Climbing the Volcanoes

It is possible to climb the volcanoes on the Rwandese side.They include:

Karisimbi
The climb to the peak of Karisimbi requires two days, with clients sleeping in a tent on the mountain. This is a wonderful walk to the highest mountain in the Virungas (4507m). It does not require technical skills, but clients have to be fit and healthy as the walk is quite arduous and conditions can be wet, cold and muddy.

Visoke (sometimes Bisoke)
Visoke is a day’s walk and although less steep than Karisimbi still requires walkers to be fit.The paths go through afromontane forest, bamboo, and woodland. Higher up there is Afro-alpine moorland, grassland and marsh, giant lobelia and senecio. About 200 bird species have been recorded in the park, with 13 species endemic to the Albertine Rift, including the Rwenzori turaco.

CLIMBING NYIRAGONGO

There are two live volcanoes in the Virungas – both in the DRC – Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira. Both are approached from Goma in DRC. Nyiragongo is more interesting to visit as it erupted more recently in 2002! The climbing of Nyiragongo will be possible when the security in DRC has stabilized. After crossing the border at Gisenyi, you meet one of the volcanologists and then continue to the base of the volcano. The first part of the trail goes through beautiful rainforest with birds singing in the background. After a while you leave the forest and start walking on the solidified lava rock from the 2002 eruption.

Half way up the mountain you can see where the lava erupted through the side of the volcano, in contrast to the previous eruptions from the top. The path gets steeper going up to the remains of the three metal huts which can be used for shelter and cooking. There are good views over the volcanoes, Lake Kivu and Goma town. During the day there is a clear view of the volcano crater with the lava at the bottom. The ascent to the peak can also be done at night (using torches and head lamps). There is a red glow in the big volcano pot with the lava bubbling below. It sounds like the sea! The lights of the town and the fishing boats can be seen on the lake.