Mount Bisoke Hike: Day Trips to the Crater Lake

The official timing

The RDB portal states the hike takes 6 to 7 hours including 2 hours of descent for inexperienced hikers, and under 4 hours for experienced ones.

Add the morning on top: you report at 7:00 am, then drive on to the trailhead. The Vista Safaris itinerary allows 50 minutes from the park to the trailhead.

Permit and tour prices

The permit is the fixed cost. The RDB portal lists the foreigner rate at $75, foreign residents at $60 ($45 for students), East African citizens at $55, East African foreign residents at $65 and Rwandan citizens at RWF 4,000.

The day trips cost $260 per person (Vista Safaris, permit extra) and $328.58 (Usalama, permit not stated). Gumboots, raincoats and gloves can be hired at park headquarters, and porters are available for a fee you agree on the spot.

Day trip comparison

The table compares the day trips on price, length, the permit and rating.

The summit crater

Bisoke is one of the Virunga volcanoes on the Rwanda and DR Congo border, and its summit holds a crater lake. Swimming in it is not allowed. At 3,711 metres the air is thinner and colder than in Musanze at 1,850 metres, so bring warm layers.

Booking steps

Apply on the RDB portal and pay the $75 foreigner fee online in advance. The permit is issued automatically when you finish the application. At check-in you need a copy of the permit and your passport.

Questions go to reservation@rwandatourism.com. On the Vista Safaris day trip the permit is yours to buy, so book it for the same date as the tour.

The morning routine

Report at 7:00 am. Registration takes your passport or ID and a copy of your permit. Kinigi, the park headquarters, is 13 km from Musanze.

After registration the vehicles continue to the trailhead, which the Vista Safaris itinerary puts 50 minutes away, and both tours include that transport.

Trail conditions

The path climbs through changing vegetation zones to the crater rim at 3,711 metres, and it is wet and muddy in most months, so waterproof boots beat running shoes. Stinging nettles line parts of the trail, so wear long trousers and long sleeves. The route crosses gorilla habitat, so keep to the guide's pace and instructions.

RDB advises walking slowly and drinking plenty of water at altitude.

Packing list

Pack a waterproof shell, boots you accept will get muddy, a warm layer, gloves, water, snacks and spare socks, plus your passport or ID for registration. Gumboots, raincoats and gloves can be hired at the park headquarters if you did not pack them.

Rules on the mountain

The official rules are simple. Minimum age 15 years. Up to 16 people per hiking group.

Report at 7:00 am. No swimming in the crater lake.

Choosing your month

Visit Rwanda gives June to mid-September as the dry season, with easier roads and paths. The long rains peak March to May and the short rains fall around October to December. The trail is muddy in most months, so pack rain gear regardless.

The best time guide has the detail.

How they differ

The Usalama Mount Bisoke Hike Day Trip costs $328.58 per person, lists 6 hours with a packed lunch, snacks and juice, and rates 4.9 from 14 reviews. Ask whether the $75 permit is included before you pay.

The Bisoke Summit and Crater Lake Day Trip by Vista Safaris costs $260 per person, picks up in Kigali at 4:30 am, runs 12 hours and rates 5 from 6 reviews. The $75 permit is bought separately.

If gorillas are your next goal, the rwanda gorilla trekking page compares the gorilla tours.