Animals in Kahuzi Biega National Park: Kahuzi-Biega began as a forest and zoological reserve under Belgian colonial administration in 1937, before being expanded to cover all of the surrounding huge woods, lowland lands, and swamps that were home to Grauer’s gorillas. The Parks Mountains, forest floors, marshlands, and extensive wetlands are home to around 137 species of animals and 350 species of birds while on Congo Safaris Tour.

Animals in Kahuzi Biega National Park-Congo.

The Eastern lowland gorilla is the park’s most sought-after mammal. Lowland gorillas may be found in both the highlands and the lowlands of Kahuzi Biega National Park. In the highlands, around 170 individuals have been documented. Estimating the number of people in the park’s lowland parts has been challenging due to the presence of rebels/militias in that area. Their populations in Central Africa are dwarfed by their cousins, the western lowland gorillas (over 360,000) and mountain gorillas (slightly above 1,000).

Angolan Black Monkeys, blue monkeys, Bosman’s potto, chimps, Dent’s Mona, red tailed monkeys, and the owl-faced monkey are among the other primates in the park. Bongos, forest pigs, bush buffalo, bush elephant, eastern needle-clawed galago, hylochere, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, and various antelope species may be found in the park.

The Alexander’s bush squirrel, Aquatic civet, eastern needle-clawed galago, huge gennet, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, Ruwenzori least otter shrew, Thomas’ tree squirrel, and mount Kahuzi climbing mouse are all native to the region. Endemic species to search for include the Grauer’s broadbill, Grauer’s warbler, Rockefeller’s sunbird, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

Things to do during your visit to Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

The majority of visitors to Kahuzi-Biega National Park come to see the Grauer’s gorillas. Mountain gorillas are bigger than eastern lowland gorillas. The species is making one of its final stands here, and it threatens extinction. The 2013 census found 145 people in the park’s upland portion, a significant decrease from the 600 people reported in 1990.

Guided Nature Walks

The Park currently includes well-established pathways for viewing the monkeys and birds. These are the same paths that park rangers use to monitor gorillas and conduct border patrols.

The Marais Musisi Trail or the Tshibati Waterfalls attractions in Kahuzi-Biega National Park Trail, both of which lead through swamps, bamboo woods, and three spectacular waterfalls, can be used in the presence of expert park guides. Keep an eye out for primates such as chimps and tiny monkeys. Nature hikes typically cost around $35.

Visit the Lwiro Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre

The Lwiro sanctuary in Kahuzi Biega national park is near to the park’s main office. The Centre cares for chimps and other tiny primates that have lost their parents, primarily as a result of poaching. Volunteering and learning about primates and their protection are also available at this facility.

Bird Watching

There are birding tours available in the morning and evening to see species such as the African green wide bill, Congo peafowl, and yellow crested helmet-shrike, among others. Bird watching is possible on woodland and nature treks.

Mountaineering

Hiking to the peak of Mount Kahuzi provides amazing views of Bukavu city and Lake Kivu. It takes roughly four hours to reach the top (3,308 meters), and three hours to descend. Mount Biega is 2790 meters high, and the trek up and down the mountain takes roughly six hours. The vegetation seen when ascending Mount Biega differs greatly from that found on Mount Kahuzi.

Mount Bugulumiza is another hiking-friendly peak. At 2400 m, it provides excellent views of the surrounding scenery, including the mountains Biega and Kahuzi, as well as the park’s huge tropical rain forests. It takes 3 hours to climb up and down Mount Bugulumiza. Each mountain costs $100 to climb.