Ultimate guide to Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in close proximity to the border separating Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, adjacent to Lake Kivu, specifically situated in the town of Bukavu. Kahuzi Biega, founded in 1970 by Adrien Deschryver, a Belgian animal conservationist and photographer, is one of Congo’s largest national parks.
Kahuzi-Biega was initially established as a forest and zoological reserve in 1937 during the colonial era under the administration of the Belgian government. Subsequent extensions were undertaken to encompass the extensive surrounding woods, lowland regions, and swamps that served as the habitat for the Grauer’s gorillas. A total of 137 mammal species and 350 bird species have been documented inhabiting the Parks Mountains, forest floors, marshlands, and extensive marshes. The Eastern lowland gorilla is the most highly desired mammal in the park. Lowland gorillas inhabit two regions inside Kahuzi Biega National Park: the highlands and the lowlands. Approximately 170 individuals have been documented in the Highlands. Quantifying the population size in the lowland regions of the park has been challenging due to the continued presence of rebels/militias in that area.
Park management has enhanced park border surveillance, established clear park boundaries, and conducted community awareness campaigns regarding the significance of preserving wildlife for future generations. The park provides employment opportunities for both local residents who were displaced from the park and previous individuals engaged in illegal hunting. Community leaders have played an active role in managing the park to foster a feeling of ownership and shared responsibility for preserving the park’s resources. The people have experienced increased income through the sale of food and souvenirs to hotels and tourists, thanks to gorilla tourism.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Tracking: The primary reason why people visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park is to observe Grauer’s gorillas. Mountain gorillas are smaller in size compared to Eastern lowland gorillas. This species is currently making one of its final efforts to survive in this location and is at risk of becoming extinct. There are three completely habituated Grauer’s lowland gorilla groups available for travelers to visit in the highlands. To track the gorillas, one must hike through the lush tropical rainforests, swamps, and possibly highlands, depending on the gorilla group’s most recent position. When monitoring the gorillas, it is crucial to consistently heed the guidance provided by the rangers.
The process of tracking might vary in duration, ranging from thirty minutes to six hours. You have a strict time limit of one hour to spend with the gorillas. Utilize this period to closely watch the family with great attention to detail.
One should be capable of observing juvenile primates engaging in play, adult females nurturing their offspring, and the dominant male silverback vigilantly monitoring the surroundings for any threats to the group. Additionally, you should possess the ability to discern and recognize distinct individuals, their unique personalities, and the dynamics within a group. Upon completing the activity, you will come to recognize the striking similarities between human beings and gorillas, further reinforcing the imperative to protect them at all expense.
Mountain hiking
Ascending to the peak of Mount Kahuzi provides awe-inspiring vistas of the town of Bukavu and Lake Kivu. Ascending to the peak, which stands at an elevation of 3,308 meters, typically requires approximately four hours, whilst descending takes approximately three hours. While ascending and descending, you will pass by sub-alpine flora and bamboo woods teeming with avian and other fauna. Mount Biega has an elevation of 2790 meters and requires approximately six hours to ascend and descend. The flora observed during the ascent of Mount Biega exhibits notable dissimilarities compared to the vegetation present on Mount Kahuzi. Mount Bugulumiza is another viable option for hiking. With an elevation of 2400 meters, this location provides excellent panoramic vistas of the nearby terrain, encompassing the Biega and Kahuzi mountains, as well as the expansive tropical rainforests within the park. Ascending and descending Mount Bugulumiza requires a total of 3 hours.
Nature walks
The Park now features meticulously developed pathways that lead visitors to observe the primates and avian species during nature walks. These trails serve the dual purpose of tracking gorillas and conducting border patrols, both tasks carried out by the park rangers. With the guidance of seasoned park guides, you have the option to embark on either the Marais Musisi Trail or the Tshibati Waterfalls Trail, both of which traverse swamps, bamboo forests, and three stunning waterfalls. Beware of primates such as chimpanzees and tiny monkeys. The price for participating in nature walks is approximately $35.
What's the best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Ensuring safety is a paramount issue for every tourist visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kahuzi Biega National Park has experienced a period of relative tranquility in recent years, in contrast to Virunga National Park, which was recently closed. The park management has implemented extensive measures to ensure the safety of tourists by fortifying the highland area of the park. Tourists are accompanied by armed rangers at all times when they engage in any activities. The implementation of border patrols and effective interaction with surrounding communities has successfully assured the identification and appropriate response to any trespassers within the park.
Determining the optimal time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park is challenging due to its location in a region characterized by extensive rainforest. The months from January to February are considered to have lower precipitation, whereas the period from May to October is characterized by higher rainfall. Tourists should anticipate precipitation at any given moment during the year when visiting the park. The park undergoes a remarkable transformation during the rainy season, turning into a lush and verdant landscape that provides abundant nourishment for migratory birds. Gorilla trekking is most effectively conducted during the rainy season due to the reduced mobility of the gorillas, as there is an abundance of food available.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park?
This approach differs from the one followed by parks located outside of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the unstable conditions in the Eastern region, strict security measures have been implemented to safeguard the park, its personnel, and visitors. The process of crossing into Congo is subject to stricter supervision in comparison to Uganda, Rwanda, or Kenya. Optimally, one should coordinate their border crossing by enlisting the services of a reputable tour company. If you are unaccompanied, it is necessary for you to travel in the company of a person who is recognized by the Congolese border authorities.
The optimal itinerary for reaching Kahuzi-Biega is to go from Kigali to Congo via the Cyangungu border, and then proceed to the town of Bukavu. The majority of overseas tourists arrive at Kigali Airport throughout the afternoon or evening. Resting overnight and departing for Bukavu the next day is crucial due to the seven-hour travel duration from Kigali to the Congo border. Travelers originating from Burundi can utilize the Uvira border crossing, while those entering through Goma have the option of taking the Lake Kivu road. The Uganda route entails crossing the border into Rwanda at the Cyanika border and spending the night in Musanze before proceeding to Bukavu the following day. The road from Bukavu to the park entrance in Tshivanga is in excellent condition, allowing for convenient transportation options including as buses, taxis, or vehicle rentals.
To ensure certainty, it is crucial to make reservations for tickets from the ports in Goma and Bukavu at least one day prior. The airport in Goma has daily flights to Bujumbura, Rwanda, and Entebbe, Uganda.
Where to stay in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
High-quality hotels and lodges are readily accessible when visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the town of Bukavu. Visitors rest in a hotel located in Bukavu and proceed to the park in the early hours of the morning to engage in various activities. There are no hotels that have been constructed inside the boundaries of the park. The majority of hotels and lodges provide top-notch services for rooms that cater to all budgets, including budget, mid-range, and high-end options. Below is a list of hotels:
The Orchids Safari Club:
This is an opulent lodge constructed in close proximity to the picturesque shores of Lake Kivu. The tranquil and captivating lakeside ambiance is highly appealing to guests. The hotel rooms are autonomous and highly sophisticated, providing a blend of African and modern aesthetics. Visitors are presented with the option to choose from a variety of local and international cuisine.
Coco Lodge Bukavu is situated in close proximity to the park, within the town of Bukavu. There are a total of 8 rooms available that provide conveniences of a moderate level. The rooms are equipped with both single and double beds adorned with African art. Additionally, they feature amenities such as WiFi, televisions, hot and cold showers, and toilets.
The Hotel Begonias Bukavu attracts visitors with its stunning garden. The accommodations are of exceptional quality, and the service members are amiable and available 24/7. The hotel provides a stunning swimming pool exclusively for its guests.
The name of the hotel is Lake Side Hotel Bukavu.
This hotel is exceptional among the hotels in Bukavu. The hotel is conveniently situated in close proximity to Lake Kivu, providing clients with exceptional vistas of the lake and its surrounding islands. Cuisine is delectable and may be enjoyed either at the restaurant or in the room.
Exodus Bukavu is a cost-effective hotel located in the heart of the town. It is ideal for those who want to explore the little town before taking a break and engaging in activities in the park.
