Mount. Mikeno is one of the eight Virunga Volcanoes. This is located in the Virunga National Park also a renowned mountain gorilla trekking destination in Africa. Mt. Mikeno is an extinct volcano lying in the Virunga NP, Eastern D.R. Congo. It is found close to Karisimbi Volcano, Nyamulagira, and Nyiragongo.
Mikeno Volcano is the 2nd tallest volcano of the 8 Virunga chain volcanoes. It comes after Karisimbi Volcano (4507m) and Mikeno’s highest peak rises at an elevation of 4437m. It is also ranked as Africa’s 13th tallest mountain; the tallest mountains include Kilimanjaro, Rwenzori Mountains, Mt Elgon, and others. The word Mikeno is translated as poor and it takes its name from its harsh slopes that preclude human habitation.
Mikeno Volcano is strategically positioned and at its slopes, the endangered mountain gorillas freely roam thus making it a preferred tourist site. These are unique species of primates and they have existed thanks to Dian Fossey’s remarkable conservation efforts to save them from poachers. It is possible to undertake gorilla trekking in the Mikeno area starting from Bukima Patrol Post after the briefing. It is also an ideal spot to find the yellow-crested helmet shrikes.
Hiking Mt. Mikeno requires some level of fitness. It is considered to be the hardest-to-climb volcano given its poor terrain. At its summits, climbers enjoy jaw-dropping views of the Lakes, East African rift valley, and forests.
When to go for mount. Mikeno volcano hiking in the D.R. Congo?
The best time to travel to mount. Mikeno Volcano in D.R. Congo to enjoy hiking adventures is during the dry season; June, July, August to September and January to February.
The dry months include the period when low rain is experienced making it easier to hike through Mount. Mikeno and also enjoy clear views of the Great East Africa Rift Valley.
Getting to Congo for mount. Mikeno hiking
Mikeno Volcano is reachable from Kigali, about 3 to 4 hours’ drive. Within D.R. Congo’s Virunga National Park, you can start your trek from the Bukima border patrol post. You may also need valid yellow fever vaccination card/certificate and visas.
Other tourism activities to enjoy on Virunga National Park safari
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the leading tourism activity in the Virunga N/P and Congo as whole. There are 8 habituated gorilla families to be visited in Virunga NP include Lulengo, Kabirizi gorilla group, Nyakamwe, Humba, Munyaga, Bageni, Rugendo, and Mapuwa. Tracking Congo mountain gorillas is done by persons above 15 years and you will need a valid permit at USD400 per person.
Birding
Virunga NP is home to over 705 species of birds and a birding expedition presents you a great chance to identify a variety of birds. The park’s birds 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.
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