RWANDA HIKING SAFARIS.
Hiking is mainly done and known for most tourists as an adventure to explore the scenic view at the summit / peak but it is also good for fitness purposes. Hiking safaris in Rwanda are possible because of the many hills and mountains that can be explored while on your visit.
Rwanda commonly referred to as the land of a thousand hills located in East Africa neighbouring countries like Uganda to the north, Tanzania to the east, DR Congo to the west and Burundi to the south. Rwanda is among the countries where the Virunga massif is located and is blessed with five of eight Virunga Mountains in volcanoes national park and these are; Sabyinyo, Muhabura, Gahinga, Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Hiking safaris favour all categories of hikers both experienced and non-experienced and this means that experienced trekkers desire most physically challenging and viewing points on some of the highest peaks from the summit.
Hiking takes place mainly in Volcanoes National Park where you have the best adventure of hiking Bisoke Mountain in the Virunga Mountains. The trails demarcated for these hikes are amazing with attractions such as primates, different bird species, vegetation and other mammals among others.
The Dian Fossey grave hike on the foothills of Karisimbi can be done by all levels of hikers and most tourists can enjoy the hike which takes about 2-3 hours, leading you to the research centre of Karisimbi which was established by prominent primatology Dian Fossey who saved many gorillas from poachers.
To make hiking fun and more experiential, we advise you to take a hike to the summit of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke. Mount Karisimbi favours those who want to explore botany and different types of vegetation cover at large. It offers great scenery and distinct zones and the summit is 4507 metres above sea level.
The vegetation here is characterised by montane forest, grassland and moorland, while the summit is covered by snow and mostly cloudy. On the hike to this mountain, you pass the Dian Fossey graveyard and spot different primate species in this forest.
Mount. Bisoke stands at 3,711 metres meaning that is shorter than Karisimbi but it offers one of the most challenging hiking adventures in this country. The summit rewards you with views of Lake Ngezi and this point is one of the most isolated and remote areas in Rwanda. Spending an hour at the summit rewards you with the best memory which will remain in your mind for long.
Best time to take a hiking safari in Rwanda.
Rwanda has favourable weather conditions and this means that you can take a hiking safari all year round. However, you need to know that hiking is more favourable in the dry season, whether short or long depending on specific months.
Therefore, the best time to take a hiking safari is from December to February and June to September. This is when the trails are less slippery and the mountain is easily accessed. Also, this weather favours great photographic moments due to clear and less forest growth.