Hiking Mount Kabuye
Hiking Mount Kabuye, no one would disagree that Rwanda is a land of a thousand hills or the “Switzerland of Africa” hence making it one of the most jaw-dropping places in the African Continent. Beautiful Hills and Mountains make up its spectacular scenery as well as magnificent vistas. However, let’s agree that when mountains in Rwanda are mentioned, most travelers think of the Virunga Volcanoes- Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura, not the stunning Mount Kabuye. Book Now
Mount Kabuye, set in the south-eastern side of Volcanoes National Park is one of the rarest yet unmissable places to visit during your hiking expedition. Towering at 2700 meters above sea level, Kibuye is the third highest non-Volcanic Mountain in the country behind Bigugu and Muhungwe Mountains.
Mount Kibuye’s peak is adorned with beautiful volcanic rocks as well as verdant Forest vegetation. It takes hikers only five hours to reach the summit of this stunning Mountain at 2700 meters above sea level, although the time taken also depends on the hikers pace as well as the starting point.
The Process of hiking Mount Kabuye in Volcanoes National Park
Hikers are expected to arrive at the starting point early enough (7:00 am) for a briefing on the hike. From this point, the hike is gentler for about half an hour prior to summiting. Although it is considered short, it is also slightly strenuous while transversing the hilly farmlands and meeting friendly villagers while heading into the woods of Eucalyptus trees. Soak up the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape with its beautiful hills as well as Lakes. Along the way, you will see the simple lives of the surrounding local community, accompanied by a local guide and porters.
The local guides and porters are residents of the area hence familiar with it and throughout the hike, you will learn about the history, cultures, and traditions of the area. If you are an experienced hiker, it will take you only three and a half hours to get to the peak and this also includes a number of stops to rest, enjoy a packed lunch and enjoy the beautiful hills that surround the horizon in all directions. It will take you another two hours to descend to the bottom, although you shouldn’t mind taking a little bit longer while transversing local villages and enjoying the views.
Mount Kabuye might not be as popular and thrilling as the likes of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke but it is a wonderful outdoor destination for adventure seekers.
Getting to Mount Kabuye in Volcanoes National Park
For travelers interested in getting to Mount Kabuye by public means, take a bus/taxi from Kigali to Ruhengeri, on the north-western side of Rwanda. Your destination Town is Gakenke, about a 90-minute drive outside Kigali. On getting to Gakenke, take a motor taxi to Mount Kabuye. Always make sure to have the motor taxi rider’s name and telephone number, then call him to pick you up once you are done with the hike. For private means users, pay keen attention to the en-route Towns while heading to Gakenke and Mount Kabuye area.
Best time to hike Mount Kabuye in Volcanoes National Park
Mount Kabuye in Volcanoes National Park can be hiked all year round, although the dry months- January, February, June, July, August, September, and December are preferred because the hiking trails are drier, less slippery, and muddy hence challenging to maneuver through.
Experience Rwanda on a rugged safari adventure like no other. Combine your hike with a luxury helicopter tour for your lifetime memories.
