Visoke Volcano

The Visoke Volcano (also known as Bisoke) sits between Congo and Rwanda and is one of the highest points in the Volcanoes National Park. Well known for its luscious greenery, the mountain is abundant with vegetation and most importantly its famous wildlife which is the mountain gorilla.

Climbers are welcome to scale the mountain, and as there hasn’t been an eruption since 1957 it is considered as a dormant volcano and is therefore safe. The summit is 3.7km high and is quite a challenging climb but will be relatively easier if you are a fit and healthy (and well seasoned!) climber.

 A trek up the mountain can typically start at 7am and will usually take 3 hours to reach the summit. However, it can also take 3 hours to descend once again and depending on your fitness level, the climb may take a shorter length of time or may be longer.

The hike up the mountain will involve moving through plenty of thick plants and once you have reached various points up the side of the mountain, there will be ample photo opportunities. The mountain gorillas however are one of the most popular reasons to visit the region.

You may come across mountain gorillas on your hike, but in this area you are also likely to come into contact with a number of other animals as well, so each trip is unique and special.

Probably best known for the gorillas, it is this mountain and this region that was made famous by Diane Fossey, an amazing woman that dedicated much of her life to learning about the gorillas’ ways and promoting their conservation. Her book ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ raised great awareness of the gorilla species and boosted the country’s conservation efforts to keep poachers away from these endangered animals.

If you like to trek and feel like you have a real explore of the country that you are visiting, then a trip to Mount Visoke is ideal for you. Whether you appreciate the plants, the animals or simply the views of the amazing surrounding scenery, there is sure to be something that will interest and stir you.