Mount Mikeno Hike | Virunga Volcano Trek in Congo

Mount Mikeno is a dormant volcano standing at 4,437 meters above sea level. It is the second-highest of the Virunga volcanoes after Mount Karisimbi and the 13th-highest mountain in Africa. Hiking Mount Mikeno is challenging, and most hikers stop at the first campsite because of the steep terrain and the risk of altitude sickness.

The Virunga range volcanoes stretch across Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. This chain of eight volcanoes includes Mount Mikeno, Mount Karisimbi, Mount Bisoke, Mount Sabyinyo, Mount Muhabura, Mount Gahinga, Mount Nyiragongo, and Mount Nyamuragira.

Mount Mikeno and Mount Sabyinyo are believed to be the oldest of the eight volcanoes, formed over 30 million years ago as a result of tectonic movements in the Atlantic Ocean. Mount Mikeno is considered the hardest to climb among all the Virunga volcanoes.

The name Mikeno comes from a local word meaning “poor,” named so because of the mountain’s steep slopes that make human settlement difficult. Mount Mikeno is located within Virunga National Park, which was established in 1925, making it one of the oldest national parks in Africa. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The mountain’s slopes are fertile due to the relief rainfall caused by winds hitting its sides. In 1932, W.J. Wanshoff Van der Meesch became the first person to climb Mount Mikeno solo. Twenty-eight years later, Cai Tjeenk Willink, Lewis Mudge, and Pierre Peron also climbed the mountain, though they mistakenly reached five false peaks before finally summiting the real one.

Hiking Mount Mikeno

The hike to Mount Mikeno starts from the Bukima Patrol Post and takes about four hours to reach the first campsite, known as Kabara. Kabara is also the burial site of Carl Akeley, a nature photographer and conservationist who died of fever in 1926. Unfortunately, his grave was later damaged by people searching for gold they believed was buried with him.

The climb from the second campsite to the summit is extremely difficult and suitable only for experienced hikers. This section involves a steep 60° incline and takes about four hours. Although the climb is tough, reaching the top offers rewarding views of the surrounding volcanoes and the Great East African Rift Valley.

The slopes of Mount Mikeno are home to endangered mountain gorillas. You can combine your hike with a gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park. A gorilla trekking permit costs $400 per person.

The best time to visit Mount Mikeno is during the dry seasons from June to August and January to February, when the hiking trails are in better condition.

When planning to climb Mount Mikeno, you should pack good hiking boots, warm clothes, a raincoat, energy snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, garden gloves, and plenty of drinking water. Carrying all the essentials will help ensure a safe and comfortable climb.