The crater lake
The largest in the Virungas.
Adygrafix250 — CC BY 4.0 · Joseph Lionceau — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SIBOMANA Constantin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · SIBOMANA Constantin — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Adygrafix250 — CC BY 4.0
Mount Bisoke is an active volcano in the Virunga Mountains, inside Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda. It straddles the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but its summit lies in Rwanda, about 17 km in a straight line from the town of Musanze. Like all the Virunga peaks, it was formed by rifting along the East African Rift. Eruptions were recorded in 1891 and 1957, and the area remains geologically active. The mountain is habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla, and the Karisoke Research Center founded by Dian Fossey lies in the valley to the west. Its steep slopes are covered in equatorial rainforest and alpine meadows, with giant, strange-shaped plants near the top. The summit holds a wide crater lake, the largest in the range, often wrapped in fog. On the way up you look back over the fields and villages at its foot. It can be climbed in a day from the Rwandan side, and the route is steep but walkable. Climbs are booked through the Rwanda Development Board with park guides, so never hike alone. The mountain is on the DRC border, so stay with your guides and check travel advice before you go. Bring rain gear and warm layers.
The largest in the Virungas.
Giant plants near the top.
Dense green slopes.
Volcanoes National Park, Northern Province, Rwanda
Yes, it can be climbed and descended in a day from the Rwandan side.
Yes, climbs are booked with park guides through the Rwanda Development Board.