Adventures on Mount Bisoke: Rwanda has been dubbed “the Land of a Thousand Hills,” and offers countless opportunities for adrenalin thrillers as well as wildlife and nature crusaders. A prime target for the latter is Mount Bisoke, one of the beautiful volcanic plugs in the Virunga Massif. This towering mountain rises up to 3,711m and, as more adventurous persons that would like to scale these heights are well aware, it culminates in a crater lake which is more inland from the baseline and is surrounded by bamboo and afro-montane vegetation.
Anyone who is thinking about visiting Rwanda should seize the opportunity and challenge oneself on Mount Bisoke hike because that’s where one can really bond with nature. In this article the topics covered include; Up the Mount Bisoke; what to do, what to see, getting there, information, to go, and what is likely to make your Adventures on Mount Bisoke remarkable.
At the beginning of the Mount Bisoke Hike
The hike up Mount Bisoke is quite a challenge because of the steep slopes and high altitude but the views of the surrounding countryside, the fresh breeze at the crater, and the calm waters of the crater lake make the exercise worth undertaking. Taking into account the number of breaks we take and our speed, it basically takes anything between three and a half to four and a half hours to four to six hours for the entire trek.
Exploring Rwanda Using the Natural Endowment of Forests.
The hiking trail starts from the Mount Bisoke National Park Head Quarters. This 7km leads trekkers through a trek via a green and diverse part, filled with monkeys, elephants, and birds. Depending on the season, the temperature rises while ascending the air gets thinner and sometimes there are some mists that creates a mystical look on the trail.
Reaching the Crater Lake
The climb to the crater rim is difficult but, getting to this top and viewing the stunning crater lake is one of the moments of tranquility. The outstanding parameter of this lake is that it mirrors the sky and clouds thereby providing a rather magical touch to the whole outlook. It also contains a good view of the Congo and Virunga National Park in the background.
The Best Time to Visit Mount Bisoke
The best time the Mount Bisoke trek can be done is during the dry seasons which are from June-September and December- February. That is during these times, the trails are relatively less slippery, and cloud covers do not obstruct the view. But as I mentioned previously Rwanda has its own erratic weather conditions therefore it is advisable to consult the weather channel before.
Costs and Preparation
To get to the Mgahinga gorilla park, the following activities must be done: a permit to hike Mount Bisoke can be secured from the park headquarters costs $30 for Foreign tourists. Physically one should be healthy and mentally one should be well prepared to endure the climate, carry a proper amount of warm clothes, waterproof gear, the right type of boots, and to protect oneself from the scorching heat of the sun one should carry a hat. Other recommendations include taking adequate fluids and carrying along a small snack as well.
Local Accommodations
When you are through with trekking adventure you may need some relaxation and there is a variety of touches with natural sweetness accommodation in the surroundings. Right from the environmentally friendly accommodation structures that are usually found within the natural environment to the top of the range Rwanda gives tourists an assortment of variety depending on the taste and class of the client.
Cultural Experiences
Before or after your hike, Rwandese cultural preferences can greatly interest you. Explore the villages in a prepaid guided village walk, interact with the native people, and discover what their day-to-day lives were like, you could even volunteer to assist in preparing a traditional Rwandan meal.
Essential Travel Tips
Rwanda has relatively high altitudes, it is therefore advisable that one prepare for the possibility of altitude sickness and this can only be achieved by allowing the body to familiarize itself with the altitude, it is recommended to spend some time in Rwanda to allow the body to acclimatize. Most people in tourism zones understand English speaking, but using a few words in Kinyarwanda is an added bonus, being humble.
Adventures on Mount Bisoke, Conclusion
Hiking to Mount Bisoke can be summarized as a true Rwandese experience because it covers both the forest and the crater lake. Contrary to reading an account of ascending a mountain, it is a meeting with the soul of Africa’s fascinating wilderness. As such, whoever is inspired to be a trekker or a lover of nature, with many dreams of enjoying a grand experience, should endeavor to take up the Mount Bisoke trek; a thrilling adventure into the wilderness of Rwanda.
