Kahuzi Biega National park is one of the largest protected ares in the Democratic Republic of Congo, located in Bukavu town, west of Lake Kivu, near the border of Rwanda and DR Congo. The majority of the park occupies lowland terrain, while a smaller portion is situated in the Mitumba Mountain range within the Albertine Rift Valley. The park gets its name from two volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, standing at 3,308 and 2,790 meters above sea level, respectively. Established in 1970, Kahuzi Biega National Park covers an area of 6,000 square kilometers. The park is renowned for lowland gorilla trekking, with the first trekking safari conducted in 1973. In 1980, the national park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flora and Fauna in Kahuzi Biega National park
Kahuzi Biega National Park features a vegetation cover composed of forests and montane areas. The park also includes swamps, bog vegetation, marshlands, and riparian forests on hydromorphic ground at all altitudes. Most of these forests have continuous vegetation from the mountaintops to the lowland regions. There is a corridor connecting the highland section to the lowland section of the park.
The national park is home to eastern lowland gorillas,13 other primate species and boasts 349 bird species, including 42 endemic species. Other primates found here include Dent’s mona monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, eastern chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, Angolan black monkeys, Bosman’s potto, and golden monkeys. Additionally, the park is inhabited by various mammals such as bush elephants, bongo antelopes, Alexander’s bush squirrels, Maclaud’s horseshoe bats, bush buffaloes, eastern needle-clawed galagos, and dwarf buffaloes.
Things to do in Kahuzi Biega National park
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking
Kahuzi Biega National park is home to 250 Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These creatures thrive in areas abundant with bamboo trees, fruits, and other herbaceous materials, as these form their primary diet. A number of lowland gorillas in the park have been habituated, meaning they are accustomed to the presence of humans.
Permits to visit the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park are priced at $400. The activity typically begins early in the morning at 7 am, with a briefing from the head park ranger. Trekkers are then grouped into teams of a maximum of 8 people.
Trekking these majestic creatures can take between 4 to 6 hours, depending on their location within the forest. However, the activity may extend to longer hours if the gorillas have ventured deep into the forest in search of food. It's important to note that gorilla trekking can be physically and mentally demanding, requiring participants to be in good physical condition.
Chimpanzee habituation
Tourists also have the opportunity to participate in chimpanzee habituation at Lwiro Sanctuary. This protected area serves as a primate rehabilitation center for primates who have lost their parents, often due to poaching. The entry fee for visitors is $40.
At Lwiro Sanctuary, visitors can witness firsthand the efforts to rehabilitate and habituate chimpanzees, allowing them to gradually acclimate to the presence of humans. This experience offers a unique opportunity to observe these intelligent and charismatic animals in a natural setting while supporting conservation efforts aimed at protecting them.
Community and cultural walks
Kahuzi Biega offers tourists a unique opportunity to engage with the local communities living near the national park. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich ethnic cultures of Congo and gain insight into the daily lives of the locals.
During their visit, tourists have the chance to witness traditional performances, songs, and dances performed by the locals. Additionally, they can explore and purchase souvenirs such as baskets, beads, necklaces, earrings, and clothing made from locally sourced materials like recycled papers, sisals, papyrus, and kitenges.
Moreover, visitors can participate in hands-on experiences, including learning how to cook traditional Congolese delicacies. This allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the local culture and cuisine, enriching the overall travel experience.
Bird watching
The park is home to 349 bird species. Some of the birds that can be spotted include trogons, peafowl, Rwenzori turaco, Shelley’s crimsonwing, Grauer’s broadbill, Rockefeller’s sunbird, and Grauer’s warbler. Birdwatching is a popular activity that can be enjoyed during nature or community walks.
Boat cruise
Tourists can also enjoy a boat ride on Lake Kivu, which is shared by Rwanda and DR Congo. This activity costs $50 per person.
Hiking mountains of Kahuzi and Biega
The Mitumba Mountain ranges offer exciting hiking adventures for tourists visiting the national park. Mount Kahuzi, standing at 3308 meters above sea level, provides stunning views of Bukavu town and Lake Kivu. Visitors can hike through bamboo forests and subalpine vegetation, home to a variety of birds. The hike typically takes around 4 hours.
For a longer trek, tourists can hike Mount Biega, which is 2790 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views. This hike takes approximately 6 hours to complete. Additionally, adventurers can explore Mount Bugulumiza, standing at 2400 meters high, which provides panoramic views of both Mount Kahuzi and Biega.
Aside from mountain hikes, tourists can also venture to the Kibatu waterfalls, adding another dimension to their exploration of the park's scenery and wildlife.
Best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National park
The Democratic Republic of Congo experiences two rainy seasons. The short rainy season typically occurs from October to November, while the long rainy season spans from March to May. During these periods, the country sees increased rainfall, making it the best time for lowland gorilla tracking in Kahuzi Biega National Park and mountain gorilla tracking in Virunga National Park.
However, many tourists prefer to travel between June and September to February. During these months, rainfall is reduced, and most national parks in DR Congo experience sunny weather. Visitors are advised to book gorilla permits in advance to secure their spots for tracking activities.
What to pack for lowland gorilla trekking
For enjoyment and amazing experiences during the lowland gorilla trekking, tourists are advised to carry long sleeved trousers and shirts in nature friendly colours, hats or caps, wattle bottles, packed lunch, hiking boots, sun screens, insect repellents cream, photography cameras and gorilla permit.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National park
It can be accessed by road or air however travelers have to understand that from Kavumu airport and Miti take left and keep going straight until you see the visitor center. One can choose to board a flight from Kigali airport to Goma airport in DR Congo where the company guide will pick. The park is located 30 kms from Bukavu town and it can take 1 and 30 mins to enter the national park. For those using road, you will embark on 6-7 hour drive from Kigali to Kamembe in Cyangugu town via Rusizi road. After crossing the borders at Goma and Bukavu you will continue to drive for 1hr and 30 mins drive to get to the national park.
Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National park
There are several accommodation options available within and around Kahuzi Biega National Park. These facilities cater to various budgets, offering services ranging from budget-friendly to mid-range and luxury accommodations. Some of these establishments include Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Lodge Coco, Hotel Exodus Bukavu, Orchids Safari Club, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, and Hotel Begonias.
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