Lake Ngezi is a small, scenic Crater Lake in a volcanic depression sitting on the foot of Mount Bisoke, and it is only about 11 kilometers from the peak of this Mountain. Hikes to this stunning Lake is one of the unmissable Trails for nature lovers and enthusiastic hikers.
Hiking to the Ngezi Lake usually takes about 3 hours, and is relatively easy with high chances of sighting lots of animals along the way, in addition to enjoying views stretching across to the verdant Congolese forests. However, for travelers who hike until the peak of Mount Bisoke, a larger Crater Lake waits at about 3700 meters above sea level and will take about 5 hours or more to complete.
The Trail to the lake is one of the most interesting and rewarding as it provides breathtaking views of the lush Forest as well as Mount Bisoke. This however needs proper preparation as the vegetation is dense, with lots of stinging plants hence making it one of the most challenging hikes in Volcanoes National Park.
How much does it cost to hike to Ngezi Lake?
It costs only US$ 55 per person to hike to Lake Ngezi, and the fees can be paid in advance to allow proper planning, although it is also possible to get the hiking permit at the Park Headquarters on the very day of the hike.
When is the perfect time to see the lake?
Lake Ngezi can be visited all year round, but the level of difficulty in getting there is greatly determined by the season/time of the year that you hike to it. For instance, travelers hiking to Lake Ngezi in the dry season- June to September and December to February will find drier and less slippery hiking trails due to the reduced precipitation levels during these months.
However, if you choose to hike to Lake Ngezi in the wet season- March to May, and October to November, be prepared for a more slippery and muddy hiking trail due to the increased precipitation levels. Nonetheless, it is always important to be prepared for any condition by packing a rain jacket, having a rainproof backpack, wearing sturdy hiking boots with enough ankle support and grip, wearing gaiters, and wearing gardening gloves because you will need to hold onto vegetation for support while hiking. Also carry enough drinking water to stay hydrated and energy-giving snacks during the hike to Lake Ngezi on the foot of Mount Bisoke.
Where to stay before/after your visit to Lake Ngezi
There are plenty of accommodation options for visitors exploring Ngezi Lake as part of their comprehensive Volcanoes National Park trip and these include Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, Amakoro Songa Lodge, Bishop’s House, Kinigi Guesthouse, Muhabura Hotel, Sa Vinci Gorilla Lodge, and many others.
Besides Lake Ngezi, other Lakes to explore in or around Volcanoes National Park include the spectacular Twin Lakes of Bulera and Ruhondo.
Rwanda is such a diverse country with great and stunning attractions that deserves to be visited while in Rwanda, including the famous Chimpanzees in Nyungwe forests, the Canopy walk experience plus taking on the behind the scenes tour in Akagera National Park as part of a wildlife conservation initiative to protect and manage the protected areas in Rwanda.