Mount Mikeno is an extinct Volcano within Virunga National Park, the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This Mountain towers to over 4437 meters (or 14,557 feet) above sea level, making it the second highest of the 8 Virunga Mountains after Mount Karisimbi and is so far the 13th highest Mountain in the African Continent. This mountain together with the likes of Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, Sabyinyo, Karisimbi and Bisoke make up the Congo section of Virunga massif.
This Mountain’s name – Mikeno literally means “poor”, attributed to its harsh slopes that inhibit human settlement but is known for sheltering the endangered mountain gorillas that occupy its lush and densely forested slopes. Virunga National Park, where this Mountain is found was gazetted in 1925 making it one of the oldest Protected Areas in Africa and presently extends for over 7,800 square kilometers.
Hiking/Climbing Mount. Mikeno.
Much as majority of hikes within Virunga National Park are conducted for Mount Nyiragongo, hiking expeditions for Mount Mikeno reward visitors with remarkable views of other Virunga Mountains and other mind-boggling parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The first person to have conquered the slopes of Mount. Mikeno was W.J Wanshoff Van Meesch in 1932. Others were Lewis Mudge, Cai Tjeenk and Pierre Peron who climbed the Mountain for the first time in 28 years and first reached the five unreal summits before getting to the real summit. Hiking trips usually begin from Kigali and involve driving for 3-4 hours to the mountain, with border crossing at Gisenyi border point.
Actual hikes begin with briefing at Bukima Ranger Post then begin slowly while encountering several wildlife and bird species. During your hike, you will come across the gravesite of Carl Akeley, a nature photographer and conservationist that allegedly died of fever in 1926. It takes 4 hours to get to this Gravesite at Kabara Campsite and continue for another 4 hours to reach the peak of this Mountain.
Because this mountain is one of the toughest-to-hike Volcanoes, physical fitness is required and hiring a porter is also advised. However, views of verdant coffee plantations, breathtaking waterfalls and villages should be expected by hikers. Hiking gears can be obtained from Mikeno Lodge although hikers can come along with their own gear
Permits for hiking Mount Mikeno can be obtained from Grande barrier border post at Goma Town of the Rwanda-Congo border.
Best time to hike Mount. Mikeno.
The perfect time of hiking Mount Mikeno is the dry season-December to February as well as June to September when hiking trails are drier (not muddy and slippery) thus making them less challenging. However, if the idea of being wet and more challenging delights you, then book for the hike during the rainy/wet season.
What to Park?
If you are planning to hike Mt Mikeno, you should pack a strong pair of hiking boots, safari pants, gardening gloves, warm sweater, rain jacket, sunglasses, backpack, energy-giving snacks, insect repellant, hat, first-aid kit and enough drinking water. Walking stick and hiring porters ease your hike and can be got from Bukima Ranger post during briefing.
Where to stay?
There are a number of accommodation choices for visitors planning to hike Mount Mikeno and these include Tchegera Island Tented Camp, Mikeno Lodge, Lake Kivu Lodge, Lulimbi Tented Camp, Kibumba Tented Lodge and Bukima Tented Camp among others.
How to get there?
Kigali International Airport in Rwanda is the main gateway to D.R. Congo where visitors first have to fly-in then continue by road via Goma border point near Gisenyi. This journey lasts 3-4 hours.
