Mount Bisoke (also spelled Visoke) rises to 3,711 metres on the border with the DR Congo. At its summit is a near-perfect crater lake, often wrapped in mist. For fit travellers it's the ideal extra day after gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Bisoke at a glance
| Summit | 3,711 m, crater lake at the top |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 6 hours return |
| Difficulty | Strenuous — steep and often muddy |
| Permit | $75 per person, foreign visitors (RDB) |
| Start | 7:00 AM briefing at Kinigi, then drive to the trailhead |
Official Bisoke permit fees
| Visitor category | Official RDB fee (adult) |
|---|---|
| Foreigner | $75 |
| East African foreign resident | $65 |
| Foreign resident in Rwanda | $60 |
| East African citizen | $55 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 4,000 |
Source: Rwanda Development Board official booking portal, checked 18 October 2026. Promotional rates (*) are not valid from June to October 2026. Foreign residents need at least four consecutive months of residency or a work permit.
The route
After the Kinigi briefing, a short drive takes you to the trailhead. The path crosses farmland to the park boundary, then climbs steeply through bamboo and Hagenia forest into sub-alpine vegetation with giant lobelias and groundsels. The last section is the steepest. At the rim, the crater lake appears below — on a clear day, with views across the Virungas to Karisimbi and into Congo.
The descent can be harder than the climb in wet conditions; take it slowly and use a stick.
Tips
- Wear waterproof boots with deep tread and gaiters.
- Bring warm layers — it's cold and windy at the summit.
- Hire a porter; the climb is long.
- Carry 2 litres of water and plenty of snacks.
- Do it after your gorilla trek, when you're acclimatised.
Combine it with
Bisoke's slopes are close to Karisoke, Dian Fossey's research camp — see the Dian Fossey tomb hike. For an easier extra day, try golden monkey trekking. Fit mountaineers can ask us about the two-day Karisimbi climb.
Bisoke hike questions
How long is the Mount Bisoke hike?
Around 6 hours return for most hikers — roughly 3–4 hours up and 2–3 hours down — depending on fitness and how muddy the trail is.
How hard is the Bisoke hike?
Strenuous. It climbs steeply from about 2,600 m to 3,711 m on often muddy, root-covered paths. Good fitness and waterproof boots are essential.
How much is the Bisoke hike permit?
The RDB permit is $75 per person for foreign visitors (lower rates apply for residents and East Africans). Transport and guide service are additional. We confirm the current rate with every quote.
Can I see gorillas on the Bisoke hike?
It's not a gorilla visit, but gorillas range on Bisoke's slopes and are occasionally seen or heard. Rangers will keep you at a safe distance.
