Undoubtedly, just like all other African countries, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is gifted with diverse wildlife, indigenous cultures, and geological phenomena that can seldom be found elsewhere in Africa and around the world.
Safaris in Congo take tourists to encounter both the eastern lowland and mountain gorillas in their natural habitats, including a cultural tour to mix and mingle with the prehistoric forest pygmies known to have lived in East and Central jungles for over 5000 years and still practicing their traditional lifestyle. Meet the other two rare species of primates – bonobos and okapi, which are found nowhere else on earth, as well as summiting various volcanoes in this region.
More often, Congo safaris head to the eastern North Kivu region, a province highly blessed with both eastern and mountain gorilla species inhabiting the jungle forests on either side of the River Congo. Despite frequent civil conflicts in the Eastern region of D.R. Congo, the country, and specifically this region, offers more than just mountain gorillas. Having visited Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo, and maybe Idjwi Island, it is time you included Kahuzi Biega National Park on your travel bucket list.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is Africa’s hidden gem that has not been fully explored yet, offering unique adventures in a peaceful environment. The park, gazetted in 1970 and later listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers a total area of 6000 sq. km encompassed by expansive wetlands, marsh, and tropical rainforests, which visitors can fully enjoy during their tour within this adorable gem.
Kahuzi Biega National Park offers a unique and wide range of activities and experiences to all lucky travelers who find their way there:
Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Not just your usual mountain gorillas, this park presents a prime opportunity to track the eastern lowland gorillas, known to be the largest group of the sub-species of gorillas. Like mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas feature a jet black coat that turns silver after maturity but are differentiated by their huge hands, large and shorter bodies, short muzzle, and shorter hair on their heads.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is the only destination with the largest number of eastern lowland gorillas, amounting to over 400 individuals divided into 9 families, all habituated, though only one group is currently open for trekking. Trekking the lowland gorillas is an experience like no other, walking through the tropical forests covered with muddy grounds in search of the forest giants. Paving your way out and avoiding thorny plants can never fail to thrill any trekker.
And finally, when the gorilla family is spotted, it becomes a magical moment. It’s simply the greatest reward for all the hustles and bustles encountered in search of the forest giants. The one hour spent with them makes every step taken in the trek worth it.
A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park costs 400 US dollars per person, a price much cheaper compared to Uganda’s 600 USD gorilla permit and Rwanda’s 1500 USD gorilla permit. Trekking starts in the morning with a pre-trek briefing at the park headquarters. The entire trekking experience may take between 1 and 8 hours depending on luck, speed, and the location of a particular gorilla family.
All in all, the time taken to trek lowland gorillas is highly unpredictable. All you need to carry after getting the gorilla permit is a smile, expectations, rain jacket, drinking water, camera, snacks, long trousers, and hiking shoes, and you are good to go.
Birding
Travelers in Kahuzi Biega National Park have endless chances of spotting unique bird species. Some 347 bird species call this park home. These include, among others, those on the IUCN Red List such as the Yellow-crested Helmet-Shrike, Congo Peafowl, African Green Broadbill, and Rockefeller’s Sunbird.
Hiking Mount Kahuzi
Visitors can hike up to the top of Mount Kahuzi, located on the eastern fringes of the park, from which it derives its name. At a height of 3,317m above sea level, Kahuzi stands as the highest mountain in the Mitumba ranges stretching along the shores of Lake Kivu and the Albertine Rift in D.R. Congo.
Hiking Mount Kahuzi exposes visitors to a profusion of unique faunal species and rare vegetation types, including wet lowland rainforest, transitional rainforest, and Afromontane vegetation.
Nature Walks
The neighborhood of Kahuzi Biega National Park contains numerous local communities, all worth visiting, and Bukavu town offers a peaceful experience in D.R. Congo. Alternatively, take a tour (weather dependent) to the remote waterfalls located outside the park.
Accommodation
The nearby town of Bukavu offers an array of accommodation facilities, ranging from shoestring budget to 5-star hotels, all waiting to offer you safe and comfortable stays ahead of your lowland gorilla trek in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is located 20 km west of Bukavu town, near the Rwanda-Congo boundary. The park can easily be accessed through Kigali Airport in Rwanda, approximately a 6-7 hours’ drive to reach Bukavu town on a well-tarmacked road, crossing via the Cyangugu border.
Kahuzi Biega National Park can never disappoint any traveler at any time of the year. Just book your trip to Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park for lifelong memories.
