Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the unmissable safari destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for sheltering some of the rarest wildlife species the African Continent can ever offer. The Eastern lowland gorillas are the first picture that comes to every traveller’s mind on mentioning the name Kahuzi-Biega yet there is more to look-out for. This spectacular National Par was named after two popular extinct Volcanoes-Kahuzi standing at 10,853 feet above sea level and Mount Biega towering at 9153 feet above sea level.
Size and Location of Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The beautiful Kahuzi-Biega National Park covers an area of 600,000 hectares from the Congo basin to the Albertine Rift, characterized by a rich habitat diversity ranging from the wetlands, dense tropical rainforest, open woodlands, dense woodland rainforests, sub-alpine prairies to the heather on the higher altitudes of Mount Kahuzi, hence making it one of the outstanding regions in the Albertine Rift valley area.
Like Virunga National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is found in the Eastern side of Democratic Republic of Congo and is adjacent to the western shores of Lake Kivu as well as the border of neighboring Rwanda. This popular Protected Area is nestled in both lowland and mountainous terrain with primary and authentic Tropical rainforest that blankets the two extinct Volcanoes.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is renowned for being one of the remaining havens of the extraordinary Eastern Lowland Gorillas (scientifically referred as Gorilla beringei graueri), the largest and heaviest of the four gorilla species and is categorized as “endangered” under the IUCN Red List.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park history
Before becoming a Protected Area, the region was facing habitat encroachment and species depletion. It is for this reason that the area become gazetted as a “Zoological and Forest Reserve” of Mount Kahuzi on the 27th of July 1937 by then Governor General of Belgian Colonial Government. It was then gazetted as a National Park in 1970 and was later extended five years later to its present-day size. In terms of management, the Park is under I’institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), like most Protected Areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The area was then designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, due to its remarkable diversity of rainforest habitats and the endangered eastern lowland gorillas.
Highlights
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the ecologically richest regions within the African Continent and Globe, boasting of; Plant species, Animals and Birds.
Lowland Gorilla trekking
As far as lowland gorilla trekking is concerned, Kahuzi-Biega National Park still remains the sole safari destination where travellers can meet face to face with the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas in the wild.
Travellers planning to undertake this activity are required to first book for trekking permits that cost only $400 per person per trek. Gorilla treks begin gradually and involve hiking the densely forested slopes of Kahuzi and Biega Volcanoes for 1-5 hours before the larges gorilla sub-species are finally found. One hour is the maximum time to observe and take photographs of these Giant Apes in their natural environment.
Mountain climbing
Mountain climbing is another thing that is impossible to miss in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and rewards travellers with the unforgettable opportunity to hike two extinct Volcanoes within the spectacular “Mitumba Mountain range” that sprawls the western Rift Valley in East Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Kahuzi, the tallest towers at 10853 feet above sea level and is found within the western shores of Lake Kivu, in the Albertine Rift.
Travellers that take on this Mountain are guaranteed of exploring varying landscapes as well as vegetation zones that include dense Tropical rainforests, Bamboo forests, sub-alpine prairies, mind-boggling waterfalls, thick swamplands and heather among others. It takes only about 4 hours to ascend Mount Kahuzi and another 3 hours to descend it but be expectant of riveting summit views of Bukavu Town, the surrounding dense Forest and phenomenal Lake Kivu.
Mount Biega, extending to 8887 feet above sea level takes a total of 6 hours to ascend and descend at the same time with views of spectacular vegetation types and occasional encounter with troops of primates, especially the owl-faced monkeys in addition to forest buffaloes and bird species.
Guided forest walks
For travellers that wish to experience the deep and hidden treasures of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, just undertake guided forest walks through a number of well-maintained hiking. One of the popular trails is the Tshibati waterfalls Trail where visitors are offered the chance to visit three magnificent waterfalls and even swim in the plunge pool.
Alternatively, try out the 6-kilometer long Mount Bugulumiza Trail that makes it easy to relish the breathtaking views of the Volcanoes in addition to being offered the rare opportunity to spot the Chimanuka gorilla family.
For travellers that walk along the Marais Musisi Trail, expect to come across Bamboo forests and beautiful wetlands where herds of elephants can be encountered.
Birding tours
There are over 349 bird species in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, hence making it a must visit birding spot in the country. Of these birds, over 42 species are localized to the Park. Notable species in this Park are the Congo peafowl, grey-crowned cranes, egrets, Turacos, Yellow-crested helmet shrike and many others.
Tours of Lwiro Sanctuary
Visitors to Kahuzi-Biega National Park can also have the chance to undertake tours of Lwiro Sanctuary, set up in 2002 within Bukavu City in the south-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This primate Sanctuary is about 2.5 miles from Kahuzi-Biega National Park and offers shelter to orphaned chimpanzees that were rescued from wire snares set by poachers. The site is home to 83 chimpanzees and 105 different monkey species in addition to Turtles, porcupines and parrots.
How do i get there ?
By Road
The Road transfer from Bukavu to Kahuzi-Biega National Park takes only one hour for a distance of about 40 kilometers. Majority of visitors to this Park start their trips/safaris from Kigali Rwanda then embark on a road transfer with border crossing at Rusizi.
By Flight
Travellers can charter flights from Kigali International Airport to Kavumu Airport then proceed by road to Kahuzi-Biega National Park Visitor Center.