Mount Mikeno is a dormant volcano situated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo section of the Virunga ranges. Mount Mikeno neighbors the famous Virunga National Park, renowned for being the home of endangered mountain gorillas, with some gorilla families residing on its slopes.
It is one of the 8 major volcanoes located in the Virunga Massif. Other mountains in this region include Nyamuragira, Karisimbi, Nyiragongo, Bisoke, Gahinga, Muhabura, and Sabyinyo. One interesting fact is that this mountain is the hardest to climb among the other volcanoes. Its hiking costs are very affordable.
Standing at an elevation of 4,437 meters, Mount Mikeno is the second-highest volcano in the Virunga Mountains after Mount Karisimbi. This elevation also makes it the 13th highest mountain in Africa. Mikeno derives its name from the local word “Mikeno,” meaning “poor.”
It was named so because of its rugged and harsh terrain that hinders human settlement along its slopes.
Mount Mikeno has been deemed the hardest to climb among all the Virunga volcanoes. However, reaching the summit is worth the hustle and commitment as you get a view of the Great East African Rift Valley that has been forming for 30 million years. The views from here are amazing.
There are many activities one can engage in while at Mount Mikeno, some of which are listed below.
- Hiking Expeditions: Visitors hiking to the summit of Mount Mikeno can hire hiking gear from Mikeno Lodge or bring their own gear. Trustworthy local porters are available to help hikers carry their luggage to the peak and back at affordable rates. The hike provides a panoramic view of the entire Virunga National Park, with waterfalls and countless coffee plantations.
- Cultural Encounters: Visitors can also experience beautiful cultural encounters in the surrounding communities. The D.R. Congo is one of the countries with a very rich history and culture. Spending time to interact with the locals exposes you to more knowledge about this gifted country. Enjoy their adorable traditional dances, remarkable craftwork, culture, and norms, all of which will make your stay in D.R. Congo extremely unforgettable.
- Mountain Gorilla Trekking: Being one of the few habitats of endangered mountain gorillas on Earth, mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Virunga National Park remain the most popular tourism activity in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the enormous size of Virunga National Park, a few mountain gorillas call it home, and about six habituated families are open to tourists for trekking activities year-round. To hike Mount Mikeno or go gorilla trekking, tourists need to book directly with the national park offices or use a credible travel company. Tourists who come on their own often face difficulties obtaining permits to enter the park.
- Nature/Forest Walks: Virunga National Park is primarily a tropical rainforest with dense vegetation. However, some sections are woodland, swampy, and grassland. Guided nature walks through the dense Virunga forests enable you to have close encounters with rare and endemic bird species, forest mammals like forest hogs, duikers, bush pigs, buffaloes, and elephants, as well as numerous species of primates such as baboons, monkeys, and many more.
Mount Mikeno and Virunga National Park are popular travel destinations with beautiful scenery that amazes travelers. From the snow-peaked Mountains of the Moon, the active Nyiragongo volcano, craters, and scenery of Mount Nyamuragira, to the great Albertine Rift Valley, crystalline water bodies, rainforests, and many other attractions.
Accommodation at Mount Mikeno
Various accommodation units are available, ranging from luxury to mid-range and budget rates. Among these are Mikeno Luxury Tented Lodge, Mikeno Lodge, Tchegera Island Camp, Bukima Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Lulimbi Tented Camp.
Mount Mikeno is every pure nature lover’s dream destination, offering hiking, sightseeing, and photography tours. This mountain has so much to offer, and travelers always have wonderful experiences incomparable to any other destination.
When craving a less congested or off-the-beaten-track destination, Mount Mikeno must be at the top of your list. With this in mind, plan to live the life you have always dreamed of. Travel to Mount Mikeno and have an unforgettable lifetime experience.
