Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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Kahuzi-Biega National Park DR Congo
The western zone is forested by equatorial rain forest, with a transition forest between 1,200 m and 1,500 m. In the eastern zone, six different primary vegetation types have been distinguished with the mountain rainforest, high-altitude rain forest, swamp forest, bamboo forest, subalpine heather, and swamp and peat bog.
Kahuzi Biega National park has a rich diversity of flora and fauna protecting both plants, mammals, and bird species, among which the Eastern lowland gorillas are the most prominent among the mammals found. Other primates include Chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, elephant, Bush buffalo, Alexander’s Bush squirrel.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park contains a greater diversity of mammal species than any other site in the Albertine Rift. It is the second most important site of the region for both endemic species and in terms of specific diversity. Kahuzi Biega National Park protects over 136 species of mammals, among which the star is the eastern lowland gorilla & 13 other primates, including threatened species such as the chimpanzee.
Other extremely rare species of the eastern forests of the DRC are also found, such as the giant forest genet.
Size of Kahuzi Biega National Park DR Congo
Kahuzi Biega National park covers an area of 60000 square kilometers with the Eastern part being the smaller mountainous range measuring 600, and the largest part measuring 5600 square kilometers consisting of main lowland stretching from Bukavu to Kisangani, drained by Luuka and Lugulu Rivers which flows into the Lualaba River.
Kahuzi Biega National Park was published in 1970 to conserve and preserve the Eastern Lowland gorillas (the world’s largest lowland gorilla species.
The park gained its status in 1980 as the UNESCO World’s Heritage site and the Park is operated and managed by the Institut Congolese Pour La Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) with offices in Bukavu town.
Location of Kahuzi Biega National Park
The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a protected area near Bukavu town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’ It is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. The national park was established in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver, the park is named after two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega which are within its limits. With an area of 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 sq mi), Kahuzi-Biega is one of the biggest national parks in the country.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega can easily be accessed since it is located 40km away from Bukavu town, and the means of transport depends on the tourist’s interest. But due to the rough terrains, most visitors prefer to go by the road that is, the 4×4 fleets, which take a 90minutes drive to the park
By road
The easiest way by road to access Kahuzi Biega National Park is via southwestern Rwanda, Clients are advised to fly into Kigali and take a drive through Nyungwe Forest to the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in Bukavu and Rusizi and spent a night at a beach resort in the Rwandan side before crossing to the Congo side the next day
The drive can take up to 6 hours but through good road conditions using a 4×4 safari car.
By Air
Airlines are also available whereby visitors use domestic charter flights from Kigali to the Rusizi border and then cross to Congo(Bukavu town) after then you are required to take a 4×4 fleet to the park, that might take about 90 minutes to reach.
Attractions in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking
Kahuzi Biega national park is famous for eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo. The Eastern lowland is distinguished from all other gorilla types by their stocky bodies, large hands, and short muzzles and mainly feed on fruits and other herbaceous materials. Kahuzi Biega national park has two eastern lowland gorilla families exposed for tracking while others are still undergoing the habituation process. These are the most peaceful and social primates featuring about 5-30 members with an alpha male being the dominant in the family who is always responsible for the protection and establishing the home for the rest of the family members.
With lowland gorillas, Kahuzi Biega becomes is off the beaten tracks whereby your time and money spent will make a great difference in your life that you will never regret.
Trekking involves hiking in the tropical rainforest following different trails depending on where they slept the previous night. Trekking lasts for about 30 minutes to 5hrs and most visitors feel the real family experience within the 1hr spent in the presence of the primates.
Mount Kahuzi & Biega Hiking
You don’t only stop at trekking the eastern lowland gorillas, but also the stunning views of the Park that is clearly seen from the two peaks of the volcanic peaks of Mountain Kahuzi and Mount Biega that are situated within the heart of the park. These mountains are inactive with Mount Kahuzi standing at an elevation of 3308 meters above sea level and Mount Biega at 2790m showing the park’s entire view alongside the wildlife, neighboring communities, and other countries not forgetting the bamboo and sub-alpine vegetation which harbor various animals hence providing chances of encountering owl-faced monkeys and variety of birds.
Bird Watching in Kahuzi Biega
Kahuzi Biega is a paradise for bird lovers with approximately 342 bird species of which 42 are endemic to the park. Among these sported birds include; yellow crested-helmet shrike, African green broad bill, and Congo peafowl, Rockefeller’s among others. The park is now one of the threatened sites put under the protection of the International Union Conservation Area (IUCN).
Nature Walks
Nature walkers have to follow trails in the tropical rain forest to different tourism sites, including the Tshibati waterfalls which also lead to other three waterfalls. The walk takes trekkers through different vegetation types, different wildlife as well as beautiful sounds from the birds singing up on the trees, which brings up great relaxation of the mind. By the time travelers leave the forest; they have clear minds and more knowledge about wildlife in the national park hence a memorable experience
When to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
It is difficult to recommend the best time to go and visit Kahuzi Biega National Park because the park is located in a region with vast rain forests. The months between January and February are believed to be relatively dry while May to October is a period with more rain.
Where to stay in Kahuzi Biega National Park
No Safari lodge or accommodation is located at the park of Kahuzi Biega but all accommodations are located in Bukavu town as it’s the most developed city closer to the park and all travelers spend their nights in Bukavu town and travel in the morning hours to Kahuzi Biega national park for the safari
These lodges and hotels in Bukavu provide quality delicious food, bed facilities, and services which include coco lodge and orchid Safari Club. Both budget and luxury travelers are assured of the best services offered at pocket-friendly prices.
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