Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is another impressive tourist destination in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo south Kivu province not far from Bukavu town. This park is a UNESCO heritage site that was established in 1970 with a coverage of 6000 square kilometers. The park comprises an extensive rainforest with unique wildlife species, majorly the endangered eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorilla). The park incorporates two dormant volcanic mountains, Mount Kahuzi standing at 3,308 meters above sea level and Mount Biega at a height of 2,790 meters above sea level. It is from these mountains that the park derives its name.

The park has different vegetation zones which include a thick rain forest, bamboo forest, sub-alpine heather, and swamps which are a famous home to different mammal and bird species.

Kahuzi Biega National Park comprises both the mountainous and lowland terrains that are separated by a 7.4-kilometer corridor. The eastern part is found in the Albertine Rift Valley and is dominated by the mountainous terrain and the rest of the park has the lowland terrain which is drained by the Luka and Lungulu rivers which flow into the Lualaba River.

 The park is home to many different wildlife species, among them the eastern lowland gorillas, which are the most sought-after tourist attractions. Other mammals include elephants, buffaloes, primates like chimpanzees, and olive baboons.  Bird species in this park include  Congo Peafowl, African Broadbill, Rwenzori Turaco, Yellow-crested helmet shrike, Yellow-billed wax bill, and golden winged sunbird among others.

Things to do in  Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the hidden gems in DRC. This park has for a long time received fewer visits due to political instabilities. However, to date, the country is relatively stable with the help of the government army force and armies from neighbouring countries.  This has enabled the park to receive many visitors who wish to engage in different activities provided by the park, and these include:

East Lowland gorilla tracking

Easter lowland gorilla trekking is an amazing and adventurous activity where visitors move on foot into the lowland areas of the Kahuzi Biega National Park in search of lowland habituated gorilla families.

 Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as the Grauer’s gorillas are the largest of the four gorilla species and are only found in Kahuzi Biega National Park. this park has over 9 gorilla families with 5 of them habituated and ready for trekking daily. Trekking to the lowland gorillas starts in the early morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations to follow in the trekking activity. After briefing treks into the jungles with the leadership of the game guides who are familiar with the trails, on encounters, they are allowed to spend one hour with them in their natural habitat.

While trekking you will luckily spot other wild animals like red-tiled monkeys, blue monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabeys, olive baboons, and different birds and plant species. On encounter with the eastern lowland gorillas, you are allowed to spend one hour which allows you to observe their behavior as they feed, take care of the young ones, play, and see how the silverback guards their family. you will take memorable photos as a record of the breathtaking expedition.

Mountain hiking

Hiking is a favorite activity carried out in this park. Kahuzi Biega National Park has several mountains that render it to be a suitable hiking destination.  Through well-defined hiking trails, one can hike Mount Kahuzi where ascending and descending takes you 6-7 hours. At the summit, you will enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Kivu, Bukavu town, and other beautiful landscapes.

 Hiking Mount Biega takes 6 hours. Trails along this mountain take you through different vegetation zones where you luckily spot different wildlife animals, birds, and plants.

 Bird watching

his park is home to over 350 bird species some of which are endemic to the Albertine rift.  Some birds are migratory and come to the park to escape the cold winter conditions. Bird watching in this park usually occurs in two sessions in the morning and evening hours.  Birds can also be seen as you hike to the summit of different mountains. During this activity, you will spot different bird species like the paradise flycatcher, Rwenzori turaco, double-collared sunbird, marsh harrier, Grauer’s warbler, eastern mountain greenbul, yellow-crested helmet shrike, martial eagle,  handsome francolin, Shelley’s Crimson wing,  Congo peafowl,  handsome francolin, bar-tailed trogon,  grey throated tit,  dusky turtle love and the long-crested eagle among others.

Visit Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre

Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center is found in Bukavu town which is a few kilometers from the national park. this place is home to  92 orphaned chimpanzees and 108 monkeys that were rescued from smugglers and poachers. At the rehabilitation center, you will learn how the animals are cared for in terms of feeding and trying to maintain their health. You will get a chance to participate in feeding them, cleaning their sleeping areas, and spending good time with them.

Nature walks

Guided nature walks are an interesting activity in Kahuzi Biega National Park. you will joyfully explore the park on foot with the guidance of an armed ranger following the park trails.  When you take the Tshibati waterfall trails that lead you to the three waterfalls. The Marais Musis trail will lead you through the bamboo forest zone where you will luckily spot different wildlife species including animals, plant birds, and butterflies as you enjoy the cool breeze of the forest.

 How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park is just a few kilometers from Bukavu town which is only 1:30 hours from the park headquarters. This park can be accessed using different means of transport from different destinations.

By road

When traveling from Rwanda, drive for 6-7 hours from Kigali to the park via Rusizi border.  As you drive, enjoy the amazing scenery of the rolling hills on Rwanda’s wide plantations and markets on the roadsides.  When you reach the park, you should go to the lodge for relaxation and prepare for the next day’s activity.

From Kampala, travel to the southwestern part of Uganda, and cross to Congo via Bunagana border. You can also first connect to Rwanda via to Katuna border, then proceed through Rwanda and connect to the DRC Congo Via Rusizi border. This route is a bit tiresome as it will involve a one-night stay in Rwanda though very scenic and adventurous.

From Burundi, start your journey from Bujumbura, first cross to Rwanda via the Ruwa border then Rusizi which connects you to DRC Congo.

By water

 From Burundi, travel from Bujumbura to  Uvira, a port in the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. From here take a boat to  Bukavu province located at Kahuzi Biega national Park.

You can take a boat on Lake Kivu to Goma or Bukavu. From there, travel by road to the park. in this case, a 4×4 WD vehicle is recommended as the roads are not well constructed.

By air

The park can be accessed by taking charter flights from Kigali to Kamembe Airport on the Rusizi border.  You can also fly from Kigali to Goma International Airport and then drive for 230 km to the park.  one can also fly from Entebbe International Airport to  Goma and then proceed to the park.

 Best time to travel to Kahuzi Biega National Park.

 The dry season is best preferred for different activities carried out in this park although it can be visited all year round. The dry season is normally June to September and December to February when there is less rainfall is expected. More sunlight penetrates through the dense tropical forest canopy. The forest inhabitants move freely in the wilderness with less rain expected. The trails are drier with little undergrowth to obstruct the road. The dry season offers a good time to take quality photos and captivating films.

 The wet season, which is normally from March to May and November, attracts fewer gorilla safaris but offers great opportunities for tourists to have greater exploration through the park as there is less crowd.

There is a better opportunity to spot a variety of birds, primate species, and other interesting features in the forest.

Where to stay in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Biega National Park does not have any accommodations inside the park except for camping areas operated by the park authorities and travelers must carry their camping gear. Most accommodations are found in Bukavu town which is nearest to the park. some of the accommodations include L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge, Lakeside Bukavu Hotel, Mount Kahuzi Hotel Bukavu, Exodus Budget Lodge, and Hotel Begonias Bukavu among others.