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Mt. Karisimbi

Volcanoes National Park
MUSANZE, RW
20/20 remaining

Mt. Karisimbi

2-Day Summit Trek
Volcanoes National Park

Two days on Rwanda's highest volcano. Hike through bamboo forest, camp at the alpine base, and push for the 4,507m summit at dawn.

Capacity 0% filled
20 total spots 20 remaining
Route Profile KARISIMBI_SOUTH
Summit 4,507 metres
Summit
4,507m
Gain
+1,907m
Type
trek
Duration
2 days / 1 night
Elevation Gain
+1,907m
Difficulty
T3 - [ DEMANDING ]
Group Size
Max 20
Includes
Guide, camping, meals

Pricing

Per Person
Total Cost
TBD RWF
Permit not included — purchased separately from RDB (30,000 RWF). Porter fees paid after the hike.
Trek permit (RDB) TBD
Transport (round trip) TBD
Meals (3 meals + snacks) TBD
Camping & gear TBD
Guide & coordination TBD

Briefing

Guides & Porters

An experienced RDB-licensed guide leads each group. Armed trackers and porters are assigned at park HQ on the morning of the trek. Porters can carry up to 15kg of your gear — fees are negotiated directly with them and paid after the hike. Most of these porters are former poachers who have been rehabilitated into conservation work. Hiring them is a direct way to support the park and the community around it.

Camping

Overnight at the alpine campsite (~3,850m). Tents and sleeping mats are provided. Temperatures drop to 0–5°C at night — a warm sleeping bag is essential. The campsite is basic: no electricity, no running water.

Food & Water

Day 1: packed lunch on the trail, hot dinner at camp (prepared by the crew). Day 2: early breakfast before summit push, packed lunch for the descent. Bring at least 3L of water per day — there are no refill points on the mountain.

Transport

We arrange a shared shuttle from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park HQ in Kinigi (approx. 2.5 hrs). Return transport on Day 2 evening. If driving yourself, head to Musanze and follow signs to Kinigi.

Park Permits

Karisimbi trek permits must be purchased from RDB (Rwanda Development Board) in advance. Cost: $75 per person. Book online at visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw or in person at RDB Tourism offices in Kigali or at park HQ. Permits sell out — book at least 2 weeks ahead.

Book Permit

Pickup Points

Kigali pickup: 05:00 from Kigali Convention Centre parking. Musanze pickup: 06:30 at Volcanoes National Park HQ gate in Kinigi. Be on time — the park briefing starts at 07:00 sharp.

What to Bring

  • Sturdy hiking boots (broken in)
  • Warm sleeping bag (rated to 0°C)
  • Rain jacket / waterproof layer
  • 3L water + water bottle
  • Warm fleece or down jacket
  • Gloves and beanie
  • Sunscreen + sunglasses
  • Daypack (30–40L)
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Snacks (energy bars / trail mix)
  • Walking poles (recommended)
  • Long trousers (no shorts on the mountain)
  • Cash for porters (paid after the hike)