Visit Tshibati Waterfalls in Kahuzi Biega National Park: Many visitors say that tourism in Congo is based on Virunga National Park. However, with the opening of the Kahuzi Biega National Park to the world for tourism, this perception has vanished. This national park is a new tourism destination that is less visited, providing guests with a unique adventure experience. Kahuzi Biega National Park is located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and covers over 600,000 square kilometers of territory.

Visit Tshibati Waterfalls in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

The splendid Tshiabati waterfalls are situated in Kahuzi Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kahuzi Biega national park is home to eastern lowland gorillas only found in Congo. The Tshiabati waterfall trail entrance is about 45 minutes from the briefing point, you can ride to the starting point with a ranger guide who is very knowledgeable about the waterfalls and the entire park. The trail follows a well-defined and demarcated foot path that runs very close and adjacent to the 2 rivers thus providing a better, clear and spectacular view of the waterfalls.

The hike to Tshiabati waterfalls in Kahuzi Biega national park takes approximately 2 hours or less depending on your hiking pace. The hike to and from the waterfalls is not so strenuous and can be done by anyone as long as you are in good physical shape.

Other Destinations to visit near Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is located near Bukavu, 50 kilometers south of Lake Kivu and is a great alternative site to visit after your lowland gorilla trekking experience in Kahuzi Biega national park. It is also within about ten kilometers from Kahuzi Biega National Park. Tourists interested in hiking chimpanzees in Congo are usually advised and convinced to visit these orphaned and isolated chimps in this institution. This facility is located in the former Mobutu prison.

On the premises of the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary lies the primate rehabilitation and rescue facility. Although its main focus is chimps, it also has baboons and a variety of monkeys, providing fantastic tourism attractions to Lwiro sanctuary such as observing the local people, birdwatching, and adventurous Congo wildlife safaris.

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

Lowland Gorilla Trekking.

This park has the highest concentration of Eastern gorillas in the region. As a result, this national park has become a popular destination for lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo. Two eastern lowland gorilla families have been habituated and are ready for trekking, providing visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Because of the gorilla’s close relationship with humans (98.8% human genes), they are susceptible to human illnesses. To prevent the transmission of human wildlife infections, all hikers have been given masks.

Travelers learn about the varied responsibilities that gorillas play in their separate families, including silverbacks guarding and planning for the entire family, adult females feeding the young, and juveniles playing and amusing the entire family. This contact provides hikers with a genuine family experience, similar to that of humans. An hour with the gorillas is a once-in-a-lifetime event that every traveler remembers.

Trekking these lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park, like trekking mountain gorillas, requires a gorilla permit. A gorilla permit is still booked and sought for in advance through the Kahuzi Biega national park liaison office in Bukavu. This permit, too, costs $400 USD and is only valid for the date it is issued and is not transferrable.

Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

With about 342 bird species, 42 of which are indigenous to the national park, Kahuzi Biega is a bird lover’s heaven. Among the birds sighted were the African green wide bill, the yellow crested helmet-shrike, the Congo peafowl, and the Rockefeller’s, among many more. The national park is one of the vulnerable locations under International Union Conservation Area Protection (IUCN).

Guided Nature Walks or Hiking

Travelers here travel routes through the lush jungle to several tourist destinations. These paths go to various locations, such as the Tshiabati waterfalls trails, which lead to three waterfalls in the national park. In Kahuzi Biega national park, experienced guides take visitors and assist them in recognizing various flora kinds and species. Sweet sounds of birds chirping in the woods are heard by tourists, as well as pure air that refreshes their thoughts. By the time visitors leave the forest, they have clear heads and a better understanding of the species in the national park, making it a memorable experience.

How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park.

There are two ways to travel to Kahuzi-Biega National Park from Rwanda; either go to Goma or transit through Cyangungu. Arrive in Goma and board the fastest ferry possible from Goma to Bukavu, covering a distance of 100 kilometers in 2 hours and 45 minutes. The ferry runs twice a day (7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.) and costs $50.

The alternative option is to go by road; the journey between Goma and Bukavu is 209 kilometers and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, with some rough parts between Kalehe and Kabibwi. Taxis may be hired for $100 to $150 per day.