Rwanda hosts five of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. These include;
- Mount Sabinyo
- Mount Visoke
- Mount Gahinga
- Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi
This is the highest an active stratovolcano in the Virunga Massif and one of the most challenging hikes located on the border between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. The trek to the summit usually takes two days with an overnight camping at an altitude of about 4,507 meters. The effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.
Mount Gahinga
Also, one of the dormant volcanos in Virunga mountains, Mount Gahinga is another hiking destination in Rwanda situated near Volcanoes National Park with a height of 3,474 meters above the sea level. The beautiful volcanic peak that can be hiked in a day as you pass through bamboo forests enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding volcanic peaks and spotting some wildlife species like birds, insects and others.
Mount Muhabura
This volcano is shared between Uganda and Rwanda, renowned for its challenging hikes. Muhabura Volcano features steep slopes but takes you just a day to make it to the summits. This Virunga volcano lies at elevation of 4127m, making it the 3rd tallest of the 8 Massifs.
Hiking Safaris in the Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda
Hiking safaris in the Volcanoes of Rwanda offer additional exploration opportunities to nature lovers on Rwanda tour to unearth what this spectacular park has to offer the world. Volcanoes NP offers more than magical gorilla encounters, but also thrilling hiking adventures through the different trails.
The Volcanoes National Park (Parc National des Volcans) Ruhengeri lies in the Virunga Region, and its geographical location comes with plenty of volcano hiking opportunities for enthusiastic hikers to start their adventures from. Unlike other Virunga Region protected areas like Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda; Rwanda’s Volcanoes NP has 5 of the 8 Virunga Volcanoes.
Some of the volcanoes located in Rwanda also lie on Ugandan side. Those not hiked on Rwandan side can be trekked while in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. The hikes require varying levels of fitness. But generally, you need to be physically fit in order to enjoy a complete hiking adventure.
Hiking trails in Volcanoes National Park
Ngezi hike (3 to 4 hours)
If you are looking for relatively easier hikes, then you have every reason to conquer the Ngezi on Mount Bisoke. Hiking to Ngezi takes 3-4 hours and en-route; expect to come across some of the species of fauna at the base area.
Bisoke Volcano Hike
Karisimbi Hike
Dian Fossey grave hike