Mountain Karisimbi Hike

August 29, 2023 | Bujo Safaris

Mountain Karisimbi Hike

As the underneath of the Albertine rift valley grew to become as hot as fire, the molten magma couldn’t help but force its way from underneath to the earth and this got the ball rolling into an intensified magnificent gigantic mountain called Karisimbi. The mountain derived its name from a Kinyarwanda word called “amasimbi” which means a “shell” and it got this name due to its white-capped summit that left the natives tantalized about its glittering appearance. 

Where is mountain Karisimbi located?

Mountain Karisimbi is located along the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Mountain Karisimbi is majestically straddled between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills. Moving 29 km northeast of Goma into the Virunga National Park displays beautiful sites of this wondrous tower, and while in Rwanda its magnificence is appreciated while in the volcanoes. Towering to about 4507m from the ground, this mountain takes pride in being one of the highest mountains in Africa and the highest among the mountains of the volcanoes. 

What is unique/what to know about mountain Karisimbi? 

• It is the highest of all the mountains found in the Virunga. Karisimbi takes the lead out of the 8 towers that make up the volcanoes aiming for the sky.
• It is the sixth-highest mountain in Africa. This means that tourists who get to watch these mountains glaze at one of the tallest mountains in Africa.
• The exotic plants on this mountain are not only attractive to humans but a darling to the mountain gorillas as they feed on them.
• The mountain has always been known for its white shell as referred to by the locals and the dry season blesses tourists with views of snow on its summit.

History of Mountain Karisimbi 

Towering to about 4507m high, this prominent mountain came into existence after the drift that happened in the Albertine Rift Valley. Eruptions in this mountain are a thing of the past because it last erupted in 8050 BCE and is calmly classified as a stratovolcano.

Hiking the mountain 

It is adventurous to climb one of the highest mountains in Africa. The adrenaline rush that tourists who hike this mountain get is worth the risk and deserves its flowers because tourists also get to enjoy amazing views of nature like birds, and golden monkeys among others. Hiking this mountain consumes two days of enjoyment where tourists use one day for ascending and the following day for descending. 

Hiking mountain Karisimbi normally takes approximately 2 days to complete. The two-day journey commences as soon as the tourists gather from the park’s headquarters where they are briefed about hiking and the start of their 7-hour hike with guidance from the park wardens. 3700m from the ground is midway through the journey and tourists get to spend the night here. The night is a collection of a variety of memorable moments that can’t be forgotten because it involves camping, having dinner from the bush, and interacting with fellow tourists in a space that is exciting above the ground.

Waking up to a well-prepared breakfast, tourists get rejuvenated for their one-hour hike to the summit of the mountain. This is the most tedious of all sections because the area is steeper than the lower side of the mountain but it offers a remarkable experience and fantastic views to the tourists like the scenic surroundings, and other volcanic mountains like Nyamuragira, Muhabura among others.  

Tourists should prepare to descend back to the ground for as long as they have had enough of the great views. The journey from the summit to the park is usually 6 hours but offers the same exciting views that tourists got while they were ascending. 

Hiking Mountain Karisimbi is a very challenging activity to do since the slopes of mountain Karisimbi tend to be steep and slanting. The hiking activity of Mountain Karisimbi requires physical and mental fitness. This is because the hiking activity is so tiring that one can easily break down and stop halfway through the journey. In case you have a lot to carry and heavy for your good you can opt to get assistance from a potter at a given price. 

The best time to hike Mount Karisimbi 

Hiking one of the highest mountains in Africa calls for galloping over muddy trails, steep slippery slopes, and brushing the feet into tall bushes and shrubs and it’s for that reason that hikers should choose hiking in the dry season. The dry season usually spans from December to March and June to October. 

What to pack for the Mountain Karisimbi hike?

There are different items or things that you should not miss on packing for your mountain Karisimbi hiking activity and some of these include, 

Hiking boots: Hiking boots are one of those essential items that should not be missed in your packing. These boots should be light for swift movements and able to cover up your whole leg. The hiking boots will protect your legs from insect bites, and scratches from tree branches, to mention a few. Though it rains during your hiking period, with the help of the boots you will be able to move in the muddy trails. 

Walking stick: This walking stick will be given to you at the park headquarters at a given price. Your tour company or guide will help you with the payments. The walking stick will help to support you during your hiking on the steep slopes of Mountain Karisimbi. 

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers: A pair of long-sleeved trousers shirt will help protect you from the coldness, and insect bites, to mention a few. 

Water bottle: Having a water bottle during the hiking of Mountain Karisimbi is one of the essential things to pack. Water in the water bottle will help you rehydrate when hiking the mountain to the top. 

Bag pack: The bag pack will help you free up your hands for other things by keeping all your things like a water bottle, first aid kit, and camera, to mention a few. These things will be protected from both direct sunlight and rain. 

Energy-giving food or snacks: You should also consider bringing along some energy-giving snacks or food to help you boost up your energy during the activity of hiking mountain Karisimbi. These snacks will be eaten during the short snack breaks that will be given to you during your hiking. 

You should also consider packing binoculars, a camera, a hat or cap, a rain jacket or coat, insect repellant, personal first aid kit, to mention a few. During your hiking, you should always stay on alert to spot some animals, primates, birds, tree species, insects, and reptiles, to mention a few. You should also always listen to your guide and ask permission before doing anything.