Located in the Bukavu area on the western bank of Lake Kivu, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a spectacle for the eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris. Over the past decades, the Democratic Republic of Congo has gained a reputation as one of the best safari destinations in Africa.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the middle of two volcanic mountains namely Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. A safari to Kahuzi-Biega National Park gives travelers a chance to discover some of the hidden treasures of Congo as well as hike these amazing volcanoes. The park is home to multiple wildlife species some of which are rift valley endemics while others are restricted to the area.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in the year 1937 and is one of the largest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since it supports hundreds of wildlife, plants, and animal species. Kahuzi-Biega National Park covers an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers. The park is as old as the days of Belgian rule in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has been through thick and thin including wars in the country. Many animals were killed by poachers rendering some species critically endangered. The park was occupied by several refugees who had been displaced by wars.
Currently, the park is dominated by the Batwa tribe. The Batwa are the ancient dwellers of Africa’s rainforest. They also dominate the Virunga Conservation Area which stretches to Uganda and Rwanda. The Virunga Conservation Area also known as the Virunga massif is a chain of Volcanic mountains comprising several National Parks. These parks include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Virunga National Park (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
What to see and do in Kahuzi-Biega National Park? Attractions and Activities in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an avian destination for tourists and other travel enthusiasts seeking a thrilling adventure in Africa. The park supports hundreds of plant, animal, and bird species. A safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park gives you a chance to spot some of these magical tourist attractions as well as participate in many tourist activities. A trip to Kahuzi Biega National Park can be easily combined with other popular safaris in East Africa including wildebeest migration safaris in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris, Rwanda Cultural tours, and combined East Africa wildebeest migration and gorilla trekking tours. Below are some of the top things to see and do or the best things to see and do in Kahuzi Biega National Park;
Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a renowned safari destination for the eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris. The Lowland gorilla is a subspecies of the eastern gorilla species found in the eastern parts of Africa. The park is a remaining habitat for these species which are on the verge of extinction. Lowland gorillas unlike mountain gorillas live in lowland areas with warm temperatures. This is one of the reasons why lowland gorilla trekking in Congo is not as challenging as mountain gorilla trekking.
Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park involves a group of tourists (trekkers) not more than 8 people per group, following a particular gorilla group (family) in the forests. They monitor their behaviors and enjoy spectacular moments like playing, dining, and mating. Travelers are given a chance to spend time in the presence of these magical apes as a way of making them used to humans. This reduces the human-wildlife conflicts in Congo and thus supports wildlife and nature conservation in Africa. During a gorilla trekking tour in Kahuzi Biega National Park, trekkers are led by experienced safari guides in the park.
These guides devote their time to searching for the lowland gorillas, knowing their nests and where they spend most of their nights. This makes lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park an easy venture.
Guided nature walks in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a reliable safari destination for guided nature walks in Congo and Africa. Travelers follow different trails and explore the park at length during their Congo safaris. Following the Marais Musisi trail or the Tshibati waterfall trails is an opportunity to get up close with some of the endemic bird species in the park. You will also meet many primates like the lowland gorillas and many monkey species. Nature walks in Kahuzi Biega National Park are a gateway to enjoying the real breeze of the wilderness.
Mountain hiking adventures in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Hiking adventures in Kahuzi Biega National Park come with extraordinary views of the surrounding areas including Lake Kivu and Bukavu town. Climbing Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega takes you through different vegetation zones comprising bamboo trees. You also explore the bamboo forests and swamps.
Birding tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Are you a bird lover or bird enthusiast looking for a perfect place for a birding safari? Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the best places in Congo to look up to on your birding adventure safari. The park is home to over 350 species of birds. Some of these birds are Rift Valley endemic species while others are migratory.
Some of the bird species in Kahuzi Biega National Park include; the grey-crowned crested crane, hammer cop, African Kingfisher, woodpecker, Abyssinian ground hornbill, black and white bee-eater, grey-chested cuckoo, marabou stork, to mention but a few.
What is the best time to Visit Kahuzi Biega National Park?
The park is open to tourists any time of the year. Tourists are allowed to trek gorillas on public holidays and weekends. However, the dry season is the best season to trek the lowland gorillas. The dry season runs from June to September and December to February.