Day: July 27, 2020

Hiking to the summit of Karsimbi Volcano, the highest volcano in the Virunga conservation area is a must-do for all travelers on Rwanda safaris in Volcanoes National park. Named after “Amasimbi” translated as snow in Kinyarwanda local language, Mt Karsimbi is capped with snow hence the name “Karsimbi). The dormant volcano stands at 4507 meters above the sea level (17905feet) overlooking the whole of Rwanda region, volcanoes National park, local communities, and other attractions in neighboring Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mt Karsimbi is the most hiked Virunga volcano on Rwanda hiking tours. In most cases, travelers book Mt Karsimbi hiking as an add on activity to mountain gorilla trekking to make a complete package. The slopes of Mt Karsimbi shelter Karisimbi gorilla family which gibe travelers hiking a chance to meet and interact with the endangered species on a good day. Mt Karisimbi is located in Volcanoes National Park on the borders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our 2 Days Mount Karisimbi volcano hike is a suitable itinerary to explore the famous Mt Karisimbi

Guide to Mt Karisimbi Volcano hiking
African Apes Holidays give you a guide to peaceful and enjoyable Mt Karisimbi hiking. Travelers planning Rwanda safaris to hike Mt Karisimbi are reminded of the following:
Physical fitness is key for everyone hiking Mt Karisimbi. Travelers are advised to do physical exercises when preparing for mt Kairsimbi

• Carry enough drinking water to quench the thirsty that comes with hiking
• Carry enough energy-giving snacks to keep you strong
• Wear closed light hiking shoes/boots to protect your feet from hot rocks which are a time slippery
• A porter is highly recommended
• Walking stick is a must-have
• Carry sleeping bags
• Warm jackets and sweaters are recommended for night coldness
• Gardening gloves protect your hands from getting hurt

Cost of Hiking Mt Karsimbi
Hiking Mt Karsimbi costs $400 per person. This cost is inclusive of the park ranger’s fee, hiking fee, and government taxes. However, the permit fee excludes tips, sleeping bags, and other personal expenses. Booking can be done through African Apes Tours & Travel or directly with the Rwanda Development Board. Permit booking is recommended at least 4 months in advance to ensure timely and proper planning.

Best Time for Mt Karisimbi Hiking
The dry season in June, July, August, December, January, and February is the best time for hiking Mt Karisimbi. During this time, the mountain slopes are less slippery which makes it easier climbing and downhill. However, the volcano can be hiked all year round with no limit.

Other Virunga Volcanoes
Besides Mt Karisimbi, the Virunga Conservation Area comprise more other seven volcanoes. Two of these are active while the rest are dormant. The Virunga volcanoes include:
Mt Nyiragongo Volcano (3470 meters) in Virunga National park in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Mt Nyamuragira (3058 meters) in Virunga National park Democratic Republic of Congo
Mount Mikeno (4437 meters) in Congo
Mount Muhabura (4127 meters) in Rwanda Uganda3058) borders
Mount Sabyinyo (3674 meters) in the borders of Uganda Rwanda and Congo. It can be hiked from either country but best hiked in Uganda
Mount Bisoke (3711 meters) in Rwanda
Mount Gahinga (3474 meters) in Uganda

NOTE: Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira are the only active volcanoes in the whole Virunga Conservation Area. Mt Nyiragongo has a boiling lava lake at the summit while Mount Nyamuragira is out of bounds for the hikers.

Other things to see and do in Volcanoes National park
In addition to Mt Krsimbi hiking, travelers on Rwanda safaris to Volcanoes National Park have many more things to do and see to make a complete package. The top things to do in Volcanoes Park include:

• Mountain gorilla trekking
• Golden monkey trekking
• Dian Fossey graveyard hike
• Bird watching
• Musanze caves
• Ibyiwacu community tours
• Twin lakes
• Hiking Mount Bisoke
• Forest walks
• Kwita Izina (Baby gorilla naming ceremony)

Conclusively, therefore, hiking Mount Karsimbi is an exceptional experience you should not miss on your Rwanda safari. Contact African Apes Tours & Travel, tell us about your travel dates and we shall make you for the very best Mt Karsimbi hiking itinerary

Rwanda Development Board has reduced the number of travelers visiting to trek golden monkeys in Volcanoes National park from 16 to 12. The reduction in the number of travelers trekking the endangered mountain gorillas is aimed at protecting the endangered species from contracting he deadly disease. Golden Monkey trekking is one of the most done tourist activities on Rwanda safaris. The other populations of golden monkeys live in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in southwestern Uganda. In March 2020, Rwanda Development Board closed travel activities in Volcanoes National Park for mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest National Park and all other travel and research activities all over Rwanda. A 2 Days golden monkey trekking tour to volcanoes national park is a prefect package to visit these endangered primates

Cost of golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Golden monkey trekking costs $100 for all travelers allowing you to spend an hour in the company of the endangered golden monkeys. The cost of trekking the endangered species is quite cheap compared mountain gorillas, which cost $1500, paid by all travelers.

How to book golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
African Apes Tours & Travel help you book a tailor made golden monkey trekking tour to Volcanoes National Park. Booking through African Apes Tours saves you time and the hustles associated with booking for yourself. Alternatively, you can book directly with Rwanda Development Board, a government body responsible for tourism and wildlife conservation in Rwanda, the Land of a Thousand Hills.

When is the best time to trek golden monkeys in Rwanda
Dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February is the best time to visit the endangered golden monkeys. This season normally has little or no rains, which make it easy to trek through the jungle forests. However, golden monkeys can be visited in the low season in the months of March April, May, October and November. The wet season normally has low visits, which guarantee availability of golden monkey permits even for last minute bookings. More so, travelers in low season normally get discounted offers from service providers especially in hotels and lodges. Low/wet season is the best time for budget travelers. Also, golden monkey trekking permit bookings is recommended at least 6 months in advance to ensure timely planning

What to Pack for golden monkey trekking in Rwanda
Travelers on Rwanda safaris to trek golden monkeys are reminded to pack essential things to make trekking quite easy and less difficult. Among the top things to carry for golden monkey in Volcanoes National park include:
1. Hiking boots/shoes to easily trek through the jungle forest
2. Gardening gloves to protect your hands from thorny bushes and sharp stones
3. Sun glasses to protect your eyes
4. Hat to cover your head and hair
5. Long sleeved shirts and blouses to protect your arms from bushy scratches
6. Long pants for your legs
7. Insect repellents to prevent toxic bites from dangerous forest insects
8. First aid kit for any emergencies
9. Bottled drinking water
10. Energy giving snacks
NOTE: Golden monkeys are very playful animals, which run and jump tirelessly up in the tree branches. You are therefore reminded to hold your cameras tight

Other things to see and do in Rwanda
Besides golden monkey trekking, travelers to Rwanda have an endless list of things to see and do on their safaris in Rwanda. These include:
• Mountain gorilla trekking. Rwanda has 10 habituated gorilla families with 80-gorilla permits available everyday. Trek to see gorillas is the most done tourist activity in Rwanda attracting a high number of travelers from all over the world. Rwanda offers the most luxury gorilla tours @1500 for a permit.
• Bird watching
• Mount Karisimbi hiking
• Kigali city tour
• Local community tours; Ibyiwacu community tour
• Visiting the Musanze caves
• Dian Fossey graveyard hike
• Visiting Lake Kivu
• Canopy walk for aerial views
• Chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest
• Big five game in Akagera National Park
• Bulera and Buhondo Twin Lakes

In conclusion therefore, the reduction in the number of travelers visiting golden monkeys in Volcanoes National Park is of a good cause. Contact African Apes Tours today, book a Rwanda safari and enjoy a close encounter with the endangered species