Day trip Sabyinyo or Bisoke Volcano Hike with hotel pickup

1 Day Trip
Max Guests : 24
Difficulty : 9/10
Solitude Lv : 9/10
Gear : Hiking

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Both Mount Sabyinyo and Mount Bisoke offer incredible hiking experiences in the Virunga Mountains, but they are quite different in terms of difficulty, scenery, and what you can expect.

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick Sabyinyo if you’re looking for a more demanding and adventurous trek that takes you to a unique tri-border summit (Uganda, Rwanda, and the DRC). The steep ascent through lush forests offers breathtaking panoramas of the Virunga range.
Pick Bisoke if you prefer a moderately challenging hike with the reward of a scenic crater lake at the summit. The journey is still demanding but slightly more manageable compared to Sabyinyo.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Mount Sabyinyo (3,669m) – Uganda/Rwanda Border

Difficulty: Challenging
Hike Duration: 7–9 hours (round trip)
Trail Conditions: Very steep, involves wooden ladders and scrambling
Unique Feature: The summit is a tri-border point (Uganda, Rwanda, and DRC)
Wildlife: Possible encounters with golden monkeys and birds
Best For: Adventurers looking for a tough, rewarding climb with a unique border-crossing experience

Mount Bisoke (3,711m) – Rwanda

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Hike Duration: 4–6 hours (round trip)
Trail Conditions: Muddy and steep but more straightforward than Sabyinyo
Unique Feature: Stunning crater lake at the summit
Wildlife: Possible, but not guaranteed, chance of spotting gorillas. (you need a separate permit for close encounters)
Best For: Hikers who want a scenic, rewarding climb without extreme technical difficulty.

Activities

Volcano permit
Scenic drive and stop
Picnic at the crater lake

Panoramic views of Congo, Uganda, Rwanda (Mount Sabyinyo)
Hiking
Photography

Price Includes

Volcanoe Hiking Permit
Guiding and Transportation

Price Excludes

Lunch and dinner
Hiking clothing and boots
Personal expenses

What to Expect

A day trip to Mount Bisoke, located in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, is a rewarding and adventurous experience that offers stunning natural beauty, physical challenge, and a chance to explore a unique volcanic landscape.

The Hike

Duration: The round trip typically takes 4–8 hours, depending on your fitness level, pace, and weather conditions. The ascent usually lasts 2–4 hours, while the descent is faster (1–3 hours) but can be slippery.
Distance and Elevation: The hike covers roughly 10–12 kilometers (6–7.5 miles) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).
Terrain: Expect a mix of dense rainforest, bamboo zones, and open moorland. The trail is steep in sections, with thick vegetation, uneven surfaces, and potentially muddy or slippery conditions.
Difficulty: The hike is moderately challenging. It’s manageable for beginners with reasonable fitness but can be tough due to the altitude, steep inclines, and variable weather.

Breathtaking views at the summit of Bisoke Crater Lake
Scenery: Along the way, you’ll pass lush forests, rolling hills,
Wildlife: Bisoke is home to primates and various birds.
Relax at the Crater Lake (Bisoke)

Itinerary

4AM - Depart for the Volcanoes Park

You will be picked up at 3:30AM before embarking on an exhilarating day trip to conquer one of Rwanda’s majestic volcanoes. The journey to Volcanoes Park takes approximately 3 hours. En route, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at a local restaurant to savor authentic Rwandan coffee and enjoy a light meal or snacks. This brief respite allows you to refresh and recharge before continuing to the meeting point for your exciting volcano adventure.

Briefing: At around 7:00 AM, you’ll attend a mandatory briefing at the park HQ.
Rangers will explain the hike, safety guidelines, and what to expect.
Drive to Trailhead: After the briefing, a short, bumpy 30-minute drive (requires a 4WD vehicle) takes you to the trail’s starting point near the park boundary.

Both hikes provide unique opportunities to witness diverse flora and fauna, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Rwanda’s highlands, and create unforgettable memories.

2PM - Relax before returning to Kigali

After your exhilarating volcano hiking activity, we’ll take a short lunch break around 2 PM. Following this refreshing pause, we’ll return to Kigali where you’ll be comfortably dropped off at your hotel. This well-timed break allows you to recharge and reflect on your adventure before heading back to the city.

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Price

Nature Adventure

From$200

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