2 Day Mount Kabuye Hike & Lake Ruhondo
Climb Mount Kabuye through villages and forest to a summit view of the Twin Lakes and the Virunga volcanoes, camp on top, then walk down to Lake Ruhondo for a boat trip to the islands.
Enquire About This TourOverview
Most people see northern Rwanda's volcanoes through a car window on the way to the gorillas. Mount Kabuye, a quiet hill south of Musanze, lets you take them in properly. The trail climbs for about three hours past farms and village homes to a summit that looks across Lakes Burera and Ruhondo to the whole Virunga chain. You spend the night in a tent on top, with meals cooked for you, and in the morning take the long walk down to the lakeshore, where a boat carries you out to meet the island communities.
- Hiking
- Camping
- Boating
- Culture & Heritage
Highlights
- Summit views over Lakes Burera and Ruhondo to the Virunga volcanoes
- A night camping on top of the hill, with dinner and breakfast cooked for you
- Trail through villages, farmland and forest, away from the tourist routes
- Boat trip on Lake Ruhondo to visit the island communities
- Easy to add before or after a gorilla trek in Volcanoes National Park
Itinerary
A typical running order. Justin adjusts timings around your group, the weather and park conditions.
- 1
Day 1: Kigali to Mount Kabuye
Morning pick-up in Kigali and a drive north of about two hours to the foot of Mount Kabuye, where you meet your local hiking guide.
- 2
Day 1: Climb to the summit
Around three hours up through villages, farms and forest, with rests at viewpoints. Lunch is waiting at the top.
- 3
Day 1: Sunset and camp
Your tent is pitched on the summit. Watch the light go down over the lakes and volcanoes, then dinner at camp.
- 4
Day 2: Down to Lake Ruhondo
Breakfast with the morning view, then a longer walk down the far side of the hill through the villages to the lakeshore.
- 5
Day 2: Boat trip and return
Boat out across Lake Ruhondo to the islands to meet the families who live there, then lunch by the water before the drive back to Kigali.
What's Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kigali
- Private 4x4 vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English- or French-speaking guide
- Lunch and bottled water
- All taxes
- Local hiking guide on Mount Kabuye
- Tent and camp set-up on the summit
- Dinner and breakfast at camp
- Boat trip on Lake Ruhondo
Not Included
- Mount Kabuye access fee (we pay it and quote it with your trip)
- International flights and visa
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides, trackers and porters
- Drinks and personal purchases
Plan Your Visit
The practical details, so you know what to expect before you enquire.
Duration
Best time to visit
Fitness level
Getting there
What to bring
- Hiking boots with good grip
- Warm layer for the evening on the summit
- Rain jacket
- Head torch
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Camera
Want to Book This Trip?
Every tour is quoted individually for your group size, dates and accommodation style. Send Justin your plans and he will come back with a tailored itinerary and quote.
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