Mount Karisimbi is the highest of the volcanoes found within the Virunga ranges of mountains. It is the sixth highest in Africa. This inactive volcano is found in the Volcanoes National Park and along the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Rising up to 4,507 meters, Mount is surrounded by other neighboring volcanoes like Mikeno, Nyiragongo and Bisoke. The mountain gets its name Karisimbi (Kinyarwanda for “White Shell”) from the snow that usually covers the top during the dry season. Karisimbi has a caldera named Branca and two craters in the summit with the largest being Mutango.
Mount Karisimbi Hike
Visitors to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda usually combine gorilla trekking with a Karisimbi mountain hike. Climbing mount Karisimbi can be a strenuous but special experience. Because of its 
location within the Volcanoes National Park, hikers should expect to come across several bird species, see golden monkeys or mountain gorillas (occasionally). There is even the possibility of visiting the grave of Dian Fossey, a famous primatologist who studied mountain gorillas extensively.
The trail and path towards the summit of Karisimbi contains great landscape, volcanic features, dense forest and vegetation which are beautiful to behold. However, the hike may involve navigating through 
thick jungle, steep slopes and muddy trails during the rainy season. It’s for this reason that hiking Mount Karisimbi is best done during the drier periods between December to March and June to early October.
One needs to be in good shape, have the endurance and stamina that is required to navigate through steep and difficult sections of the mountain slopes. This is especially important if you are hiking in a group. You wouldn’t want to keep your fellow hikers waiting for you. Hikers also need to prepare mentally for the high altitude conditions which can be distressing and hence a cause for slowing one down.
How is Climbing Mount Karisimbi Like?
Mount Karisimbi Hiking is usually completed in 2 days. Hikers need to first go to the park headquarters to register and be briefed by the park Warden and Guides. 
After the briefing, hikers are driven to the starting point which is located at the foot of Mount Bisoke. Ascending to the summit lasts 7 hours at most but hikers stop at a camp just before reaching the summit (at an altitude of 3,700 meters) to spend the night. While at this camp, dinner is prepared as everyone takes a rest in preparation for the final climb the nest day. From the camp, hikers can already get great views of the surrounding volcanoes. During the night, look out for the light coming out of the lava spewing out of Mount Nyiragongo.
After enduring the cold night and having early morning breakfast, Hikers should be fresh and ready to get to the summit. This final push takes only 1 hour but is the most challenging. That is because the section from the camp to the summit is steeper and more difficult to navigate. It is even more difficult during months with thick mud, strong winds and fog which reduces visibility. 
Once at the summit, the scenery is spectacular and beautiful to behold. Hikers should have great views of the Muhabura volcano, the Nyamulagira volcano, Nyiragongo, the great forests/vegetation within the Virunga ranges and the Democratic Republic of Congo. After getting enough of the great views, Hikers should get ready for a 6 hour descent back to the starting point and then to the park office. You might also be interested in our article about Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or how to hike mount Kilimanjaro.
Cost of Hiking Mount Karisimbi
Mount Karisimbi Permits cost $400 per person for foreigners. Foreign residents in Rwanda pay $250 per person. Foreigners who are resident in East Africa pay $300 per person for the Karisimbi Permit. East African Citizens including Rwandan Nationals pay $200 per person. The price of the permit includes Rangers and park Guides to escort you up the mountain. Apart from the Karisimbi Hiking Permit, Travelers should prepare to pay an additional fee of $250 for what is known as the Karisimbi package. This package includes camping gear, porters to carry supplies, a chef/cook.
The Karisimbi permit is obtained from the Rwanda Development Board through a registered Tour Operator. Tour Operators will also help with arranging the entire tour by providing transportation, booking accommodation, arranging for porters/hiking equipment and securing hiking permits.
Packing List and Tips for Hiking Mount Karisimbi
The Volcanoes National Park provides Guides and Rangers to help with navigating through the different trails. Travelers should pack good hiking shoes, a sweater or warm clothing, a waterproof heavy jacket and a hat. Your Tour Company should provide a walking stick, a tent for camping overnight, a sleeping bag and packed food for the overnight stay before reaching the summit. The Tour Operator should also arrange for the Porters to help with carrying your backpack, tents, cameras and other equipment.