Mt. Karisimbi is one of the many Virunga mountains, a majestic volcanic mountain that borders Rwanda and the democratic republic of Congo. The mountain stands at an impressive 4,507 meters (14,787 ft) above sea level. This mountain has been dormant for over 50 years with its last eruption occurring around 1967. The mountain is one of the popular attractions in Virunga massif area with many people visiting the mountain for hiking. There are several routes to hike to the summit the from either the Rwandan side or Congo side. The most accessible from the Rwanda side. It’s a difficult mountain to climb, considered extremely challenging, with steep slopes and high altitude; so its only hiked by seasoned hikers not amateurs.
Mt. Karisimbi is considered sacred by local communities and is believed to have spiritual powers. When you visit the mountains and guides will be glad to take you their history, beliefs and traditions that include but not limited to:-
Mt. Karisimbi is the dwelling place of the gods for the local batwa people and it’s the final resting place of the ancient Batwa kings, who were said to possess supernatural powers in fact the mountain is believed by the locals to have been supernaturally created by the god of thunder by hurling a lightning bolt to the earth, hence forming the mountain.
However, science explains that this mountain came by as a result of a mega volcanic eruption that spewed out lava and ash to create the mountain; but you don’t tell the locals that. It won’t hold water whatsoever.
The locals also believe that this mountain is inhabited by malevolent spirits that can at any point harm hikers and by standers who will not show respect to the mountain. Or that disrespective climbers can be eaten by some Bigfoot-like creatures in the forest on the mountain. That said, apart from the claims of the locals’ scientists have never proven the existence of these big footed creatures.
Also there has been a claim that because of a curse, hikers who attempt to make it to the summit can face misfortune or even death; but of course, this is not true a lot of people have had the chance of ascending this mountain and coming down alive and living happy lives on top of that.
On the brighter side, it’s also believed that the mountain, because of its magical powers, can give hiked wisdom, good fortune and good blessings; again this may not be true.
But you can ask your tour operator about this and also go for a community tour to know more about the locals around for you understand where all these beliefs come from.
Better yet, challenge yourself to hike on this beautiful mountain one of these days.
Hiking the Mt Karisimbi is done all year round but mostly during the dry season, because the terrains are more navigable for the hikers.
Before your hike you will have to secure hiking permits from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) or through your tour operator. Your tour operator should be a certified hiking guide or tour operator and capable of leading you safely through this experience.
You should have all the essential gear you need for the hike for the many days you will be on the hike; usually it’s 4-5 days or more depending on your pace and the difficulties you face while you hike. Things you should consider include but not limited to: – camping gear and equipment, hiking boots, rain gear, first aid kit, layers, snacks and other things.
Because of the heaviness of this hike, you will need to acclimatize so plan to spend a day or night in Musanze to acclimate to the high altitude.
The next day you will start your hike from the park headquarters at 1,800m all through to Camp one at 2,700m where you will rest eat and spend a night. The next day you will go up to the next stop Camp 2 at 3,800m and on the third day you will make it to the Summit at 4,507m. After you make it to the summit, you will then embark on the descent stop at camp 1 for the night and the following day go all the way to the headquarters.
On your hike you will experience a number of things from unique and beautiful trees to craters, calderas, expanses of volcanic rocks, you will enjoy amazing views of the surroundings and the summit of course among other things.
The hike will be fulfilling, adventurous, exhausting and life changing; we promise you. There is a lot more not captured here about the hike so before you hop of the bus of the hike, please consult your tour operator.
