Kahuzi Biega National park; Kahuzi Biega National Park a home to rare endangered eastern lowland gorillas and other various wildlife species and bird life. However, the park covers an area of about 6,000 square kilometers thus making it one of the biggest national park in the country and is located in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. More so, Kahuzi Biega was established as a national park in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist.
Furthermore, Kahuzi Biega national park lies in both mountainous and lowland terrain and one of the last refuges to inhabit the unique species of Eastern lowland gorillas and it’s on the list of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More so, the park has diversity of flora and fauna species and also inhabits around 349 bird species, over 136 mammal species and hosts over 1,178 plant species among others. Animals to be explored include; Olive baboon, Leopard, Giant forest hog, Hippopotamus, African forest buffalo, Lowland bongo, Ruwenzori otter shrew among others.
More then, the park was named after the two spectacular extinct volcanoes which dominates its high altitude sector, Mont Kahuzi raising ‘’3,308meter’’ and Mont Biega ‘’2,790meter’’. Meanwhile don’t get worried about the safe of the park is secure and safe destination and is Managed by Wildlife Conservation Society.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo
The Eastern lowland gorilla known as Grauer’s gorilla is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. These species are distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials like other gorilla subspecies.
Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega in Congo is an amazing experience with few remaining eastern Lowland Gorillas which rewards with clear comparison of Mountain and Lowland gorilla in Africa. However, both two gorilla families are open for Gorilla Trekking by tourists which can be visited in their inhabitants.
Congo Gorilla Safaris is the leading tour operator that offers Lowland Gorilla Safaris & Tours to Congo. Gorilla trekking experience takes you to gorilla inhabits escorted with a trained guide who leads you forest trail in search of them, there are other chances of encountering wildlife species, birds and once you locate them you will be able to learn about their life style, behaviors, feeding and play among others. It can also be a great time for taking photography and memorable video capturing.
Congo gorilla trekking tours requires securing a valid Gorilla Permit that costs USD400 per person per day. The permits allow you to enjoy a visit to various Gorilla Families on the Safari Holiday.
Attractions in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Wildlife Species
They include; bush buffalo, bongo, aquatic civet, bush elephants, African forest buffalo, hippopotamus, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, primate’s species like Black and White colobus monkeys, chimpanzee, Owl-faced monkey, Olive baboons among others.
Birdlife
Bird species to encounter in Kahuzi Biega National Park include; Dusky turtle love, Sunbirds, trogon, Graud’s broad bill, Shelley’s crimson wing, Congo peafowl, Rwenzori Batis, Rockefellers, Yellow-crested , helmet shrike as well as African king fishers which can be spotted from the swamp.
Besides gorilla trekking, there other activities to do in the park such as Chimpanzee habituation, boat cruise along Lake Kivu, Cultural community tours, Hiking, Guided nature walk, Bird watching among others.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park lies about 40 kilometers west of Bukavu town and takes you about 1:30 hours to access the park from Bukavu town. Or you can opt to board a bus or hire a car and a drive covers about 230 kilometers from Goma to the park’s headquarters which is roughly 5 to 6 hours’ drive.
Travelers can also access the park by road from Rwanda which takes about 6 -7 hours from Kigali City to Kamembe in Cyangugu town.
Travelling to the park by Air
Tourists can access Kahuzi Biega National Park by flight from Kigali International Airport to Goma International Airport and then from Airport a driver guide picks you and drives you to the park. Air transport is a convenient means of transport to reach Democratic Republic of Congo. From Goma Airport, it takes about 230 kilometers to the national park.
Travel by Water Transport
Visitors can also travel by water transport along Lake Kivu which takes about 4 to 5 hours to get to Bukavu and then drive to the park.
Where to stay –Kahuzi Biega National Park
The park offers comfortable accommodation units that ranges from Budget – Mid-range – Luxury lodges –hotels, they are very affordable including; Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Lodge Coco, Orchids Safari Club, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Exodus Bukavu.
