Mount Mikeno is one of the eight Virunga Volcanoes, located in Virunga National Park, a renowned destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. Mt. Mikeno is an extinct volcano situated in Virunga NP, Eastern D.R. Congo, near Karisimbi Volcano, Nyamulagira, and Nyiragongo.
Mikeno Volcano is the second tallest volcano among the eight Virunga chain volcanoes, following Karisimbi Volcano (4,507m), with its highest peak rising to an elevation of 4,437m. It is also ranked as Africa’s 13th tallest mountain; the tallest mountains include Kilimanjaro, Rwenzori Mountains, Mt Elgon, and others. The word “Mikeno” translates as “poor,” named after its harsh slopes that preclude human habitation.
Strategically positioned, Mikeno Volcano is home to endangered mountain gorillas that freely roam its slopes, making it a preferred tourist site. These unique primates owe their existence to Dian Fossey’s conservation efforts to protect them from poachers. Gorilla trekking in the Mikeno area starts from Bukima Patrol Post after a briefing. It is also an ideal spot to find the yellow-crested helmet shrikes.
Hiking Mt. Mikeno requires a good level of fitness, as it is considered the hardest volcano to climb due to its challenging terrain. At its summit, climbers enjoy breathtaking views of lakes, the East African Rift Valley, and forests.
When to Go for Mount Mikeno Volcano Hiking in D.R. Congo?
The best time to visit Mount Mikeno Volcano in D.R. Congo for hiking adventures is during the dry season: June, July, August to September, and January to February. These months experience less rainfall, making it easier to hike Mount Mikeno and enjoy clear views of the Great East Africa Rift Valley.
Getting to Congo for Mount Mikeno Hiking
Mikeno Volcano is accessible from Kigali, about a 3 to 4-hour drive away. Within D.R. Congo’s Virunga National Park, you can start your trek from the Bukima border patrol post. You may also need a valid yellow fever vaccination card/certificate and visa.
Other Tourism Activities to Enjoy on a Virunga National Park Safari
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking is the main tourism activity in Virunga NP and Congo as a whole. There are 8 habituated gorilla families to visit in Virunga NP, including Lulengo, Kabirizi gorilla group, Nyakamwe, Humba, Munyaga, Bageni, Rugendo, and Mapuwa. Tracking Congo mountain gorillas is available to persons above 15 years old and requires a valid permit at USD 400 per person.
Birding
Virunga NP is home to over 705 species of birds, offering excellent opportunities for birding enthusiasts. The park’s bird species include the tropical boubou, olive bee-eaters, white-throated bee-eaters, alpine swift, grey-throated barbet, wing-snapping cisticolas, woolly-necked stork, cinnamon-chested bee-eater, papyrus yellow warbler, double-collared sunbird, European bee-eater, nectarinia Rockefeller, yellow-billed barbet, blue-breasted kingfishers, pennant-winged nightjar, great white pelicans, African malachite kingfishers, grey-throated tit flycatchers, bronzy sunbird, Northern double-collared sunbird, lilac-breasted rollers, dusky-blue flycatchers, Cassin’s flycatchers, standard-winged nightjars, lesser kestrel, olive-bellied sunbird, dark-capped yellow warblers, and more.
