Effective Ways to Hike Mount Bisoke
Mount Bisoke (3711m) is Rwanda’s most popular destination for mountain hiking trips. The mountain is part of Rwanda’s most popular park, Volcanoes National Park, which is also home to the nation’s mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. There are five volcanoes in the park.
The huge, stunning Crater Lake at the summit of the Bisoke volcano is the ultimate reward for all hikers. The walk on Mt. Bisoke also offers a good chance of seeing gorillas because the mountain is home to many different gorilla families. The beautiful golden monkeys are often seen at the start of the walk or on the final descent in the lower altitudes of the mountains where they live. To learn more about how to ascend Mount Bisoke efficiently, keep reading this article.
Because climbers must climb the peak and descend in a single day, the Mount Bisoke route can be taxing even for experienced hikers. Trekking to the summit of the volcano should take no more than six hours, but you’ll need to be on the lookout for any unexpected weather changes because clouds might quickly build up and produce a hailstorm. The weather at the summit can change throughout the day, with afternoon rains being most frequent. Consequently, until you reach the summit before the weather changes, you will need to be constantly on your feet with little opportunity for relaxation. The earlier you go to the top, the more time you have to have a picnic at the breathtaking Crater Lake while the weather is still pleasant. In the first half hour, many people who don’t think the walk will be tough give up and return to base.
However, with some preparation and planning, you may enjoy the hike up Mount Bisoke and reach the summit.
How can I get ready for the hike up Mount Bisoke?
fitness.
The Mount Bisoke journey requires a fit body. As you climb the mountain, your oxygen levels drop, which affects the energy levels of your muscles. The more fit you are, the more endurance you will have with less oxygen.
Thus, begin exercising and running a few weeks before to your trip, especially if you are a novice hiker. Select the tallest locations in your community and practice walking or jogging for the shortest period of time to improve your leg strength and endurance.
Sleep at Ruhengeri, close to the park, to acclimate.
The change in elevation will affect your trek the most, aside from physical fitness (you can call it altitude sickness). The higher you go, the less oxygen there is in the environment. Your body is used to needing a lot of oxygen if you are used to living at either high or low elevations. Your body will therefore tire out more quickly as you ascend (in contrast to someone from a high altitude place).
To give your body time to acclimate to lower oxygen levels, you should spend a day or many days in the Ruhengeri district near the mountains before your walk. At a height of more than two thousand meters above sea level, the area is located. In addition to being in good condition, your body will still help in some way even if it doesn’t adjust quickly.
The best time of year to hike Mount Bisoke is during the dry season rather than the wet one.
The season you select to climb Mountain Bisoke will also affect how challenging your walk will be. Rwanda has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. A lengthy dry season that lasts from June to mid-September is followed by a brief dry period in December and January. Then there is the long wet season from March to May and a short one from October to November.
Walking is definitely easier in the dry season when there is no muck on the trail. Even while it is never as severe as the rainy season, you should still be ready because the mountains do occasionally get rain during the dry season.
Important things to bring for the Bisoke journey
The trek requires the following items.
Hiking shoes with adequate traction are essential for the hike. The fact that you have to walk during the rainy or wet season cannot be avoided.
Long outdoor pants to protect legs from scratches and insect bites.
Long sleeves to keep hands from getting scraped.
A jacket, poncho, or umbrella.
Mitts for gardening.
Hat or cap?
Apply sunscreen.
Whether or not to bring a porter.
You can hire a porter for $10 to carry your backpack and everything else you need handled. Since they think they can manage their small luggage, many hikers are reluctant to part with the $10. After a half-hour trek up the mountain, however, even the watch on your wrist will feel like a pound chained to your hand. Consequently, it is advised that you hire a porter even if you feel competent. When things get tough, the porter will pull or shove you in addition to carrying your backpack.
The local population that lives close to the gorillas also gains from hiring a porter. This is one way to discourage poaching because porters are locals and some of them have experience with it.
Remember to pack some refreshments for the hike.
It is a common mistake for travelers to forget to pack food and drink for the stroll. The trek is so taxing that by the time you reach the summit, your stomach might be empty. At the top, you will “recharge” and have a snack before descending.
In conclusion, everything you require to successfully ascend Mount Bisoke is covered in the text above.
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