Mount Bisoke is a volcano in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, rising to 3,711 metres on the border with Congo. A guided day hike climbs through bamboo and alpine vegetation to the summit, where a crater lake fills the old caldera. The round trip takes about six hours and costs US$75 per person.
Key takeaways
- Summit 3,711 m with a crater lake.
- Round trip of about 6 hours.
- Bamboo, hagenia and alpine zones.
- US$75 per person.
Bisoke is one of the Virunga volcanoes. Its crater lake, about 400 metres across, is one of the most beautiful sights in Volcanoes National Park.
The hike
After the briefing at Kinigi, you drive to the trailhead and walk through farmland to the park boundary. The trail then climbs steeply through bamboo, hagenia forest and giant lobelias. The climb takes three to four hours, and the descent two to three.
The summit
At the top, you look down into the crater lake. On clear days, you see the other volcanoes and far into Congo and Uganda. Clouds often roll in, so be patient.
Wildlife
You may see golden monkeys, forest birds and sometimes gorilla signs, as several families live on Bisoke’s slopes.
When to go
The dry seasons, June to September and December to February, are best. Start early to avoid afternoon cloud and rain.
Good to know
- The fee is US$75 per person.
- The trail is steep and muddy; bring gloves and boots.
- Hire a porter.
- Bring warm layers for the summit.
Who it suits
Bisoke suits fit, adventurous hikers. It is a great extra day before or after gorilla trekking.
Bisoke or Dian Fossey’s grave?
Both start from Kinigi. Bisoke is longer and higher, with a crater lake; Fossey’s grave is shorter, with history. Fit hikers can do both on different days. See hike to Dian Fossey’s research site.
A day on Bisoke
The day starts at 7:00am at Kinigi with the briefing, then a short drive to the trailhead. The first hour crosses farmland at the foot of the volcano. Inside the park, the trail climbs steeply through bamboo and hagenia forest, with mud and roots underfoot. Above about 3,000 metres, the landscape opens into giant lobelias and groundsels. At the top, you sit on the crater rim, eat lunch and wait for the clouds to part over the lake. The descent takes about two to three hours.
Safety
Armed rangers accompany every hike, as buffalo and elephants live in the forest. Follow their instructions at all times.
What to bring
Waterproof boots, gloves, a rain jacket, warm layers, a packed lunch and at least two litres of water.
The Virunga volcanoes
Bisoke is one of eight Virunga volcanoes. Karisimbi, the highest, reaches about 4,507 metres and can be climbed on a two-day hike. Sabinyo and Gahinga lie on the border with Uganda. Together, they create a dramatic landscape of forested slopes and peaks.
Where to stay
Lodges near Kinigi are closest for the 7:00am briefing. Musanze town, about 30 minutes away, has more options.
Combine it with
Bisoke pairs well with gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking and the Dian Fossey hike. A rest day at Lake Kivu afterwards is a great reward.
Who it suits
Fit hikers who want a challenging day and spectacular views.
A day on Bisoke, in detail
After the briefing, you drive to the trailhead at Bisoke’s base. The first part of the hike crosses farmland, where you may see farmers tending potatoes and pyrethrum. At the park boundary, the trail climbs steeply through bamboo, then through hagenia and hypericum forest draped in moss. The path is often muddy and slippery, with steps cut into the slope. Above about 3,000 metres, the landscape opens into giant lobelias and groundsels. At the top, you reach the crater rim, with its lake below. On clear days, you see Karisimbi, Mikeno and the other volcanoes. After lunch on the rim, you descend the same way, arriving back by mid-afternoon.
Plan it
Add a Bisoke hike to our 5-day Rwanda gorillas, golden monkeys and Kigali or 4-day Rwanda gorillas and Lake Kivu safari. See also volcano hikes in Mgahinga.
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the Bisoke hike?
Challenging: steep, muddy and at altitude.
How long does it take?
About six hours round trip.
Will I see the crater lake?
Usually, though clouds can hide it at times.
How much does it cost?
US$75 per person.
Can I see gorillas on the Bisoke hike?
Gorilla families live on Bisoke’s slopes, so occasional sightings or signs are possible, but it is not a gorilla trek.
Is Bisoke harder than gorilla trekking?
Usually, yes. It is longer, steeper and higher, so good fitness is important. Many hikers do Bisoke a day before or after their gorilla trek, with a rest day at Lake Kivu afterwards.
Can I hire a porter?
Yes. Porters wait at the trailhead and are a great help on the steep, muddy sections.
Written by our Kampala-based planners and guides, who arrange these trips every season. Prices and rules are checked before every quote.
