From Kigali: Bisoke Summit Trek, Crater Lake 1 Day Safari｜Rwanda

Start your day early with a pick-up at 4:30 AM from your Kigali accommodation, and embark on a scenic drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze District. By 7:30 AM, you will arrive at the park headquarters in Kinigi, where you’ll meet fellow hikers and park rangers. A detailed briefing will give you important information about the hike and what to expect.

At 8:00 AM, you’ll begin your transfer to the Bisoke Volcano trailhead. The 40-minute drive takes you through a mix of paved and rugged roads, offering a glimpse of rural Rwanda’s beauty. The hike begins at 2,700 meters above sea level, and porters will be available to help with carrying your bags and assisting through challenging sections of the trail.

The hike starts with a short walk through villages and farmland, then transitions into the dense forests of Volcanoes National Park. Along the way, there is a chance to encounter wildlife, including golden monkeys and, on rare occasions, gorillas (though photography is not permitted in these cases). The trail is mostly uphill and can be muddy and slippery, so you’ll need to watch your footing. The first part of the hike takes around 2 hours, after which you’ll enter the volcanic terrain, with unique vegetation including giant heather plants.

After about 4 hours of hiking, you’ll reach the summit, where a stunning crater lake awaits. Here, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and the twin lakes below. Enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the peaceful, remote atmosphere.

At 2:00 PM, begin your descent, which will take around 2 hours, depending on the pace and number of stops you make. By 4:00 PM, you will return to the starting point where you’ll meet your driver for a return trip back to Kigali.

This hike is an exciting yet manageable adventure for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, offering the chance to experience both the beauty of Rwanda's landscapes and the unique wildlife of Volcanoes National Park.