Mount Karisimbi - Gorilla Uganda Safaris

Visit Mount Karisimbi

Volcano hiking/climbing is one unusual experience you wouldn’t miss on Rwanda safari. Climbing to the summits of Mount Karisimbi means conquering the highest Virunga Volcano and Africa’s 11^th highest mountain. Karisimbi Volcano stands at an elevation of 4507m, strandling between Rwanda and the D.R. Congo. Mt. Karisimbi lies at an altitude of 4507m and surrounded by other Virunga Volcanoes including Bisoke, Mount Mikeno and Nyiragongo Volcano.

The word Karisimbi in Kinyarwanda means “White Shell.” This volcano’s submits often experience snow-cover during the dry season. Mount Karisimbi features a spectacular caldera Branca and 2 scenic Craters. Mutango is the largest pit crater located South of the Karisimbi’s summit and has a width measuring 1.2km while the other covers slightly smaller area.

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Hiking Mt. Karisimbi

At an altitude of 4507m, hiking to the summits of Karisimbi begins at Kinigi and often, visitors combine gorilla trekking with hiking adventures. The trek to the summits of Karisimbi requires some level of fitness and along the way, do not forget to keep your eyes on some interesting species of birds, primates and flora. Depending on the time, there is a chance pay a visit the Dian Fossey tomb site.

Navigating through the path to Karisimbi summits rewards hikers with breathtaking landscapes, great views over other spectacular volcanic mountains, a lush vegetation and forest cover. The trail is characterized by thick forest cover, muddy ground especially during the rainy season and steep slopes. To enjoy trekking to the top of Karisimbi, the dry season is the most ideal time.

Considering the terrain of Mount Karisimbi, your physical fitness is essential. On actual hike to the top of Karisimbi Volcano, climbers are accompanied by experienced and skilled ranger guides to and back. Climbers with heavy luggage may require porters to assist and they are available for hire at USD 15-20. You can request for one at the park offices.

The actual hike begins with briefing and by 7:00am and after, you begin the 2-day adventure. An en-route night will be made and the following day, you complete your journey to the summits then back to the briefing area to meet your driver guide ready the next program as per your travel itinerary.

The first trek takes you from the base of Mt. Bisoke and expect to spend about 7 hours before the end of the day. You will camp at elevation of 3700m about halfway of your entire journey to Karisimbi Volcano summit. Do not expect to find a permanent structure for a night stay, a reason you must have camping equipment including sleeping bags, camping tents, and warm clothing.

The following day, leave your campsite fully energized and prepared to get to the final peak of Karisimbi Mountain. Before you leave, a hot cup of tea/coffee and as you ascend, have some more snacks and water to complete your hike. At the top, have incredible moment, take photos, enjoy the snow peak then start descending to the base.

How much is Karisimbi Volcano hiking?

A valid Karisimbi Volcano permit costs USD 400 per person. This can be obtained through the tour operator you have planned the trip with. The actual hike is conducted at Volcanoes National Park. The cost of Karisimbi volcano permit excludes porter fees, alcoholic drinks, insurance, telephone bill, tipping, and other personal expenses.

What you should pack?

Essentials every climber or hiker should have on actual Karisimbi Volcano hiking adventure include;

Good and waterproof hiking shoes/boots.
A good camping tent for a night stay.
A sleeping bag if you never booked one with your tour operator.
Packed snacks plus drinking water.
Insect repellents.
First aid kit.
Hiking stick.
A pair of socks.

When to visit Mt. Karisimbi

Karisimbi Volcano is best hiked during the dry season –short and long dry months of the year. The short dry months of the year to mark on your travel calendar range from December, January to February and long dry spell starts from June, July, August to September. The rainy months are characterized by heavy rains, muddy trailhead and hence a great challenge conquering the volcano’s summit.

Getting there from Kigali

Mount. Karisimbi is part of the Virunga Volcano, and hiking it requires you to visit Volcanoes National Park in Northwestern Rwanda. Driving from Kigali up to Volcanoes NP to trek Karisimbi Volcano takes about 2-3 hours.

How much is a gorilla permit per visitor?

There is no standard price for Uganda, Rwanda or Congo gorilla permit –each country has its rates. In Uganda, the charges vary depending on the visitor category. The foreign non-residents are charged USD 700 to have their gorilla permits booked, USD 600 for foreign residents and Ugandans (East Africa citizens) pay shs. 250,000 per person. To have a gorilla permit secured/booked, you need USD 1500 for Rwanda and this is most ideal for luxury/high-end travelers interested in visiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Which are the best Gorilla safari destinations?

When booking a gorilla permit, it is also a good thing to have a destination of your desire in mind. The key places to consider a must-visit on gorilla tour include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –these are gorilla trekking destinations for tourists on a tour in Uganda. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is where you can locate habituated mountain gorilla families and crossing the D.R. Congo, you can explore Virunga National Park.

When is the best time to book your gorilla permit?

It is a good thing to also understand when best to book your gorilla permits to avoid having issues on actual date of gorilla trekking. Considering our experience, we always recommend our clients to have their permits booked early enough at least 2-4 months. This can save you from last minute stress, especially if you plan to travel during the dry season also considered to be the peak season. The peak months of the year fall around June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

How can I book a gorilla Permit?

Gorilla permits are among the relevant documents visitors must have to be allowed to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not any gorilla permit should be presented on actual gorilla trekking adventure but a valid one. Booking gorilla permits is part of making the entire gorilla trip complete and should be done early enough before the actual visit to see mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.

To have your gorilla permit booked, there is a process one should undergo through and is generally tedious. Considering your tight schedule back home, you may wonder how easier you can have your permit booked in advance to avoid last minute stress.

The easiest way to secure your gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda is by dealing with a recognized tour operator/company on the ground. This is where our reservation team comes in. As part of your gorilla safari requirement, our team being on ground will ensure that your permit is booked early enough and everything else that is needed for gorilla trekking is put together.

The beauty about dealing with local safari company such as ours is that we have knowledge on the different gorilla groups and surrounding communities plus various accommodation facilities for your night stay. This is in addition to making the entire gorilla permit booking process easier on behalf of our clients.

There is also an option of booking the permit directly through the reservation team of respective park authorities. But the challenge is that you must undergo through the long process to have your permit booked and this may not favor you depending on your schedule. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ in charge not only for conservation of wildlife in the Pearl of Africa but also sets prices for tourism activities in the parks including gorilla permits. In Rwanda, you can contact Rwanda Tourism Board/Rwanda Development Board to have your permit booked.

What is the East African tourist visa?

The East African tourist visa is a joint visa that permits one to travel to specific countries within East Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only. A joint tourist visa can be used several times for various purposes as long as it’s not overdue.

Tourists should therefore find it important to always remember that the tourist visa lasts for only 90 days. Processing the tourist visa takes a maximum period of two working days. It is also important to note that the tourist visa prohibits employment.

How to apply for an East African Tourist Visa?

The process of applying for a tourist visa has been made easier since it can be done with the help of a tour operator or by the individual themselves online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs immigration portal. Visitors are required to log in to the portal, go ahead and accept the terms and conditions for the tourist visa, select the Visa / permit type, the subcategory and category, complete the application form and upload the required documents.

A reference number will be generated and sent to you through your email, submit it and proceed to payment. It’s important to note that the payment can be made using Visa cards. An approval letter will be sent to your email after the above process.

Report at the immigration office or border post for the biometric capture with all the necessary documents, receipt of payment, approval letter and your passport. Visitors should regard it as important to enter through the home country issuing the visa.

How much does the East African tourist visa cost?

The East African tourist visa costs a fee of $100 only, meaning that it can be obtained by all travelers ranging from the budget to luxurious ones.

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