The Mikeno sector is found in the southern part of Virunga National Park, close to the borders of Rwanda and Uganda. This sector gets its name from Mount Mikeno, which is one of the major mountains in the area. Other mountains found near this sector include Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
The Mikeno sector is the main starting point for mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park. Gorilla trekking is the most popular activity here. There are eight habituated mountain gorilla families that visitors can trek. Only eight tourists are allowed to visit each gorilla family per day. A gorilla trek usually takes between three and six hours, depending on the location of the gorilla group and the pace of the hikers.
The Mikeno sector is also home to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage, which is the only mountain gorilla orphanage in the world. The orphanage was created to protect mountain gorillas rescued from poachers or those that lost their families due to conflict. Visitors can watch caretakers feeding and caring for the gorillas and learn about conservation efforts.
The best time to visit Virunga National Park is during the dry season. During this time, roads leading to the park are easier to use, and wildlife is easier to see. Before traveling, visitors should always check the latest security updates for the area.
Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and also the oldest in Africa. The park was first gazetted in 1925 under the name Albert National Park. After Congo gained independence from Belgium, the name was changed to Virunga National Park.
Virunga National Park is one of the most important protected areas in the world. In 1979, UNESCO recognized it as a World Heritage Site because of its wildlife and natural habitats. The park is well known for endangered mountain gorillas and two of the most active volcanoes in Africa, Mount Nyiragongo and Mount Nyamuragira.
Apart from mountain gorillas, Virunga National Park is home to more than 700 bird species, 196 mammal species, and several other primates. These animals live in forests, grasslands, wetlands, and mountain areas across the park.
For easier access and management, Virunga National Park is divided into four sectors. One of the most visited is the Mikeno sector.
