Mount Bisoke Crater Lake Hike

Climb an extinct volcano through rainforest and alpine meadow to a crater lake on the Rwanda–Congo border.

Mount Bisoke (3,711 m) is the most popular one-day hike in Volcanoes National Park. The trail is about 12 km round trip: roughly 4 hours up and 2 hours down, through bamboo, hagenia forest and giant lobelias to the crater rim.

At the top, a lake fills the volcano’s crater. The terrain is steep and can be muddy, so it suits hikers with basic fitness who don’t mind a moderate challenge.

Itinerary

1. 1

   07:00 · Kinigi park headquarters

   Check in, coffee and a briefing. You’re assigned to a hiking group with a park guide.

2. 2

   Drive to the Bisoke trailhead

   Short drive to the foothills. Transport can be added at checkout.

3. 3

   Ascent through the forest

   Around 4 hours up through bamboo, hagenia trees and alpine vegetation, with rest stops.

4. 4

   Crater lake summit

   Lunch break at the rim, looking over the lake inside the volcano at about 3,711 m.

5. 5

   Descent

   About 2 hours back down to the trailhead.

Times are approximate. Combine with gorilla trekking or the Dian Fossey hike for a two-day trip.