Mount Mikeno - Gorilla Uganda Safaris

Visit MOUNT. MIKENO

Mount. Mikeno is a dormant volcanic mountain situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo bordering the neighboring Rwanda and is part of the Virunga massif along with mountains Nyamuragira, mountain Nyiragongo, Mount. Gahinga, Mount. Muhabura, Mountain Karisimbi, Mountain Sabyinyo and Mountain Bisoke.

The mountain is one of the top tourist attractions in the country and derives its name “Mikeno” meaning poor due to its unfavourable slopes that suppress human settlement.

The mountain lies in the southern part of the leading gorilla trekking destination in Congo, Virunga National Park. Mountain gorillas can be sighted on the slopes of this mountain. The lush vegetation covered by the volcano in the surroundings is home to various primate species including chimpanzees, baboons and monkeys. Most visitors come for gorilla trekking activities in Virunga National Park but also find the activity of hiking mountain Mikeno a rewarding and satisfying one.

Unlike other surrounding volcanoes, the soils around Mikeno are fertile due to the rain formation caused by the strong winds that hit the mountain to rise and form relief rainfall. In 1926, one of the first hikers on mountain Mikeno known as Akeley Carl died of fever while climbing this volcano and was buried at Kabara campsite which visitors will encounter while ascending to the summit.

When one visits the prominent Virunga National Park, the first key feature to sight is the great mountain Mikeno, visibly tall and can only be seen in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A famous zoologist who was famously known as Diane Fossey whose grave lies in the Virunga national park was also among the people who made the volcano popular due to research that she conducted in this place.

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HIKING MOUNTAIN MIKENO

Standing at 4,437 metres high, Mountain Mikeno is the second highest mountain in the Virunga Massif after mountain Karisimbi and the 13th highest peak on the African continent. Hiking up at the summit of mountain Mikeno is quite challenging, the mountain was first climbed to the summit in 1932 by W.J Gashoff Van der Meesch.

The starting point of hiking mountain Mikeno starts from the Virunga National Park and both the ascending and descending take about six full hours. The whole experience is very tiring but absolutely rewarding and worth every single penny. Aside from the stunning wildlife views while ascending to the summit, lush vegetation canopies, freshwater bodies, coffee and mountain peaks can also be sighted.

Wildlife animals that can be sighted during the hike include lions, warthogs, leopards, hippos and elephants. Another hiking track available is at Mikeno lodge great for less fit hikers.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MT. MIKENO

The best time to visit mountain Mikeno is the dry season of the year. The drier period of months from December to February, July, August and September are the best right kind of timing to visit Mikeno. Unlike the wet season, hiking activities are made easier during the dry season since the hiking routes are dry, not muddy and not slippery.

The vegetation is also reduced to enable visitors to access the hidden routes while having the best wildlife views. Rainfall is however unpredictable as it can even rain during the dry season so visitors are advised to carry their rain jackets and other right kinds of attire. Hiking Mountain Mikeno requires visitors to be in their best health.

Visitors can access mountain Mikeno from Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda which is about three hours of drive. International flights are available to Goma town, which is about one-hour drive from Goma town situated in the north of Kivu to Mt. Mikeno.

How much is a gorilla permit per visitor?

There is no standard price for Uganda, Rwanda or Congo gorilla permit –each country has its rates. In Uganda, the charges vary depending on the visitor category. The foreign non-residents are charged USD 700 to have their gorilla permits booked, USD 600 for foreign residents and Ugandans (East Africa citizens) pay shs. 250,000 per person. To have a gorilla permit secured/booked, you need USD 1500 for Rwanda and this is most ideal for luxury/high-end travelers interested in visiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

Which are the best Gorilla safari destinations?

When booking a gorilla permit, it is also a good thing to have a destination of your desire in mind. The key places to consider a must-visit on gorilla tour include Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park –these are gorilla trekking destinations for tourists on a tour in Uganda. In Rwanda, Volcanoes National Park is where you can locate habituated mountain gorilla families and crossing the D.R. Congo, you can explore Virunga National Park.

When is the best time to book your gorilla permit?

It is a good thing to also understand when best to book your gorilla permits to avoid having issues on actual date of gorilla trekking. Considering our experience, we always recommend our clients to have their permits booked early enough at least 2-4 months. This can save you from last minute stress, especially if you plan to travel during the dry season also considered to be the peak season. The peak months of the year fall around June, July, August to September, and December, January to February.

How can I book a gorilla Permit?

Gorilla permits are among the relevant documents visitors must have to be allowed to track gorillas in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Not any gorilla permit should be presented on actual gorilla trekking adventure but a valid one. Booking gorilla permits is part of making the entire gorilla trip complete and should be done early enough before the actual visit to see mountain gorillas or eastern lowland gorillas.

To have your gorilla permit booked, there is a process one should undergo through and is generally tedious. Considering your tight schedule back home, you may wonder how easier you can have your permit booked in advance to avoid last minute stress.

The easiest way to secure your gorilla permit in Uganda or Rwanda is by dealing with a recognized tour operator/company on the ground. This is where our reservation team comes in. As part of your gorilla safari requirement, our team being on ground will ensure that your permit is booked early enough and everything else that is needed for gorilla trekking is put together.

The beauty about dealing with local safari company such as ours is that we have knowledge on the different gorilla groups and surrounding communities plus various accommodation facilities for your night stay. This is in addition to making the entire gorilla permit booking process easier on behalf of our clients.

There is also an option of booking the permit directly through the reservation team of respective park authorities. But the challenge is that you must undergo through the long process to have your permit booked and this may not favor you depending on your schedule. Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) is an organ in charge not only for conservation of wildlife in the Pearl of Africa but also sets prices for tourism activities in the parks including gorilla permits. In Rwanda, you can contact Rwanda Tourism Board/Rwanda Development Board to have your permit booked.

What is the East African tourist visa?

The East African tourist visa is a joint visa that permits one to travel to specific countries within East Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda only. A joint tourist visa can be used several times for various purposes as long as it’s not overdue.

Tourists should therefore find it important to always remember that the tourist visa lasts for only 90 days. Processing the tourist visa takes a maximum period of two working days. It is also important to note that the tourist visa prohibits employment.

How to apply for an East African Tourist Visa?

The process of applying for a tourist visa has been made easier since it can be done with the help of a tour operator or by the individual themselves online through the Ministry of Internal Affairs immigration portal. Visitors are required to log in to the portal, go ahead and accept the terms and conditions for the tourist visa, select the Visa / permit type, the subcategory and category, complete the application form and upload the required documents.

A reference number will be generated and sent to you through your email, submit it and proceed to payment. It’s important to note that the payment can be made using Visa cards. An approval letter will be sent to your email after the above process.

Report at the immigration office or border post for the biometric capture with all the necessary documents, receipt of payment, approval letter and your passport. Visitors should regard it as important to enter through the home country issuing the visa.

How much does the East African tourist visa cost?

The East African tourist visa costs a fee of $100 only, meaning that it can be obtained by all travelers ranging from the budget to luxurious ones.

What are some of the Gorilla trekking rules and regulations