Mount Mikeno is one of the eight extinct volcanoes that make up the Virunga Mountains, and it is a must-visit given the captivating hiking experiences it offers to those on mountain climbing safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

At a height of 4,437 meters (14,557 ft) above sea level, Mt Mikeno becomes the second highest peak in the Virunga mountains and the 13th-highest mountain in the whole of Africa.

The local word Mikeno means poor because of its harsh and poor slopes that preclude human habitation.

Despite the mountain’s rugged terrain and steep slopes, the world’s famous mountain gorillas call it their home, and these giant apes can be seen on Congo gorilla tours.

Ganshoff van der Meesch was the first person to successfully climb and reach the peak of Mt Mikeno in 1932 despite its steep slopes and high altitude.

Location of Mt. Mikeno

Mount Mikeno lies in Virunga National Park in the eastern part of the DR Congo, along with Mount Nyiragongo.

It is located about 3.5 miles northeast of mountain Karisimbi, next to the border of Rwanda and Uganda. The mountain lies at coordinates 1°27′53″S 29°25′10″E or about 1.4639° S, 29.4197° E.

Other volcanoes in the Virunga massif include Mount Nyamuragira, Mt Bisoke, Mt Muhabura, Mt Nyiragongo, Karisimbi, Gahinga, and Sabinyo. Of these volcanoes, five are found in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.

The Formation of Mountain Mikeno

Mountain Mikeno, an extinct volcano with rugged terrain that is believed to have been formed over 30 million years ago as part of the Virunga volcanoes.

It was formed as a result of the movement of tectonic plates along the East African Rift Valley that caused molten rocks (magma) at the bottom to rise and erupt, forming a volcano.

Since its formation, the mountain has remained a dormant volcano, featuring layers of hard rocks and volcanic ash, which give the mountain its texture and impressive look.

Its impressive appearance attracts thousands of visitors to hike the mountain, although the hike can be challenging due to its steep slopes and high elevation.

Climate And Weather

The general climate in Virunga NP, where Mt. Mikeno is located, is a mix of the tropical and equatorial climates. The tropical forests and the equator line greatly contribute to this climate.

The average amount of rainfall received is about 113.5 mm, while the high temperatures are 28 °C, the mean temperatures are 20 °C, and the low temperatures are about 14 °C.

The drier months are late June, July, August, late December, January, and February, and these are the prime times for those interested in the Mt Mikeno hike and visiting Virunga np

Attractions At Mt. Mikeno

When you hike along the slopes and reach the summit of Mountain Mikeno, you will see numerous attractions, including

• Primate species, including endangered gorillas, chimpanzees, and golden monkeys, among others.
• Other animals, including forest elephants and warthogs, among others
• Various plant species can be found along the mountain slopes, including giant lobelias and others.
• Various bird species, including the Dusky Crimsonwing, Ruwenzori Turaco, and Archer’s Robin-chat, among others.
• Panoramic view of the Virunga ranges, like Mount Bisoke, Mt Nyiragongo, Mt Karisimbi, Mt Nyamulagira, and Lake Kivu, among others.

Activities At Mountain Mikeno

• The main activity is hiking Mount Mikeno to its summit.

The Mount Mikeno hike takes about 2 days, and hiking starts from the Bukima post. Hiking permits can be obtained from the Virunga NP headquarters directly or through a trusted tour operator.

While hiking, you will come across the tombs of Carl Akeley, the nature photographer and a conservationist who died of fever while climbing in 1926.

• Mountain Gorilla trekking to see the gorillas that inhabit the slopes of Mt Mikeno, and here, trackers spend at least one hour with the gorillas.
• Chimpanzee trekking in Mahura Forest, which is at the foot of Mt. Mikeno
• Birding

.          Guided nature walks around the areas near the mountain.

Cost For Mountain Mikeno Hiking Permits and Gorilla Trekking Permits 

Hiking permits cost $400, and the cost includes a fee for the guide and a hike, but it excludes camping equipment, meals, and transportation.

For gorilla trekking, permits cost around $450, which is slightly lower than gorilla trekking permits in Uganda, which are $800 and $1500 for Rwanda.

When to Visit Mount Mikeno 

The Dry Seasons

Virunga NP is open for visitors year round, but the prime time to visit Mt Mikeno is during the long hot season, which runs from June to September, and the short hot season, which runs from late December to February.

During this time, the roads leading to the park are passable, the hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mt Mikeno are dry, and fewer chances of encountering mist that would limit visibility.

The hot season always coincides with the peak season, so expect high crowds and a slight increase in the costs of hiking and other safari activities.

The Wet Seasons

The wet season that occurs from October to November and April to May is not safe for hiking and trekking activities at Mt Mikeno. This is because this activity and many others tend to be challenging because of slippery hiking trails.

Too much fog or mist during the wet season also disrupts visibility while hiking, and it limits panoramic views of the nearby landscapes.

Before embarking on a Congo safari/mountain climbing safari, you should check with the local weather forecast since the weather may abruptly change.

Where To Stay Near Mountain Mikeno? 

There are many accommodation options near Virunga NP, where the mountain is located.

These include Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Tented Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, and Lake Kivu Lodge, among others.

What To Park for A Tour to Mountain Mikeno?

When planning for the Mt Mikeno hike, the following are some of the essential items that you should pack. They include

• A pair of sturdy hiking boots and socks
• Long trousers and long-sleeved shirts to keep safe from biting insects like mosquitoes and stinging plants like stinging nettle.
• Gardening gloves to provide a firm grip on the trekking poles and to protect you from irritations and scratches from insects and rough branches.
• Rain gear, e.g., a rain jacket and warm clothes like a sweater
• Sunglasses
• Backpack
• Energy-giving snacks and enough drinking water
• Insect repellent
• A walking stick to keep you firm on the steep slopes
• First-aid kit
• Travel documents like a visa, a yellow fever vaccination certificate, among others.

How To Get to Mountain Mikeno?

Mountain Mikeno can be accessed by road and air transport.

Fly to Kigali

Some visitors enter Rwanda through Kigali International Airport and travel to Congo because of its proximity to Virunga NP and its well-established structure.

From the airport, visitors can further travel by road to Mt Mikeno in Virunga NP, and local airlines can still be used to fly from Kigali to Goma.

A border crossing at Gisenyi is used to enter Congo, and a safari vehicle would be the best option to use; a drive takes about 3 hours to reach Bukima, where the park headquarters are located.

Fly to Goma

Some other travelers can fly to Goma International Airport, where further transportation by road can be arranged to the headquarters of Virunga NP or to a booked hotel.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Goma town to Bukima Patrol Post in Virunga NP, where the trek starts.

Mount Mikeno FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

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

The hike from the Bukima post to the summit takes 2 days, with the ascent to the Kabara campsite taking about 8 hours. From the first campsite, it takes 4 hours to reach the summit of the mountain, and the descent takes approximately 3to 4 hours.

2. What Is the Best Time to Hike Mountain Mikeno?    

The prime time to hike Mt Mikeno is during the hot season that runs from December to February and June to September, since during this time, the slopes of the mountain are less slippery and there is less fog on the mountain.

3. What Is Special About Virunga National Park? 

Virunga NP is unique with its active chain of volcanoes and rich diversity of habitats that surpass those of any other African park.

Embark on a mountain climbing safari in Congo to discover the magic of Mt Mikeno.   Reserve your hike now to encounter amazing sights such as gentle giants, vibrant greenery, and panoramic views of the other Virunga volcanoes like Mount Nyiragongo.