Mount Mikeno is one of the eight Virunga volcanoes, found in Virunga National Park, a famous destination for mountain gorilla trekking in Africa. It is an extinct volcano located in eastern D.R. Congo, close to Karisimbi, Nyamulagira, and Nyiragongo volcanoes.
Mikeno is the second tallest of the Virunga volcanoes after Karisimbi (4,507m). Its peak rises to 4,437 meters, making it the 13th tallest mountain in Africa. The name “Mikeno” means “poor,” given to it because of its harsh, steep slopes that make human settlement impossible.
The mountain is home to endangered mountain gorillas that live freely on its slopes, which makes it an important tourist site. These gorillas survive today thanks to conservation efforts started by Dian Fossey, who worked to protect them from poaching. Gorilla trekking in the Mikeno area begins from Bukima Patrol Post after a briefing. The area is also known for sightings of yellow-crested helmet shrikes.
Hiking Mikeno is very challenging and requires good physical fitness. It is considered the hardest volcano in the Virunga range to climb because of its difficult terrain. At the summit, hikers are rewarded with clear views of lakes, the East African Rift Valley, and thick forests.
When to hike Mount Mikeno
The best time to hike is during the dry seasons: June to September and January to February. These months have less rain, making the trails easier and the views clearer.
Getting there
Mikeno can be reached from Kigali, Rwanda, with a drive of about 3 to 4 hours. Treks within Virunga National Park usually start at the Bukima Patrol Post. Visitors must have a valid visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Other activities in Virunga National Park
- Gorilla trekking: Virunga National Park is best known for gorilla trekking. There are 8 habituated gorilla families, including Kabirizi, Humba, Munyaga, Bageni, Rugendo, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe, and Lulengo. Gorilla trekking permits cost 400 USD per person and are available to visitors aged 15 and above.
- Birding: The park is home to over 705 bird species. Bird lovers can spot species such as tropical boubou, olive bee-eaters, white-throated bee-eaters, alpine swifts, grey-throated barbets, woolly-necked storks, cinnamon-chested bee-eaters, papyrus yellow warblers, sunbirds, kingfishers, pelicans, rollers, nightjars, kestrels, and more.
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