Combine Mount Karisimbi Volcano Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Combine Mount Karisimbi Volcano Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Looking for an unforgettable adventure? Combine the thrilling hike up Mount Karisimbi with an extraordinary gorilla trekking experience in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Mount Karisimbi, one of the Virunga Mountains, is located on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Standing at 4,507 meters above sea level, this volcano is a must-visit for avid hikers. The trek to its summit takes about 6 hours and while it’s a physically demanding journey, the breathtaking views and the opportunity to spot various wildlife, including monkeys and potentially mountain gorillas, make it truly rewarding.

How to Combine Mount Karisimbi Hike with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

There are several ways to combine hiking Mount Karisimbi with gorilla trekking. You can start your journey with gorilla trekking in Bwindi and then head to Rwanda for the Karisimbi hike or vice versa. Either way, the combination of these two incredible activities offers a unique and exciting adventure.

Hiking Mount Karisimbi with Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

At Trek Africa Gorillas, we pride ourselves in crafting memorable journeys, including combining the iconic Mount Karisimbi Volcano hike with gorilla trekking in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Bwindi, located in southwestern Uganda, is one of only two places in the world where you can trek the endangered mountain gorillas. The other location is Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Bwindi, known for its misty forest and rugged terrain, is home to a wealth of biodiversity, making it a perfect location to explore both nature and wildlife.

Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Gorilla trekking in Bwindi is divided into four sectors: Buhoma, Ruhija, Nkuringo and Rushaga.

• Buhoma and Ruhija are located in the northern part of Bwindi and are close to Queen Elizabeth National Park, which means you can combine your trek with a wildlife safari.
• Rushaga and Nkuringo are located in the southern part of Bwindi, close to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, where you can also trek golden monkeys. Each sector has different habituated mountain gorilla families and Rushaga has the most families available for trekking.

How Much Does Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi Cost?

Gorilla trekking permits in Bwindi are priced at:

• USD 800 for Foreign Non-Residents
• USD 700 for East African Residents
• USD 80 for East African Citizens This permit allows you to spend one hour with the mountain gorillas once they are located.

How to Book Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Securing your gorilla trekking permit in advance is essential. Gorilla permits are issued by the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) and can be purchased through their office in Kampala or Kisoro. If you are traveling from Kigali, you can also purchase your permit at the UWA office in Kisoro, just a couple of hours away from Bwindi.

Trek Africa Gorillas makes the process easy for you. Once you confirm your dates, we will reserve your permit online, send you an invoice and once payment is made, we will finalize your booking and send you your permit details.

Best Time to Combine Hiking Mount Karisimbi and Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

The best time to combine hiking Mount Karisimbi with gorilla trekking in Bwindi is during the dry seasons—January, February, June and September—when travel is easier and visibility is clearer for both trekking and mountain views.

What to Wear During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

When preparing for your trek, it’s important to dress appropriately for the conditions in Bwindi’s rainforest:

• Long-sleeve sweater for cold weather.
• Two pairs of long trousers to protect your legs.
• Waterproof hiking boots for the muddy terrain.
• A hat and sunglasses for sun protection (optional).
• A camera with extra batteries to capture memorable moments. Be sure to turn off the flash to avoid disturbing the gorillas.
• Gardening gloves for better grip on trees during your trek.
• A raincoat, as the weather in Bwindi can change quickly.
• Mosquito repellent and sunscreen (optional but recommended for protection).
• Neutral-colored clothing as bright colors or black/blue can either scare away gorillas or attract insects.

Where to Stay During Gorilla Trekking in Bwindi

Bwindi offers a variety of accommodation options depending on which sector you’re trekking in:

• Rushaga and Nkuringo: Options like Rushaga Gorilla Camp, Gorilla Safari Lodge and Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge offer a range of luxury and mid-range options.
• Buhoma and Ruhija: Stay at Buhoma Lodge, Bwindi Lodge or Ruhija Gorilla Safari Lodge for a comfortable stay close to the trekking starting points.

Why Book with Trek Africa Gorillas?

Trek Africa Gorillas is dedicated to providing personalized and seamless experiences. We offer tailor-made trips to ensure you get the most out of your adventure, whether it’s hiking Mount Karisimbi or trekking gorillas in Bwindi. Our team is professional, knowledgeable and passionate about creating unique safari experiences. Our clients consistently rave about our services on platforms like Trip Advisor, ensuring you’re in good hands.

Let us take care of the logistics—contact us today to plan your perfect combination of hiking Mount Karisimbi and gorilla trekking in Bwindi!