Mount Karisimbi a dormant strato-volcano is the highest peak of the Virunga Mountains at 4,507m above sea level and it's the eleventh highest mountain in Africa situated in the volcanoes national park of Rwanda. Here mountain gorillas can also be found. Mount Karisimbi is on the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, surrounded by Mount Bisoke on the east side, Mount Mikeno on the north side and Mount Nyiragongo on the west side.

Mount Karisimbi whose name means a white coated top in Kinyarwanda is a dormant volcano with two craters and snow capped at its top. It is a popular hiking destination with beautiful scenery. Along its trails, one can also come across a plethora of primate species including the golden monkey and mountain gorillas. A number of birds can also be seen during the hiking. It's advisable to hike Mount Karisimbi in dry season of June to October and December to March as the hikes are smooth, less slippery. During the rainy season, there is quite a bit of fog, mud and continuous rains.

Tourists meet the guides in the morning at the park headquarters from where it takes an hour drive to the start of the trail. Here the porters will be waiting for you to start the trek. During the course of the trek, you will see different vegetation zones, starting with the bamboo forest on the lower slopes, where you can visit Dian Fossey's tomb for an extra fee. Camping at night will be 3,700m above sea level at a basic camp with tents and sleeping bags. Get some rest as the next morning you will have to wake up early so that you reach the summit soon, the final ascent is physically tough as you will be hiking up moderately steep slopes at high altitude. The top will be reached in approximately two hours where you can gaze down into the crater at the edge of the Congolese border with nice scenery.

Prepare as walking boots and walking poles to ease you hike. Carry some snacks as well to help you re-energize on the Hike. The management of the park makes sure that all is available to make the experience as relaxed as possible. Those with heavy equipment or bags can always hire the services of a porter. Other items to carry include warm jacket, food, sleeping bags, water and aperson kit with personal items. Trekking starts at 9am after briefing at the Volcanoes National Park headquarters before driving to the start point for your trek. After summiting Mount Karisimbi, you will head back down the volcano and re-join your vehicle and guide at the car park. The descending normally takes about six hours. This trek can be relatively tiring you require a high level of physical fitness. You need to be at least 15 years old for this trek. The hiking permits for Mount Karisimbi cost USD 400 per person and can got at the park headquarters and tourists are advised to book in advance though it's possible to get a permit on the day you hike..