Congo Wildlife Safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Congo Wildlife Safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park lies near the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo next to Lake Kivu in the town of Bakavu. Kahuzi Biega is one of the largest national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The park was established in 1970 by Adrien Deschryver, a Belgium conservationist and photographer. Kahuzi-Biega covers an area of roughly 6000 square kilometers with much of it marked by lowland rainforests, bamboo forests, swamps, bogs and marshland. The park derives its name from two mountains – Kahuzi and Biega. The park is home to Eastern Lowland Gorillas, eastern chimpanzees, bush buffalo, forest elephants, owl-faced monkeys, bongos, otters, bush squirrels, aquatic civets, and galagos just to mention a few. The eastern lowland gorilla, also known as the Graeurs Gorilla is the largest of the gorilla sub-species. However, this article emphasizes the best safaris offered to visitors while on a Congo wildlife Safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park they include;
Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking
Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking is the main highlight of a Congo wildlife safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. The park is home to 5 gorilla families such as Chimanuka, Bonnani, Mpungwe, Ngwanwa, and Mugahuka gorilla. However, the park has 2 families open for trekking which makes the gorilla permits very competitive and scarce most especially during peak seasons of June, July, August, September, December, and February. This activity involves walking on foot through the dense tropical rainforests, swamps, and even highlands depending on the search for the group. Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking is a daily activity done in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo, the trek normally starts with briefing at 7:45 am, then you are you will be allocated a gorilla for your trek that day and you will start the walk into the forest to find the gorillas once you find them you will spend one hour encounter with them, like other national parks for mountain gorilla trekking you will have a chance to take photographs, see other attractions like birds and primates depending on your luck, learn more about the mountain gorilla habitat and how they survive in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
Mountain hiking
Hiking to the top of Mount Kahuzi is an incredible experience, giving you stunning views of Bukavu and Lake Kivu from the summit, which stands at 3,308 meters. The journey to the top takes roughly four hours while coming back down typically takes around three hours. During your hiking tour, you will pass through beautiful landscapes filled with sub-alpine plants and bamboo forests alive with various birds and other wildlife. Mount Biega, reaching a height of 2,790 meters, is another fantastic hiking destination. The trek to the summit and back again usually takes about six hours. You’ll notice that the types of plants you see on Mount Biega are quite different from those on Mount Kahuzi, making each hike a unique experience. Then there’s Mount Bugulumiza, which stands at 2,400 meters. It also offers amazing views of the surrounding area, including the majestic Mounts Biega and Kahuzi, along with the expansive tropical rainforests. The hike up and down Mount Bugulumiza can be completed in about three hours.
Bird watching
Birdwatching is another exciting adventure activity to embark on while on a Congo safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park. the park is a dwells for over 342 bird species have been recorded as residents of Kahuzi Biega National Park with more than 42 Albertine rift endemics present. Kahuzi Biega forest is truly a bird-watching paradise. The birdwatching tour of Kahuzi Biega forest starts with a briefing from the ranger guide who takes you through the dos and don’ts of this primeval forest. During Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park, some of the birds you may encounter include African Black Swift, Long-crested Eagles, Bush Shrike, Brown Chested Alethe, African Hill Babblers, Ethiopian Crimsonwing, Red-faced Cisticola, African Green broadbill, Congo Peafowl, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Helmet Shrike, Yellow Chested Helmet, handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, trogons, Red-eyed Doves among others
Nature walks
The park features well-marked paths that lead you to observe various primates and birds. These trails are also utilized by park rangers for tracking gorillas and patrolling the borders. Nature walks in this stunning national park are guided safari. During your guided nature walks through the Kahuzi Biega forest, you may spot many different animals. These include chimpanzees, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and others. You’ll also have the chance to explore the Marais Musisi Trail or visit the Shibata Waterfalls in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These routes take you through enchanting swamps, lush bamboo forests, and past three stunning waterfalls, offering a true immersion in the beauty of nature.
Explore the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a special place dedicated to caring for chimpanzees and other primates who have been rescued or left without a home. The Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 2002 and offers a safe haven for these animals, many of whom can no longer live in the wild. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, wild meat, including that of primates, is often seen as a culinary delight, making the work at the sanctuary even more important. More so it is located just about 4 kilometers from Kahuzi Biega National Park, the sanctuary is a short drive away and offers a chance to see a variety of fascinating animals. While at the Sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to encounter with variety of animals such as chimpanzees, black and white colobus, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, olive baboons, and others. During your visit, you can take part in various activities, such as getting up close to the chimpanzees and even helping to feed them. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn more about these amazing animals and contribute to their care and protection.
What is the best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park can be visited throughout the year. But the ideal time to visit this stunning park is dry season months which occurs in the months of December to February and then June to September. During these months it is always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetation is not fully grown and this makes the sighting of gorillas easy and clearer.
Where to stay while on a Congo Wildlife Safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Lodges in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo range from budget to mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation facilities available here include Orchid Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonais Bukavu, Panorama Hotel, Exodus Hotel, and Hotel Elizabeth. Tourists planning to embark on a Congo safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park are requested to book accommodation in advance due to the high demand, especially during the peak season when demand for safaris is high.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Getting to Kahuzi Biega National Park can be an adventure in itself. If you’re coming from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, you would typically take a drive towards Gisenyi. Once you reach Gisenyi, you’ll cross the Risizi border into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). From there, it’s a short trip to Bukavu, a charming town situated by Lake Kivu. Finally, you’ll head on to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
If you are traveling from Uganda, a common route is to enter DRC through Kasese, and then make your way to Goma. After Goma, Bukavu is just about 30 kilometers away, and from there, you can reach the park.
For those who prefer to fly, there are charter flights available that can take you to Kavumu airstrip, which is near the park. However, it’s important to arrange your flight in advance and check the park’s environmental conditions to ensure a safe landing.
