering better breathtaking views and easier hiking.