How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park

How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park can be done by either road, air or water. Kahuzi Biega Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo is fast growing as one of the top destinations in the Congo. This UNESCO world heritage site recognised for its great biodiversity, contribution to the ecosystem of Congo and inhabiting the endangered eastern lowland gorillas is a great Congo national park to visit while on any Congo safaris tour. The park has a number of activities to offer to its visitors, including eastern lowland gorilla trekking where travellers get to encounter the eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, mountain climbing of especially Mount Kahuzi, bird watching, and so much more.

Kahuzi Biega is located in the eastern part of the Congo, near the southern shores of Lake Kivu and in Bukavu town. Kahuzi Biega National Park is relatively close to the Rwanda-Congo border, making it one of the best ways to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Most a times, travellers do fly into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then transfer to Kahuzi Biega from either Goma or Rwanda via Rusizi border. Kahuzi Biega National Park can be accessed in a number of ways, including by road, water and by air, depending on where one is and what is preferable to them.

How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park by Road

Kahuzi Biega is about only 40kms west of Bukavu, taking about 1 hour and a half to get to the park entrance. There are a number of routes that travellers can use to get to Kahuzi Biega, depending on their locations as may be seen below;

For travellers travelling from Rwanda, once in the country, you can transfer to Kahuzi Biega National Park on a 6-7 hours road drive from Kigali via Rusizi border. From the border point, it takes only one hour and a half to get to the park headquarters and then to your respective accommodation. Given the amazing rolling hills of Rwanda, as well as vast plantations of tea and other crops, you shall have a scenic drive. This route is the most commonly used, given that most travellers heading to Kahuzi Biega most often fly into Rwanda and not the Congo.
From Burundi, it takes about 3 hours to cross the Rwanda border of Ruwa and then Rusizi. This is one of the shortest routes used by travellers akin to it.
From Uganda, this route is possible indeed but rather very tiresome for the drive is very long. Most a times, travellers do have a sleep over in Musanze and then get to Kahuzi Biega National Park the next day.
For travellers flying direct into the Congo, taking flights to Goma International Airport is recommended, and then be transfer to Kahuzi Biega on a 5-6 hours’ drive. This route is however not safe and therefore not recommended, much as the route has some really spectacular landscapes that would leave you amazed.

How to get to Kahuzi Biega by Water

For travellers on Congo safaris in Virunga National Park, there are ferries that operate from Goma to Bukavu passing via Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu. There are speed boats that can take about 3 hours, while public boats can take from 4-5 hours of transfer. Once in Bukavu, you head on to transfer to Kahuzi Biega by road, and 4WD vehicles are highly recommended.

Getting to Kahuzi Biega by Air

Kahuzi Biega can also be accessed by air, with charter flights from Kigali to Kamembe Airport in Rusizi border point. From there, travellers then to transfer by road to Kahuzi Biega, taking about only 1 hour and a half. Travellers can also fly into Goma International Airport from Kigali and then transfer to Kahuzi Biega National Park driving for about 230kms.

Kahuzi Biega has a lot of activities to offer to travellers visiting the park. How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park depending on your location and preferred travel style is worth knowing and exploring. With various accommodation in Kahuzi Biega, like Lodge Coco, Orchids Safari Club, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Hotel Exodus Bukavu among so many others, be sure to enjoy your stay while in the park. Get in touch with a knowledgeable tour operator familiar with the Congo to have you plan and execute a worthwhile Congo safaris tour visiting Kahuzi Biega.