Kahuzi Biega National Park – Gorilla Trekking Congo
Located in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to two prominent extinct volcanoes ‘Kahuzi and Biega”.
Mountain Kahuzi stands at 3308 m and Biega at 2790 m within the Mitumba range. Of the two Kahuzi is the highest.
Stretching along the Albertine rift, Mitumba range is close to Lake Kivu shared by DR Congo and Rwanda. It is bordered by Rwenzori Mountains and Bukavu town to the west and Rwanda to the south.
In 1937 Biega was declared as a forest reserve and existed until in the 1970s when it was merged with Kahuzi thus forming the famed Kahuzi Biega National Park.
This Park covers a total area of 6000 square kilometers. It was listed among UNESCO sites in 1980. Its temperature averages to 15 degrees Celsius and rainfall is estimated to 1800mm.
The Park’s ecosystem consists of grasslands, dry savannah, rainforests, swamps, alpine vegetation, and bamboo forests that house diverse Wildlife including 349 bird species, 1178 species of plants and 136 mammals.
Most tourists know Kahuzi Beiga for the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, but it is home to other Species enchant Wildlife enthusiasts.
Wild animals like Buffaloes, African elephants, Antelopes, primates like Golden monkeys, Baboons and different birds call it home.
Adding to African forest elephants and Buffaloes travelers see carnivores like leopards, golden cats, civets, primates like Blue monkeys, Black and White Colobus, Mangabeys and more. Common antelopes are bongo and duikers.
Activities in the Park
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking
This is the main draw for most travelers who visit the Park. Kahuzi Biega currently has two habituated Gorilla families that are used for trekking excursions.
Early in the morning a briefing is first conducted to highlight trekkers on what to do and not to do. After the Journey to the Jungle starts in a group. Only eight people are assigned to each Gorilla family per day.
While in the Jungle for Lowland Gorillas you are also exposed to other Wildlife species like primates, birds, reptiles and insects.
The trekking experience is offered all year round but it’s more appealing in the dry season (May to August and November to January).
Bird Watching
Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to a plethora of bird species. With this reason it’s no surprise that it is amongst the top birding hotspots in DR Congo.
You can spot some species like Rockefellers, sunbirds, Ruwenzori Turaco, Trogons and yellow helmet shrike.
Birders are exposed to unique species, arrange the excursion either early in the morning or evening.
Hiking Expeditions.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a dream destination for those who are addicted to hiking. It is one of the best locations to have great hiking expeditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
There are several trails that let adventurers explore the Mitumba range. The excursion exposes you both to nature and spectacular views of stretching forest and rolling hills.
Nature Walks.
Nature walk is the other best way to come close to Nature in Kahuzi Biega. While doing this activity, you wander through the Park’s tropical rainforests, savannah and lush grasslands. It awards visitors a great chance to reach the off the beaten path spots in the Park.