Mikeno Lodge is a luxurious lodge tucked into a forested hillside at Virunga National Park Headquarters and the perfect base for visiting mountain gorillas or climbing a volcano. The lodge is perfectly situated between three major attractions in Virunga National Park, and is only one and a half hours from Goma. There is an abundance of bird life, as well as resident blue monkeys, Colobus monkeys, and baboons. Chimpanzees are also frequent visitors to the area. Whether your stay is the starting point for gorilla, volcano, and chimp adventures, or purely for a relaxing time-out in a peaceful location, Mikeno Lodge provides an exceptional experience among the wildlife and beauty of Virunga National Park.
Having a holiday in Mikeno lodge is no regret since it’s located just next to headquarters where the gorilla trek starts from. Although the main draw is obviously Congo gorilla trekking, don’t underestimate the beauty and utter tranquillity of the area. If you can, stay an extra night and just enjoy the surroundings.
Mikeno Lodge offers twelve unique bungalows, each have stunning views into the surrounding forest. Fashioned with lava stone, mahogany and thatch the bungalows are nestled amidst the thick forest greenery and reaching trees. Comprised of a comfortable lounging area and fireplace to ward off the crisp evening air, the spacious bungalows enjoy en-suite bathrooms with stone carved baths and curved stone showers. The decor merges Congolese ethnicity and classic simplicity with patterned rugs, soft tones and sleek wooden furniture; whilst the private deck allows guests to enjoy the performance of the Blue and Colobus monkeys in the forest. Enjoyed beneath the thatched Boma at the main lodge, dining is delicious and flavoursome.
This is a great little lodge and the only small, boutique style property in the area. Each of the 12, solid lava stone and natural thatch bungalows sit in the heart of Virunga National Park, overlooking the forest or valley with Nyiragongo and Mikeno volcanoes in the distance.
Inside each of the large rooms, the Congolese décor and warm fabrics are mixed with simple, but very comfortable African furniture, sleek stone carved baths and en-suite showers. Given the rain forest environment, large open fires in each room, help keeps the chill at bay. Wooden verandas outside each room and the main bar and seating area are the perfect place to watch the Colobus and Blue monkeys leaping in the trees above, but as the sun sets and the temperature drops, private fires in the main restaurant provide warmth as you sit down to enjoy delicious home cooked food and lively conversation.
The staff are keen to make your stay memorable as possible the lodge should be commended in opening up this beautiful part of the world. Given its location, at night there is a chance to sit back and relax with a nightcap as the lava from distant volcanoes glows red under a starry night sky.