KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the biggest protected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo located in withing Bukavu town and is located on the western bank of Lake Kivu.
The national park derives its name from two dormant volcanoes namely Kahuzi and Biega which stand at 3,308 meters above sea level and 2,790 meters respectively. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1,800 mm with temperatures ranging between 18 degrees Celsius and 10.4 degrees Celsius.
Kahuzi Biega National Park was first established in 1970 and spans over a radius of approximately 6000 square kilometers making it one of the largest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The national park is the number one destination for lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo.
Trekking lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park was first done in 1973 and in 1975, the national park was extended from 600 to 6,000 square kilometers. The national park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980; and in 1997, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in danger which forced the government of Congo and other conservation organizations to work together towards the conservation of most wildlife animals especially the eastern lowland gorillas.

Activities and attractions
Lowland gorilla tracking: Kahuzi-Biega national park is the only national park in Congo where visitors have the opportunity to track the famous eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. It also has the highest population of eastern lowland gorillas, consisting of about 250 individuals. The species, which is also known as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies which include Mountain gorillas, western lowland gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas and the cross river gorilla.

Camping Safari: get to enjoy spending quality and quite time with nature and get opportunity to wake up to the blissful sights and sounds of birds whistling, chipping and singing in the morning as the sun rises above the horizons.

Cultural encounters: these are a great way for visitors to learn more about the different ethnic cultures in Congo and how the local people get to spend the day-to-day lives. Watch dance and singing performances from local dance troupes, put your creativity to the test by making local arts and crafts like baskets, beads

Bird watching: the park is home to over 349 species of birds. Tourists on a bird watching safari in the national park, have high chances of spotting bird species like; the Congo pea fowl, Ruwenzori’ Turaco and the trogons among others.

Hiking Mountains Kahuzi and Biega: Visitors can hike through the forest vegetation and explore the beautiful scenery and wildlife of the park.

Boat cruise on Lake Kivu: Tourists visiting the park can opt to go on a boat cruise on Lake Kivu which is shared by Congo and Rwanda. This activity costs US$ 50 dollars per person and is best done after trekking gorillas in the national park.

Accommodation options
Orchids Safari Club: This lodge is located in Bukavu, which is the nearest major town to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Orchids Safari Club offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and various amenities. They can also assist in organizing gorilla trekking tours and other activities in the park.

Coco Lodge: Situated in Bukavu, Coco Lodge provides cozy accommodation with beautiful lake views. The lodge offers well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. They can help arrange excursions to Kahuzi-Biega National Park and other attractions.

Centre d’Accueil d’Ihusi: Located in Bukavu, this accommodation option offers basic but comfortable rooms. It is a budget-friendly choice for travelers visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The center can assist with organizing park visits and other activities.

Tchegera Island Camp: If you’re looking for a unique experience, Tchegera Island Camp is situated on Lake Kivu. Although it’s not directly near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, it offers a serene and picturesque setting. The camp provides tented accommodation, dining facilities, and activities like hiking and boat trips.

How to access the park
Fly to the Nearest International Airport: The main point of entry for most visitors to Kahuzi-Biega National Park is via the capital city, Kinshasa. Arrive at N’Djili International Airport (Kinshasa Airport). From Kinshasa, you’ll need to take an internal flight to Bukavu, the closest major town to the park. Depending on the availability of flights and airlines operating the route, this may require some flexibility in your travel plans.

Ground Transportation to the Park: Once in Bukavu, you can arrange ground transportation to Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This could be done through your accommodation provider, tour operator, or a local travel agency. The drive from Bukavu to the park can take several hours, so be prepared for a long journey.

Best Time to Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
many tourists choose to travel to Congo between June to September to February since in these months, the amount of rain has reduced and it’s sunny in most of the destinations.

Found in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a true paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 square miles), the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, stunning landscapes, and, most notably, its population of endangered eastern lowland gorillas.

Upon reaching Kahuzi-Biega National Park, our clients are greeted by a captivating blend of dense rainforests, rolling hills, and shimmering rivers. The park is characterized by its lush vegetation, ancient trees, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. The diverse ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.

The park’s most iconic inhabitants are the eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. These majestic creatures are the largest subspecies of gorillas and are found only in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers our clients an extraordinary opportunity to observe these incredible primates up close in their natural habitat. Led by experienced guides and trackers, our clients will trek through the dense forest, following the gorillas’ trails and spending a precious hour in their presence.

In addition to gorilla trekking, Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers a range of other activities. Our clients can embark on nature walks, immersing themselves in the park’s breathtaking landscapes and encountering various other primate species, including chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and baboons. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 bird species, including the spectacular African green broadbill and the Congo peafowl.

For those seeking adventure, Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers the opportunity to climb Mount Kahuzi, an extinct volcano that dominates the park’s skyline. The climb rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the lush forest canopy and the shimmering Lake Kivu in the distance.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is not only a haven for wildlife but also an important conservation area and a cultural heritage site. The park is home to the indigenous Pygmy communities, who have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. Our clients have the chance to engage with these communities, learning about their traditional way of life, cultural practices, and sustainable hunting techniques.

As a Climbing Nyiragongo , we take pride in providing our clients with an unforgettable experience in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Our expert guides are well-versed in the park’s ecology, gorilla conservation, and cultural heritage, ensuring our clients’ safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout their journey.

A trip to Kahuzi-Biega National Park with us is an opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Democratic Republic of Congo, encounter endangered eastern lowland gorillas, immerse in the vibrant local culture, and contribute to the conservation efforts of this remarkable ecosystem. It is an adventure that leaves a lasting impact, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural wonders and the importance of protecting these invaluable habitats for future generations.