Established in 1939 and later set as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1980’s, Kahuzi Biega National Park still stands a refuge of the endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas, which make up about 250 members with only 3 habituated groups.
Primarily covered by 2 massive distinct volcano mountains (Kahuzi and Biega), a prime tropical rain forest that makes the park the most stunning heritage site with most amazing rolling hills and intense jungles. The forest trails are at times frequented by the forest elephants and also refuge to astonishingly a large population of Apes including Bosman’s potto, red tailed monkey and Angolan black monkeys among others. Also form an exceptional birding site and amazingly easy to spot most of the resident birds including the popular Congo peacock.
For adventure enthusiasts, they are also not left out of choice, there is a breathtaking hike towards Mount Bulugumisa though shorter but it rewards with life time experiences especially from the stunning Tshibati waterfalls before catching a glimpse of the unforgettable view at the summit.
When to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
Best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park is within the month of January to February and end of May through up to October, during these months, the ground is drier unlike in November and March and April when heavier rains are usually experienced. However, the dry season doesn’t mean that the park won’t experience rains; this is a tropical rain forest so it is better to be prepared and expect it to rain at any time.
Exciting activities to enjoy in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Although most visitors may think that DR Congo’s tourism largely depends on the Virunga’s rare mountain gorillas, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss out to visit. This new heritage site still holds untouched biodiversity and so life changing adventures. The park covers an area of about 6000 square kilometers, Eastern DR Congo in Bukavu town.
About the vegetation cover of Kahuzi Biega National Park
The park is mainly covered by marshlands, blogs, swamps, tropical rain forest and riparian’s that all support its incredible biodiversity. For safaris at Kahuzi Biega National Park, the following activities are worth exploiting;
Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking
Kahuzi is a home to the largest lowland gorillas in the entire world that make up about 250 individuals, which makes them the top attraction for Lowland gorilla safaris in DR Congo. Only 2 groups have been habituated and available for tracking which offer trekkers with life changing experiences. These creatures share about 98% of their DNA with humans and trekkers are advised to wear masks. This adventure involves hiking through the lush tropical rain forest through its trails in search of gorilla group. It takes about 30 to 6 hours in the forest but 1 hour of an encounter with these fascinating wild Apes is such magical experience not to be missed out. Visitors get opportunity to explore their behaviors while in the wild, playful behavior, responsibilities, body gestures, feeding and a chance to sight at the youngsters.
Volcano Hiking
Safaris to this remarkable protected area are more than Lowland gorilla trekking; there are also opportunities to hike its volcanoes. There are 2 inactive volcano mountains at the center of this park that hikers engage in hiking adventures. Mount Kahuzi is the highest sanding at 3308 meters above sea level. Alongside Mount Kahuzi, Biega is also available and stands at 2790 meters above sea level. The summits of these 2 mountains offer the most stunning view of whole national park, wildlife and surrounding communities and states. Further still, the bamboo and subalpine vegetation that protects varied wild species and thereby also offering a chance to sight at owl faced monkeys and several birds.
Birding
Kahuzi Biega National Park offers refuge to more than 342 birds, 42 of which are endemic to the park. It is birders paradise! The birds to spot include African green broadbill, yellow crested helmet shrike, Congo peacock and Rockefeller’s. This protected area is one of the endangered sites that have been designated under IUCN.
Nature walks
There are several trails within the forest that are all leading to distinct tourism sites. They also lead to Tshibati waterfalls and then to 3 waterfalls within the park. With your skilled tour guide, you will be sighting at the lush vegetation zones and wildlife and listen sweet melodies of forest birds as they sing.
Accommodation facilities
There are accommodation facilities that offer quality food and bed services to visitors who come to the park. They include Lodge Coco and L’Orchids Safari Club. These are all high and low budget facilities.
In conclusion, tours to Kahuzi Biega National Park make up a complete package for Democratic Republic of Congo. The park has natural, historical, cultural and man made attractions for visitors to catch a glimpse while in their safaris in DRC.