Karisimo Volcano
Karisimbi is a dormant volcano belonging to the Virunga volcanic chain. It reaches 4,507 meters in height and is the highest point in Rwanda. In the southeastern part of Karisimbi volcano, one can see the 2-kilometer long Branca caldera filled with frozen lava flows. The 1.2 km wide Muntango crater extends south of the summit, and on the northeastern slopes are about 100 side (parasitic) cones extending to the shores of Lake Kivu. The last eruptions of the volcano, which occurred roughly in 8050 BC, formed a whole group of dome-shaped parasitic openings to the east of the caldera. During Carisimbi’s active activity, lava flows erupting from these cones spread out over 12 kilometers.
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The name “Karisimbi” most likely comes from the word isimbi, which translates to “small white shell”. What is meant here is the white snow cap that sometimes covers the top of the volcano. This has been happening less and less frequently lately, mostly during the dry season between June and August.
Between Fisoke and Karisimbi is the Karisoke Research Center. From 1967-1985, it was home to Diane Fossey, a woman who studied the eastern mountain gorillas, which are found exclusively in this area.
