09-11-2018 05:38 PM - edited 09-17-2018 11:05 AM
Rising at an elevation of about 4507m above sea level is MT. Karisimbi, a stratovolcano which is the highest of the eight major volcanoes of the Virunga field and the 5th highest in Africa. It strides along the border between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda on the western branch of the African Rift valley. Karisimbi lavas have been dated from 0.24 Ma to 0.010 Ma indicating that the volcano is very young.
The name Karisimbi is derived from the word ‘amasimbi’ in Kinyarwanda which means “white shell”, referring to the white-capped summit which is often seen on top of this volcano. It is flanked by Mikeno to the north, Bisoke to the east and Nyiragongo to the west, on the other side of the Rift Valley. The mountain is situated in Volcanoes national park, popularly known for the mountain gorillas.
Climbing Mt Karisimbi is a strenuous yet very rewarding hike which is normally done as a complement to gorilla trekking and all done within Volcanoes National Park. The climb starts early in the morning taking 6 hours and involves navigating through the Bisoke side before reaching the first stopping place at an altitude of 3,700 metres for overnight camping before finishing off the journey the next day.
A hike to Karisimbi’s summit is not an ordinary one, but also affords sights of several bird varieties, primates like monkeys and Gorillas since the volcano lies in the primates’ park of Parc National des Volcans (Volcanoes national park). It is also known for its exotic plants in its four belts of vegetation, from the dense forest at its base to the barren volcanic core at the summit.
The hike up the summit is characterized of muddy trails especially during rainy season, though due to the altitude, it can rain at any time of the day.
You need relatively good health and stamina to hike through the slippery slopes to reach the summit which is white capped as a result of hail and sleet which accumulate in the higher elevations from its frequent storms. This implies that one may have to incur an extra cost of hiring a porter ($20 per day) to help in carrying your luggage and hiking equipment.
Karisimbi is also close to the Karisoke research center where the grave of the re-known mountain gorilla conservationist and American zoologist; Dian Fossey lies. This means that one has a chance to visit the grave as well as trek the golden monkeys in addition to the Mountain gorillas.
Credits to https://www.volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.com/activities/mount-karisimbi-hike.html
09-17-2018 09:17 AM - edited 09-17-2018 09:36 AM
Thanks for sharing @Karatrick.
Have you made any photos on the way hiking to the Karisimbi mounts. Adding photos to your posts really pays off. They help to other users imagine their selves on that for sure beautiful hike. 5 tips to take stunning photos on your phone from a Local Guide Level 8 tell you about some tricks that are easy to use and make a big impact on readers.
09-17-2018
10:17 AM
- last edited on
04-19-2022
12:23 PM
by
grazittiApiTest
Hello IrrPavlova,
Sure I managed to take some
09-17-2018 10:24 AM
Awesome photos, @Karatrick Thanks for sharing. Never hide them 😄