At 4507m Mountain Karisimbi is the highest of the eight volcanoes in the Virunga Mountain Range, and the sixth highest in Africa. It is located in Volcanoes National Park, north of Rwanda along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The name ‘Karisimbi’ is a Kinyarwanda (local dialect) term which translates as ‘white shell’ in reference to the snow which covers the summit of the mountain during some months of the year.
The mountain slopes are covered with different layers of vegetation till up to altitude of about 4000. There is plenty of wildlife in the lower jungles for example the Mountain Gorillas, Forest Elephants, Buffaloes, Golden Monkeys, Mountain, Reedbuck, some small animals, birds, as well as rare mountain plants.
Mountain Karisimbi offers an exciting 2 day hike through the different vegetation zones to the chilly summit which could be covered with some snow for certain months. Good fitness is necessary as the climb gets steeper and even made more challenging by the muddy trail. The itinerary runs as follows.