Mountain Bisoke
Mountain Bisoke is a dormant volcano mountain located in the Virunga Mountains. Also known as ‘’Visoke’’. The name ‘’ Bisoke’’ means filled with water and was given to it by the local people around. Mountain Bisoke is located on the borders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda it also borders Volcano National Park of Rwanda and Virunga National Park of Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain Bisoke had its last eruption in 1957 which left a large crater lake within Virunga mountains as a result of the eruption.
The elevation height of Mountain Bisoke is about 12,175 feet or 37,11 meters. Mountain Bisoke has two major hiking trails which include the Bisoke summit trail which takes about 6-8 hours depending on the speed of the hikers. The second trail is the one leading to Crater Lake of Ngezi which takes about 3-4 hours when hiking. When you embark on hiking Mountain Bisoke, your hiking along the trails expect to encounter some wild animals which include mountain gorillas, and golden monkeys, to mention but a few.
What are the attractions found on Mountain Bisoke?
Mountain Bisoke is blessed with natural attractions and wild animal attractions, some of which include crater lake, mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, volcano landscape alpine vegetation, to mention but a few. Some of the natural attractions include;
Crater Lake
Located on Virunga mountain along the Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo border. Formed by a geological process that involved volcanic activity, erosion, and sedimentation. A crater lake was formed after the mountain Bisoke erupted in the year 1957. This crater lake is of size approximately 11 hectares (27 acres) and about 40 meters (131 feet) in depth. After hiking mountain Bisoke using either of the two trails, when you reach the crater lake you will have amazing views of the surrounding area. You will experience the amazing and quiet atmosphere around the crater lake. You should always remember that swimming in the crater lake is not allowed and if you do so it is at the owner’s risk.
Wild Animals
Mountain Bisoke is also home to various wild animals which include mammals which are forest elephants seen on a few occasions, bush pigs, buffaloes, warthogs, mountain gorillas, etc. Primates found there include golden monkeys, chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, and silver monkeys. You can also look forward to seeing different antelope species, and different bird species, to mention but a few. When you embark on visiting mountain Bisoke, expect to not only see wild animals but also different plant species and insects and some reptiles that you will see all around when hiking the mountain. You should also note that taking gorilla photos while hiking is prohibited and is only allowed by people who pay for gorilla trekking.
Hiking Mountain Bisoke
Mountain Bisoke hiking activity always kicks off in the morning hours after being briefed at the park headquarters offices. From there you are handed to rangers and tour guides then proceed to use any trail preferred either the one leading to the crater lake of Ngezi which takes about 3-4 hours to hike depending on the hiker’s speed. You can also opt to use the Bisoke Summit trail which is longer and can be hiked for about 6-8 hours depending on either speed or weather. When hiking, you will find different difficulties which include steep slopes, high altitudes, rocky paths, and thorny tree branches, to mention but a few.
Your health should be good as for fitness you should be able to cope with the challenges you may face hence anyone can hike. You will need to pack hiking shoes, a rain jacket in case it rains, long-sleeved shirts, hats, hiking sticks, a bag pack, water bottle, to mention but a few. The best time to go hiking on Mountain Bisoke is the dry season since the hiking trails will be dry making hiking easier.
What to pack when going hiking on Mountain Bisoke
When you decide to go hiking on Mountain Bisoke, you are expected to pack or move with specific items that will help make your hiking experience good and easy. Some of these items to consider when packing include,
Long-sleeved shirts
You should consider packing long-sleeved shirts to help protect your hands from insect bites, thorny branches, and itchy plants. In case the sun is too hot, you will also be protected from the sunlight burn by the long-sleeved shirt you will be wearing.
Long-sleeved trousers
A pair of long-sleeved trousers will help a lot with protecting you from broken tree branches, insect bites, and thorny branches while you are hiking Mountain Bisoke. Also, at the beginning of the hiking trails, you will be told by your guide to tack in your trousers with the long socks that you are supposed to have put on.
Light hiking boots
You will also need to pack a pair of hiking boots that are light so that you are comfortable if you put them on when hiking up Mountain Bisoke. These boots will also protect your feet from the danger of insect bites, thorny branches, and many other dangers that you may encounter when hiking up Mountain Bisoke. Your boots may also be waterproof and protect your feet from rainwater in case it starts raining when you are still hiking. You will also find little or no hardships while hiking the steep slopes of mountain Bisoke.
Sunscreen and hat
You should consider packing a bottle of sunscreen and a hat that will protect you from the rays of the sun when hiking Mountain Bisoke. In case it rains while you are hiking, with a hat on your head, you will be protected from direct raindrops. So, when packing for your hiking activity you should include it in.
Travel documents
As in any other country, you will need to have a passport or any other relevant document to go to either Rwanda or the Democratic Republic of Congo where Mountain Bisoke is found on both countries’ borders. You will require a visa, travel, and health insurance to cover you in case of any uncertainties during your trip which may include flight canceling, or falling sick, to mention but a few.
Travel bag pack
A bag pack should be one of the essentials you should consider packing when going hiking on Mountain Bisoke. You will use your bag pack to carry essential things that you will need during hiking these include sunglasses, a water bottle, sunscreen, first aid kit, to mention but a few. There are many things that you should consider packing or carrying when going hiking on Mountain Bisoke, to mention but a few. If you have any questions you can inquire to know more about what to pack.
What is the cost of hiking on Mountain Bisoke?
Like any other tourism activity, hiking Mountain Bisoke comes at a cost. If you are interested in carrying out or doing this activity, you must purchase a hiking permit first. You can buy one on the same day of hiking or sometime before hiking from the park headquarters which is approximately $75 per person. In case you are not ready to carry you can go ahead and hire a potter for about 20$. This will make your hands free and flexible during hiking time hence making the activity easy for you.
