When we have experienced nature on the ground, Mountains come as a relief; with summits that enable us to view the world from the top, relax, meditate and explore. Now is the time to uncover Mountain Mikeno at the southern edge of Virunga national park in D.R. Congo. Unlike its neighbors – Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo, mount. Mikeno is pre-dominantly a dormant volcano.
A strata-volcano, positioned in the heart of the vast Virunga ranges, in the continent of Africa. Mountain Mikeno is one of the 8 mountains making up the Virunga chain of Mountains; others are Mount. Bisoke, Mount. Nyiragongo, Mount. Gahinga, Mount. Bisoke, Mount. Nyamuragira, Mount. Sabyinyo and Mount. Muhabura.
At 4,437 meters above sea level, mount. Mikeno towers next to mountain Nyiragongo, one of the most active mountains on earth. In the Virunga massif network, mount. Mikeno is the second –highest after Mount. Karisimbi and the 13th in the continent of Africa. It is 3.5 miles northwest of Mount Karisimbi, next to the Congo – Rwanda border.
Democratic Republic of Congo, a nation in which Mount. Mikeno is found is situated in the Central part of Africa, lying 40km along the coastline of Atlantic Ocean. It is the second-largest country in Africa with its capital – Kinshasa. Her neighbors are; the Republic of Uganda, Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville), Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Burundi, etc.
Regardless of its dark past, a tourist gets in and out safely, with great hospitality, fun, exploration and rare encounters.
Mount. Mikeno lies near the lush Virunga national park – one of the largest and oldest national parks in Africa.
The name Mikeno stems from a local dialect – Mikeno which means “poor” because of the difficulties which people living at its slopes faced and its infertile nature which can’t support any productive agriculture. Recorded in the mountain history books in the year 1926, Carl Akeley – a photographer and conservationist died while hiking to the summit due to mountain fever.
His remains were laid to rest at the first campsite, the now Kabara campsite which only takes 3-4 hours hike from the base. Unfortunately, the grave has been consecrated by those reportedly looking for gold. From this campsite, additional four hours will see you at the mountain peak.
The very first European to hike to the summit was W.J Ganshoff Van Der Meesch in 1932, after a trial by Lewis Mudge, Tjeen Willink and Pierre Person.
Attractions and Activities at Mount. Mikeno.
Mountain Gorillas.
One of the largest and strongest apes in the world, only found in the continent of Africa. An hour with these creatures is what everyone needs. Our cousins in the natural habitat are brave yet shy, happy and active. They spend most of their time at the foothills of Mountain Mikeno.
You may be lucky to spot a troop as you ascend or descend the mountain. To see and track these gorillas, you should be aged 15 years or above, in good health and with a valid trekking permit. The permit in D.R. Congo costs 450 USD per person. You can reserve this either from a travel operator or directly with the park.
Hiking.
Hitting to the Mount. Mikeno summit is a bit technical and difficult, but truly interesting and possible. The activity lasts for approximately 8 hours, starting at dusk with a hiking briefing by the mountain guides.
If needed, porters are present to offer additional support, like carrying large backpacks and these can be hired at an affordable price. The hiking trailhead is at Bukima patrol station. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay are all done in the mountain, with a magnificent aerial view of the landscape dotted homesteads and many more.
Other activities that can be done after a hike to the summit include; cultural experiences, a guided nature walk or bird watching.
Time to visit Mount. Mikeno.
The most ideal season for visiting Mount. Mikeno is during dry season; June to September and December to February when the chances of rain are less and great opportunities of spotting mountain gorillas.
Accommodation is available in and outside the park; ranging from budget to luxury, well situated and offering quality services.
Mount. Mikeno is one of the most significant mountains in the continent of Africa. It can be accessed via Kigali international airport in Rwanda, taking only 5-6 hours’ direct drive to Virunga National Park.
