Mikeno Mountain is a dormant volcanic mountain located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a section of the Virunga Massif along with Mount Nyiragongo, Mount Nyamuragira, Mount Karisimbi, and Mount Bisoke. Karisimbi and Bisoke Mountains lies in Rwanda and the Nyamurangira Mounatin lies in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mikeno stands at 4,437 metres (14,557 ft), this makes Mikeno Mountain the second highest peak in the Virunga Mountains after Karisimbi, and the 13th highest mountain of Africa. Mikeno means “poor” and is so named for its harsh slopes which preclude human habitation.
Views of Mikeno mountain in Democratic Republic of Congo
Mikeno Mountain lies in the southern of the Virunga National Park and popularly known for being a home to the world’s famous mountain gorillas. In 1926 the nature photographer that died here at Mikeno Mountain, was burred at the Kabara Campsite, the first campsite as you ascend the mountain and it is a 4hrs hike experience. Reaching Mikeno Mountain summit is another 4hrs of hiking
On a regular basis, visitors visit the critically endangered mountain gorillas that live on the Mountain slopes. Most of them travelling from the neighboring countries including Rwanda and Uganda
Access to this wonderful Mikeno, can be through Kigali and this is about 3hrs of drive to the border of Rwanda and DRC. Flights are also available in too Goma and it is a requirement to every visitors seeking to visit the Mikeno to have a Visa and a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
It is advisable the best time to visit Mikeno in the dry spells or when there is less rain pours. It is easy to see the mountain gorillas during seasons of less or no rains and hiking is seamless. With the most popular accommodation close to Mikeno is the Mikeno Lodge that provides lodging services to visitors pre and post safari hike to the mountain.
To most of the visitors that have been to Mount Mikeno have also visited Rwanda’s Nyungwe forests to track Chimpanzees in Rwanda. Nyungwe forest is Africa’s living forests with the largest populations of primates. Visitors to Nyungwe have so much loved staying at One & Only Nyungwe House, the leading luxury accommodation in the Nyungwe area.