Mount Mikeno

Volcano High Virunga peak in DRC, habitat for mountain gorillas

One of the Virunga Massif peaks in North Kivu, Mount Mikeno lies within Virunga National Park and is part of gorilla habitat; tourists come for guided gorilla treks and rugged mountain scenery.

Main image
Mount Mikeno (21070273651).jpg
Mount Mikeno - North Kivu (20439870744).jpg
Mount Mikeno – Virunga National Park.jpg
Summit of mount Mikeno floating on clouds (20441585413).jpg
Virunga National Park Landscape.jpg
Virunga volcanoes.jpg
Volcanoes in Western Uganda.jpg

Mount Mikeno is a volcanic peak in the Virunga Mountains in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaches an elevation of roughly 4,400 metres and is one of the higher summits in the chain.

Terrain on and around Mikeno is steep and rugged, with highland forest and alpine habitats typical of the Virunga range. The area around the mountain, notably the Mikeno sector, is known for its association with mountain gorillas and other highland wildlife.

Mikeno is part of the volcanic Virunga chain formed by tectonic and volcanic activity along the Albertine Rift. The mountain and surrounding highlands have been within conservation efforts tied to Virunga National Park.

The peak lies in North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in the Virunga Mountains near the border with Rwanda.

  • Virunga and wildlife link: Sits within the Virunga volcanic chain and is adjacent to the Mikeno sector of Virunga National Park, an area associated with mountain gorilla habitat.
Mount Mikeno
Mount Mikeno - located in Virunga National Park, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (visit by permit/guided tour)
-1.4631, 29.4184

Tips for Visiting Mount Mikeno #

  • Book treks and any gorilla visits through Virunga National Park well in advance and go only with park‑approved guides and armed rangers - Mount Mikeno is inside the park and access is managed for both conservation and safety.
  • Check current travel advisories and the park's operational status before travel; security and park access in eastern DRC can change, so confirm permits, meeting points and ranger arrangements ahead of arrival.
  • Plan visits during the drier months (roughly June-September and December-February) when trails are firmer and gorilla tracking is generally easier than during the heavy rains.

Best Time to Visit Mount Mikeno #

Visit Mount Mikeno during the region's dry periods (Jan-Feb and Jun-Sep) when trails are firmer and access is easiest.

Dry seasons (best for trekking and access)
January-February & June-September · 5-20°C (mountain conditions)
Drier trails and firmer ground make treks and ranger-led visits easier and safer during these months.
Wet seasons (muddy, more difficult access)
March-May & October-December · 5-20°C
Frequent rain leads to muddy, slippery trails and reduced visibility-fieldwork and trekking are more challenging.

Weather & Climate near Mount Mikeno #

Climate

Mount Mikeno's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 2°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1915 mm/year), wettest in April.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

164 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
76%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (223 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

223 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (252 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

252 mm
Rainfall
0.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
0.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

June

June is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
0.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

45 mm
Rainfall
0.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

August

August is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

51 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
0.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
75%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

157 mm
Rainfall
0.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

188 mm
Rainfall
0.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (210 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

210 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

43 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

195 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
12.1h daylight

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