Mount Mikeno lies within the Virunga region in the D.R. Congo. It is part of the 8 Virunga Massifs, and the others include Bisoke, Karisimbi, Gahinga, Sabyinyo, Nyiragongo, Muhabura, and Nyamuragira volcanoes. Rising at an altitude of 4437m, Mt. Mikeno is ranked second highest Virunga Massif after Karisimbi Volcano (4507m). In Africa, Mikeno is the 13th highest mountain, and the word Mikeno is translated as “poor.” This is in consideration of its hard-to-hike slopes.
Earlier in 1926, an enthusiastic nature photographer “Carol Akelely” died while trekking the Mikeno volcano and it is at Kabara where the body was laid to rest, this is also the first campsite you will come across and it is accessible within 4 hours.
Mount Mikeno is the most challenging volcano to hike through. Conquering its summits takes 8 hours, offering a challenging hiking adventure worth undertaking by enthusiastic adventure seekers. At its summits, climbers get to enjoy the breathtaking East African rift valley.
Mt. Mikeno is also strategically positioned within the Virunga National Park, a base for the endangered mountain gorillas. This means climbers can combine hiking tours and mountain gorilla trekking safaris in the Congo Virunga N/Park. Gorilla families range around its slopes and you visit these apes if you have a gorilla permit.
Or visit the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage, go chimpanzee tour, or bird-watching in the Virunga NP. Overnight stay on Mikeno hiking tours can be at Mikeno Lodge or nearby lodges/accommodations.
Weather & when to visit
The dry season is the favorite time of the year for climbers to explore and experience Mt. Mikeno on a hiking tour. This is from June, July, and August, or travel to Congo during the dry months of December, January and February. Its location in the tropical forest area means it can rain at any time, and this is why rain gear shouldn’t be left out on your packing list for the Mikeno volcano hiking tour. During the day, the temperature at Mikeno varies from 20-28 degrees celsius, and at night, they drop to 10-15 degrees celsius.
How to get there
To access Mount Mikeno, hikers can fly to Kigali International Airport (KGL) where they can be picked up and transferred to a hotel. Have a night and the following day, proceed to Rwanda border with Congo to clear and carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate plus a valid visa.
From Kigali to Mikeno volcano takes between a 3- and 4-hours drive. It is also possible to drive via the Bukima border and connect to the Mikeno volcano for your climbing experience. Flights to Goma airport are also available and you get transferred to Mikeno Volcano to enjoy your hiking/climbing expedition.
Besides Mikeno, hikers can also choose to hike through the Nyiragongo volcano. This is one of the world’s most powerful volcanoes, located in the Virunga National Park of D.R. Congo. This stratovolcano rises to an elevation of about 3470m, and climbing to the top takes 5 to 6 hours starting at the Kibati ranger post with a guide.
What to carry for your hiking adventures
Waterproof hiking boots, Daypack, Torch, Sleeping bag, Bottled water, Snacks, Insect repellent, Rain jacket, Valid visas, Safari hat, Sweater, A good camera, Warm clothing and Pair of socks.
