Embark on a thrilling Mount Mikeno hike, one of the most interesting experiences Congo offers to visitors.

Mount Mikeno is part of the Virunga Massif in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These hiking safaris in Mt. Mikeno are a top highlight in the eastern part of the country, where the Virunga volcanoes stand tall as one of the most common attractions.

Other volcanoes in the Virunga ranges include Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano renowned for the world’s largest and most active lava lake, Mount Nyamuragira, Bisoke, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabyinyo, and Gahinga. Of these, five are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Mt. Mikeno is found in the Virunga National Park, one of the most commonly visited protected areas in the DR Congo. The drive from the main town is very short, typically 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. The breathtaking panoramic views at the summit attract many hikers.

Virunga National Park is the oldest national park in Africa, and it was originally called Albert National Park and was later renamed as Virunga National Park after DR Congo gained independence.

Virunga National Park spans 7,800 km², bordering both Uganda’s Mgahinga National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Its location in the Virunga National Park offers tourists a chance to engage in other activities besides hiking, and these include birding, photography, chimpanzee trekking, and gorilla trekking, which offers a chance to spend at least one hour with the endangered mountain gorillas and learn their behaviors when on gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About Mount Mikeno in Virunga National Park Congo

Mount Mikeno, which is in the southern part of Virunga National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Despite the fact that Mount Mikeno is often overshadowed by its active neighbors, it stands as the 13th-highest mountain on the African continent, and the second-highest in the Virunga ranges, reaching an elevation of 4,437 meters.

The name Mikeno is derived from a local word meaning “poor”; this is because of its harsh slope for human settlement, though many mammals can live there. It is famous for having the toughest hike among the eight Virunga mountains.

The mountain is home to a third of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas that inhabit the border of the mountain, making it one of the places in Africa where mountain gorillas can be spotted.

As a result, Mikeno Mountain is regarded as one of the top destinations to watch mountain gorilla trekking when on a Congo gorilla tour/gorilla safari in Congo. These gorillas are said to be aggressive if threatened. Gorilla trekking is mostly done on a habituated gorilla family.

The civil war and poaching are believed to be threatening the extinction of these mountain gorillas and lowland gorillas.

Hikers interested in gorilla trekking are allowed to spend at least one hour with the habituated gorilla family. Travelers who have paid for gorilla trekking are the only ones allowed to spend time and take photos of these great apes.

Hiring a Porter When Preparing for the Mount Mikeno Hike

Hiring a porter at Virunga National Park is an important thing to do because climbing Mt. Mikeno without support is challenging.

On the day of the trek, hikers can hire porters to help them carry heavy equipment and provide physical assistance on difficult terrain, set up tents, cook meals, and do other things.

It costs around $20 to hire a porter at the Virunga Tourism Office.  Porters transfer the main baggage, providing support, especially in steep and challenging terrain. This makes hiking Mikeno Mountain easier and more comfortable, though the mountain itself is hard to climb.

Hiring porters not only helps hikers to have a comfortable hiking experience, but it also contributes directly to the communities around the Virunga National Park.

Tipping the porter at the end of the trek to show appreciation is okay, but it’s not mandatory.

Hiking Mount Mikeno

Embarking on a journey up and down Mikeno Mountain is a rewarding two-day adventure. Known for its challenging terrain, where hikers explore the majestic mountain that truly offers an unforgettable hiking experience. Tackling Mikeno may be tough, but the sense of accomplishment is worth every step.

Though the Kibati Ranger Post is the entry point to Virunga National Park, hiking Mount Mikeno begins on arrival at the Bukima Patrol Post. The Kibati Ranger Post is best for travelers interested in a trek to the summit of the active Mount Nyiragongo volcano.

After the morning breakfast, hikers meet guides at the Bukima Patrol Post, which is the starting point.  Before the exact hiking begins, a check-in is done on those ready to ensure that every hiker’s gear is secure, ensuring all equipment is secure for a rugged climb.

The trek starts innocently, with mildly sloping grasslands that almost promise a day of leisure. But the mountain’s reputation quickly rears its head, and the trail transforms into a steep, rugged jungle, testing every ounce of our resolve.

Some factors make hiking difficult, including the poor terrain, harsh slopes, and muddy hiking trails, especially during the wet season.

The hiking trails wind through the dense forest, where a tangled undergrowth of shrubs and vines makes for challenging passage.

While gorilla trekking on Mikeno’s lower slopes can be a more leisurely activity, the full ascent is a different beast entirely. It is a true test of endurance, not a casual walk in the woods.

Due to the mountain’s height, it is considered tiring and very difficult to hike, especially for beginners. However, much as it is tiresome, it remains an exciting and fun experience to explore these rugged slopes, especially when the adventure is shared with friends.

The intense physical exertion of the Mikeno ascent is punctuated by moments of intense interest, such as when the mist parts reveal a dramatic, caldera-filled panorama.

At first, hikers start trekking as one uniform group, but the pace for some slows, and they drop from the main group.

Reaching the summit is always a final check-in on a long and difficult list of challenges that Mikeno presents.

Things To See When Hiking Mount Mikeno 

The hiking trails wind through the dense forest, where a tangled undergrowth of shrubs and vines makes for challenging passage.

The slopes of the volcano are inhabited by a number of mammals, especially primates, some of which include chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, black and white colobus monkeys, and olive baboons. Many of these you will watch as you trek.

The endangered mountain gorillas are said to live in the rich forest zone of the mountain, and the Mikeno mountain mist is easily reached when using the Bukima Ranger Post.

Virunga National Park is home to three great apes not found in other protected areas on the planet. These are mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas, and eastern chimpanzees.

Another borderline extinct species found in the Virunga National Park is the okapi. Although this animal is a close relative of the giraffe, it looks more like a zebra.

Virunga National Park has the highest concentration of wildlife species, including hippos, forest elephants, warthogs, lions, and forest antelopes. You can find some of these wildlife species while hiking on Mt. Mikeno.

The park also has forest bird species, including the Angolan swallow, Rwenzori batis, alpine swift, African olive pigeon, tropical boubou, Madagascar bee eater, and Egyptian goose, among others. These are worth seeing on a Congo bird watching safari.

While at the top of Mt. Mikeno, you will enjoy exciting views of the surrounding volcanoes that make up the Virunga Ranges.

In addition to that, you will enjoy amazing views of the East African Rift Valley, one of the world’s geological wonders, see Lake Kivu from a distance, and the lush greenery that adds to the Congo’s natural beauty.

Other Things to Do Alongside Hiking Mount Mikeno

Travelers still have another opportunity to take community tours of the nearby villages to meet local people for cultural encounters.

During these community tours, a local guide introduces tourists to different people from whom they learn more about the people’s lifestyles and their cultures. You will be entertained with traditional dance, Congolese music, and much more.

Hiking Mount Mikeno Safari can be combined with nature walks and a gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park when on a Congo safari.

The nature walks are done following designated nature trails to learn more about the behavior of different wildlife and connect with nature.

The best way to participate in these enjoyable activities, like hiking and photography, is when you book directly with Virunga National Parkf or through a tour company such as Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd.

Cost of Hiking Permits and Gorilla Trekking Permits 

To conquer Mount Mikeno and share a special moment with some of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, hiking and gorilla trekking permits are a must-have. These permits are essential for your adventure, ensuring you can safely reach the summit and enjoy panoramic views of nearby volcanoes like Mount Nyiragongo and incredible wildlife species.

Hiking and gorilla trekking permits can be purchased at the Virunga National Park offices or through a tour company.

 Hiking Permits

Hiking permits cost $400 in Virunga National Park, and they include fees for a hike and a guide, excluding meals, camping equipment, and transportation.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

A gorilla trekking permit to see the habituated gorilla family when on a Congo gorilla tour/gorilla safari in Congo goes for around $450.

These prices make Virunga National Park the cheapest gorilla trekking destination to visit during your safari in Africa compared to other destinations. In Uganda, gorilla trekking is valued at $800, and in Rwanda, it is valued at $1500.

Travel Tips When Planning to Hike Mount Mikeno 

When planning a hiking adventure, comparison is crucial. While the Mikeno Mist package promises breathtaking views of the world’s largest active lake at Mount Nyiragongo, the lucky hikers who trek to Mount Mikeno can connect with untamed, rugged landscapes.

When searching for your trip, it is important to differentiate between the intense Mount Mikeno climb and the itinerary that is included in the Mikeno Mist package.

Unlike Mount Nyiragongo, known for its lava lake, a head up to the summit of Mount Mikeno is not offered as a standard part of a typical tourist itinerary.

Packing List When Preparing for the Mikeno Trek 

These are some of the things hikers are required to pack for hiking Mikeno Mountain successfully.

1. Pack khaki safari clothes; suitable options include long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. Long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to keep you safe from stinging insects and beetles.
2. Waterproof boots or light hiking shoes and hiking socks. These should keep you sturdy and firm as you hike and when you go on gorilla trekking.
3. Hand gloves: Woolen or gardening gloves will protect your hands while holding plants like stinging nettle, stinging insects, and sharp tree branches.
4. Make sure you get a hiking stick.
5. Pack some snacks and water so that you don’t climb on an empty stomach, since the leisure activity takes longer hours. You can also carry a packed lunch to fuel up at any stopover after the energy level of many hikers begins to drop and for an early morning breakfast after spending a night at the campsite.
6. Altitude sickness medication: It is advisable to take this as a precaution if you are sensitive to heights, given the high altitude of Mt. Mikeno.
7. Bring a high-quality camera to capture gorillas during gorilla trekking and the breathtaking scenery during your hike to the summit of the mountain.

How to Get to Mikeno Mountain 

Traveling by Road

From Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, you can access Mikeno by road, which is a 4-hour drive.

At the border crossing, which is at Gisenyi, tourists are supposed to present their valid Congo visa, vaccination certificates, and other documents, as explained by the travel consultant, to be allowed to enter DR Congo.

Traveling by Air

Fly to Kigali

Most of the travelers on a Congo trip prefer flying to Kigali International Airport in Kigali city because of its proximity and well-established structure. Visitors then transfer from Kigali to the Congo-Rwanda border by road.

The right border crossing to use is at Gisenyi. A customized safari vehicle can be used to transfer visitors to finally reach the Virunga National Park headquarters found in Goma, which is a 3-hour drive, or to lodges like the luxurious Mikeno Lodge.

Fly to Goma

On a flight, one can fly to Goma International Airport in Goma town in DR Congo.  Goma is considered one of the closest cities to Virunga National Park.

From Goma, a 30-minute drive can be arranged to reach the Virunga Tourism Office, or you can continue to Mikeno Lodge, a luxurious place for lodging, lunch, or a morning breakfast.

It’s worth noting that the mountain’s location near the border with Uganda and Rwanda makes it accessible for travelers entering from multiple points.

When to Visit Mikeno Mountain?

The prime time to visit Mikeno Mountain in Virunga National Park is during the dry season (drier months), which happens between June and September, as well as from December to February.

During this period, only a small amount of rainfall is received, which makes it a good time to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo for a hiking trip and other outdoor activities, like photography and gorilla trekking, since hiking trails are not muddy.

It is also a good time to visit Virunga National Park to watch various mammals since they tend to gather around the water points.

If you attempt to travel during the wet season, expect to find muddy and slippery hiking trails. This condition affects hiking, as it slows down the pace at which one may trek; however, it is a good time to visit the park for those interested in bird watching.

Where to Stay During the Mikeno Mountain Hike? 

There are many accommodation options around Mt. Mikeno for morning breakfast, lunch, supper, and a comfortable stay at night. These options range from luxury accommodation to budget-friendly choices.

These options include luxurious lodges and tented camps, among other types. The common ones are Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and many others.

Note: Mikeno Lodge is the main luxury lodge where to spend the night in Virunga National Park.

Mikeno Lodge is positioned near the park headquarters at Rumangabo, and this accommodation option acts as a starting point for travelers on treks and visits to the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage. The drive from Goma takes about 1.5 hours.

This lodge also offers a balance of adventure and serenity with stunning views of Mount Nyiragongo. Visitors are always served lunch, and they rest at Mikeno Lodge after returning from the hike or trek.

Visitors are treated with care, and some of the key amenities Mikeno Lodge offers include a large fireplace, laundry services, a restaurant area, a shop, a bar, and comfortable bedrooms to have a good stay at night, among other amenities, making it the best safari lodge to book a memorable experience.

A 4-Day Mikeno Mist Package

While the standard Mikeno Mist package typically includes a hike on Mount Nyiragongo, it can be customized into a 4-day safari focused on Mount Mikeno.

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Virunga

• On day 1, visitors arrive at the Grande Barriere border crossing in Goma for check-in at the Virunga Tourism Office.
• Visitors transfer to Mikeno Lodge or any other lodge near the park.

Day 2: Gorilla trekking on Mikeno Slopes

• Transfer to the Bukima Patrol Post to undergo a briefing by the park rangers. On day 2, visitors track mountain gorillas and spend one hour observing them in their natural habitat.

Day 3: The Mount Mikeno Hike

• On day 3, early in the morning, hikers undergo a briefing for climbing to the first resting point.
• A 4-hour trek begins up to Kabara campsite, which is the final resting place for explorer Carl Akeley. It is at this place where trekkers spend their night on day 3 of their 4 days safari.

Day 4: Final ascent, descent, and departure

• Early morning on day 4, hikers make a final push to the summit at 4,437 m, allowing them to explore panoramic views of the East African Valley, Lake Kivu, neighboring Mount Nyiragongo, and other amazing attractions.
• It is on day 4 that hikers descend to the bottom of the mountain and transfer back to the Goma border crossing or to Mikeno Lodge by afternoon.

Mount Mikeno Hike (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How Tall Is Mount Mikeno? 

Mount Mikeno is 1437 meters (4757 feet) high, the second-highest mountain in the Virunga ranges after Karisimbi, and the 13th-highest mountain on the African continent.

2. How Long Does It Take to Hike Mount Mikeno?

Hiking Mount Mikeno takes about 2 days, and the hiking activity begins from the Bukima Ranger Post, and it ends back at the lodge after the trek.

On the first day, the ascent, which starts in the morning at 7 am, goes through the lower and middle forest sections to Kabara Campsite, the primary resting place set on a small lot of cleared land.

Upon arrival at the campsite in the late afternoon, hikers settle for relaxation, feel the solid earth, and spend the night there. The ascent to the campsite takes around 4 hours or less, depending on one’s hiking speed.

After spending a night at Kabara Campsite and having had the morning breakfast, travelers continue with the hike up through the less dense forest to the summit for an additional 4 hours. Visitors always leave their bags at the camp, only taking cameras and essential gear.

This final push is less a physical test and more a battle of a personal nature, and upon reaching the summit, travelers have their final relaxation and enjoy a panoramic view of the nearby surroundings.

The accomplishment of the summit is always profound, a greater reward than any simple breakfast can offer.

Hikers take about 3 to 6 hours to descend to the bottom. On arrival at the bottom of Mount Mikeno, hikers then move to Mikeno Lodge to have their late lunch and rest.

3. Is Mount Mikeno Active?

Mount Mikeno, which is located in Virunga National Park, is one of the dormant (extinct) volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It is not an active volcano since its last eruption is said to have occurred a thousand years ago.

4. What Is the Best Time to Hike Mount Mikeno? 

The prime time to visit Mount Mikeno is during the dry season (drier months), which happens between June and September, as well as from December to February.  It is considered prime time because the hiking trails are less slippery and muddy. This makes hiking safer, and it is the best time for activities like gorilla trekking.

Conclusion

Book now to explore the thrilling Mount Mikeno safaris to discover the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife in the heart of Congo.