Mount Kahuzi in DR Congo

Mount Kahuzi in DR Congo – Kahuzi Biega National Park

Mount Kahuzi in DR Congo: Mount Kahuzi is a dormant volcano located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located inside the World Heritage Site of Kahuzi-Biéga National Park. Mount Kahuzi last erupted near the end of the Pleistocene epoch. It is the tallest mountain in the Mitumba Range, which stretches along the west bank of Lake Kivu in the Albertine Rift at 3,317 meters.

The eastern half of the Biega – Kahuzi National Park, a World Heritage Site, is located on the mountain’s slopes. The Mount Kahuzi Zoological and Woodland Reserve was established by order on July 27, 1937, and was expanded in 1951 to include the Biega forest. In 1970, it was designated as a national park.

Attractions within and around Mount Kahuzi

Wildlife

There are gorillas in the area, notably on the steep slopes. In 1993, the population of Mount Kahuzi was estimated to be approximately 275 people. During the late 1990s Second Congo War, their population was decimated.

Mount Kahuzi’s slopes have been home to the highly uncommon Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse. Only two individuals have been discovered, both in the same place on Mount Kahuzi’s critically vulnerable montane woodland at a height of roughly 2,000 meters.

Flora

Wet lowland rain forest, transitional rainforest, and Afromontaine vegetation characterized by tree heathers are among the vegetation types. On one of Mount Kahuzi’s peaks, Hedythrsus thamnoideus and Disa erubescens flourish. Between 3,200 and 3,308 meters on its main peak.

Things to do on Mount Kahuzi in DR Congo- Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Hiking Mount Kahuzi

Hiking Mount Kahuzi in Congo will you stunning views of Kahuzi Biega National Park. This mountain is an inactive volcano and offers hikers amazing views of wildlife, neighbouring communities and other countries not forgetting the bamboo and sub-alpine vegetation which harbour various animals hence providing chances of encountering owl faced monkeys and a variety  of bird species.

Hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park takes approximately 7 hours; with 4 hours ascending the mount and approximately 3 hours to descend the mount. Hiking safaris to Mount Kahuzi in Congo are available all year round and can be organised directly with the park or through a trusted tour operator company like Explore Rwanda Tours

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

A hike on Mount Kahuzi can best be combined with eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Kahuzi Biega national park. The stocky body, broad hands, and short muzzles of eastern lowland gorillas set them apart from all other gorilla species.

Tourists can walk two eastern lowland gorilla groups in Kahuzi Biega National Park, while others are still acclimating. These are the most tranquil and sociable primates, with a family of 5-30 individuals and an alpha male who is always responsible for the security and establishment of the house for the rest of the family members.

Bird Watching on Mount Kahuzi and in Kahuzi Biega National Park

With around 342 bird species, 42 of which are native to the region, Kahuzi Biega national park is a bird lover’s heaven. Among the species on display are the yellow crested-helmet shrike, African green wide bill, Congo peafowl, and Rockefeller’s. The park is currently one of the vulnerable places under the International Union Conservation Area’s protection.

Guided Nature Walks

Hiking Mount Kahuzi requires visitors to travel routes through the tropical rain forest to several tourism destinations, including the Tshibati water falls, which leads to three more water falls. The guided nature walk leads hikers through various flora kinds, fauna, and pleasant sounds from birds singing up in the trees, which promotes mental relaxation. By the time visitors leave the forest, they have clear heads and a better understanding of the fauna in the national park, making it a memorable experience.

Getting to Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo

The Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo is located around 40 kilometers west of Bukavu town and will take approximately 112 hours to get from Bukavu town. Travelers can take a bus/taxi or rent a vehicle and drive the 230 kilometers from Goma to the park’s headquarters, which takes around 5-6 hours.