Exploring Mount Bisoke – A Comprehensive Guide to an effective Hike
Mount Bisoke, standing at 3711 meters, is a popular destination for mountain trekking excursions in Rwanda. As part of the Volcanoes National Park, home to golden monkeys and mountain gorillas, Mount Bisoke offers a rewarding hike culminating in a stunning Crater Lake at the summit. This article provides valuable insights on how to hike Mount Bisoke effectively, ensuring an enjoyable and successful journey.
Understanding the Bisoke Hike: A Challenging yet Rewarding Adventure
Hiking Mount Bisoke is not for the faint-hearted, requiring participants to ascend and descend the peak in a single day. The goal is to reach the summit within six hours, but the unpredictable weather, sudden cloud gatherings, and potential hailstorms demand constant vigilance. The weather at the summit can fluctuate throughout the day, with afternoon showers being common. Therefore, hikers must stay alert, minimize rest breaks, and aim to reach the peak before weather conditions change.
The allure of encountering gorilla families along the trail adds to the excitement, making Mount Bisoke a unique and memorable experience. However, many underestimate the hike’s difficulty and abandon it within the first half-hour. To overcome the challenges, effective preparation and planning are crucial.
Preparing for the Mount Bisoke Trek: Key Considerations
Fitness:
A fit body is essential for the strenuous Mount Bisoke trek. As the ascent involves a decrease in oxygen levels, building endurance through running and workouts is crucial.
Start training a few weeks before the excursion, focusing on leg strength and stamina. Choose elevated points in your area for walking or running exercises.
Acclimatization – Sleep in Ruhengeri near the park:
Altitude sickness can impact your trek due to the shift in height. Spending a day or more in the Ruhengeri district, situated at over two thousand meters above sea level, allows your body to adjust to lower oxygen levels.
In addition to physical fitness, acclimatization aids in adapting to the altitude, enhancing your overall trekking experience.
Choosing the Right Season:
Opt for the dry season for a smoother trek. Rwanda experiences a brief dry spell in December and January, followed by an extended dry season from June to mid-September.
While the dry season is preferable, occasional rain may still occur, so hikers should be prepared for varying weather conditions.
Essential Items for the Bisoke Trek: Packing Smart
Good-Traction Hiking Shoes: A necessity for traversing muddy and wet trails, especially during the rainy season.
Long Outdoor Trousers and Sleeves: Protects against bug bites, scratches, and potential injuries during the hike.
Umbrella, Jacket, or Poncho: Essential for staying dry in case of unexpected rain or showers.
Gardening Mitts: Offers hand protection during the hike, minimizing scratches and discomfort.
Cap or Hat: Shields from the sun, providing additional protection against harsh weather conditions.
Sunscreen: Protects the skin from the sun’s rays, especially at higher altitudes.
Hiring a Porter or Not
Hiring a porter for $10 is a wise decision for various reasons. While some hikers may believe they can manage their backpacks, the strenuous nature of the hike proves challenging, making a porter invaluable. Not only do they carry your belongings, but they also provide assistance during tough stretches.
Beyond personal convenience, hiring a porter supports the local community surrounding the gorillas directly. Many porters are locals with experience in poaching, and employing them provides an alternative livelihood, deterring them from engaging in illegal activities in the future.
Snacks: Fueling Your Journey
One common oversight during treks is neglecting to carry snacks and sufficient water. The demanding nature of the Mount Bisoke hike can leave hikers with an empty stomach by the time they reach the summit. Bringing along snacks ensures energy replenishment before the descent, allowing hikers to enjoy the summit without feeling fatigued.
