Embark on a thrilling hiking adventure through Mount Mikeno hike, part of the Virunga massif in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These hiking safaris in Mount Mikeno are a top highlight in the eastern part of Congo, where the Virunga volcanoes stand tall as one of the most common attractions.

Other mountains in the Virunga ranges include Mount Nyamuragira, Bisoke, Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Muhabura, Sabinyo, and Gahinga. Of these, five are found in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

This mountain is found in the Virunga National Park of the democratic republic of Congo. The park was originally called the Albert National Park and later renamed as Virunga National Park after the Democratic Republic of Congo gained independence.

Virunga National Park spans 7,800 km², bordering both Uganda and Rwanda, where it is known as the Mgahinga NP and Volcanoes NP, respectively.

Besides hiking, the park offers tourism activities like gorilla trekking, which offers an opportunity to see endangered mountain gorillas when on gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

About Mount Mikeno in Virunga National Park

Mount Mikeno, which lies in the southern part of Virunga NP, stands at an elevation of about 4437 meters above sea level. This dormant volcano is the second highest peak in the Virunga Mountains after Mount Karisimbi.

The name Mikeno is derived from a local word meaning “poor”; this is because of its harsh slope for human settlement. However, the mountain is home to the endangered mountain gorilla that inhabits the border of the mountain.

As a result, Mikeno Mountain is regarded as one of the top destinations for tracking mountain gorillas when on Congo gorilla tours.  Mountain gorillas that call Mikeno Mountain their home are said to be very aggressive, most especially when threatened. Mountain gorilla trekking is mostly done on a habituated gorilla family.

The civil war and poaching are believed to be threatening the extinction of these gentle giants. During gorilla tracking, hikers are allowed to spend at least one hour with the gorillas. Hikers who have paid for gorilla tracking 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, you can hire a porter to assist you in successfully hiking the steep mountain.

It costs around $20 to hire a porter at Virunga NP offices.  Porters assist in carrying hikers’ backpacks and 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 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, this majestic mountain offers a truly unforgettable hiking experience. Tackling Mikeno may be tough, but the sense of accomplishment is worth every step.

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

Due to the mountain’s height, it is considered tiring and very difficult to hike, especially for beginners. However much it is tiresome, it is still an exciting and fun experience when especially when shared with friends.

The hiking trails pass through the dense vegetation. The slopes of the volcano are inhabited by various primate species, some of which include chimpanzees, mountain gorillas, white colobus monkeys (most notably blue and colobus), and olive baboon. Many of these you will see as you hike.

Gorillas are said to stay at the edges of the mountain, and the Mikeno mountain mist is easily reached when using the Bukima border post.

Virunga National Park is the only place on the planet where the three great apes can be found. Another borderline extinct species found in the park is the Okapi. Although this animal is a close relative of the giraffe, it looks more like a zebra.

The park has the highest wildlife concentration of any other African park. Other animals include rare bird species, hippos, forest elephants, warthogs, and lions. You can find some of these animals while hiking on Mt. Mikeno.

While at the top of the mountain, you will enjoy exciting views of the surrounding mountains that make up the Virunga Ranges. In addition to that, you will enjoy amazing views of the East African rift valley, see lake Kivu from a distance, and the lush greenery that adds to Congo’s natural beauty.

Hikers still have another opportunity to take community tours of the nearby villages for cultural encounters with the locals. During the interactions with the locals, visitors learn more about the country. 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 NP when on a Congo safari. To participate in these enjoyable activities, you must book directly with Virunga National Park 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 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 the company of these incredible animals.

These can be purchased at the park offices or through a tour company.

 Hiking Permits

Hiking permits cost $400 in Virunga National Park. This includes the hike and a guide. The cost caters for hiking itself. It excludes meals, camping equipment, and transportation.

Gorilla Trekking Permits

A gorilla permit goes for around $450. These prices make Virunga NP the cheapest gorilla trekking destination to visit during your African safaris compared to other destinations. In Uganda, gorilla tracking costs $800, and in Rwanda, $1500.

Packing List When Preparing for The Mikeno Trek

These are some of the things that you must 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 they should make you able to hike even amidst muddy trails on rainy days.
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 activity takes longer hours.
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 the breathtaking moments and scenery during your hike and at 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, visitors are supposed to present their valid Congo visa, vaccination certificates, and other documents, as explained by the travel consultant, to be allowed to enter the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Traveling By Air

Fly to Kigali

Most of the travelers prefer flying to Kigali International Airport because of its proximity and well-established structure. From this airport, traveling by road to the Congo-Rwanda border can be arranged.

The right border crossing to use is at Gisenyi. A customized safari vehicle can be used to transport visitors to finally reach the park headquarters found in Goma, which is a 3-hour drive.

Fly to Goma

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

When in Goma, further transportation by road can be arranged to reach the Virunga National Park offices or Mikeno lodge for breakfast or lodging. Here at the airport, visitors may be picked up by a Congo tour operator representative.

When To Visit Mikeno Mountain? 

The prime time to visit Mikeno Mountain 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 the prime time to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo for hiking safaris and other outdoor activities, since hiking trails are not muddy.

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 hike.

Where To Stay During the Mikeno Mountain Hike?

There are many accommodation options around Mt. Mikeno for dining and overnight stays. These options range from luxury accommodations to budget-friendly choices.

These options include Mikeno Lodge, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and many others.

Mount Mikeno Hike (FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Tall Is Mount Mikeno?

Mount Mikeno stands at a height of 1437 meters (14557 feet). At this height, it ranks as the second-highest peak in the Virunga ranges after Karisimbi. It also ranks as the 13th highest mountain in Africa.

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

Hiking Mount Mikeno takes about 2 days, and the hiking activity starts from the Bukima border patrol post.

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 Congo. 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 the prime time because the hiking trails are less slippery and muddy. This makes mount Mikeno hike safer.

 Discover the magic of Mount Mikeno. Don’t let this opportunity slip away—reserve your hike now to encounter amazing sights such as endangered mountain gorillas, vibrant greenery, and breathtaking views of the other Virunga Mountains. Book your Congo safari today for an unforgettable safari experience.