Kahuzi-Biega national park is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the border of Rwanda at 6000km2 making it one of the biggest parks in Democratic Republic of Congo.
It was established in 1970 by a Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver who was motivated by the need to protect the eastern lowland gorillas and the park’s unique biodiversity and for this reason it was listed by UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. It was also listed on the list of World Heritage in Danger due to the political instability of the region, influx of refugees and increasing wildlife exploitation in 1997.
Kahuzi-Biega national park was named after Mount Kahuzi and Biega both extinct volcanoes making the park characterized by both low and high altitude in different sections. Kahuzi-Biega is also characterized by swamps, marshlands and forests with equatorial rainforests occupying the western parts of the park. The park is in Mitumba mountain range of the Albertine rift in the Great Rift Valley with the larger part in the lowland terrain.
Kahuzi-Biega national park protects quite a big number of diversity of mammals than any other park in the Albertine rift putting it at 136 species including the eastern lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, white and black colobus monkeys, red-tailed mangabeys, baboons, L’Hoest’s monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, galagos, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, horseshoe bats, dwarf buffaloes, bongos, aquatic civets, aquatic genets, forest hogs and more; over 350 bird species like African green broadbill, Congo peafowl, Rockefeller’s sunbird, Rwenzori turaco, helmet shrike, yellow-chested helmet, handsome francolin, Shelley’s crimsonwing, trogons, red-eyed doves, African blacklist, long-crested eagles, bushshrike, brown-chested alethe, African hill babblers, Ethiopian crimsonwing, red-faced cisticola and many more and 1,180 plant species.
Attractions in Kahuzi-Biega
Kahuzi-Biega is one of the last refuges for the endangered lowland gorillas. Through gorilla trekking one gets to understand more about the gorillas and what makes them different from the mountain gorillas.
Lwiro Sanctuary
This is a place that rehabilitates primates orphaned in different ways like poaching, habitat destruction and illegal pet trade. Lwiro sanctuary is home to chimpanzees and 13 species of monkeys like owl-faced monkeys, mangabeys, blue monkeys, red-tailed monkeys, Mona monkeys and many more.
Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega
These are two extinct volcanoes with Kahuzi standing at 3,317m and Biega standing at 2,790m both contributing to the name of the park. These offer hiking opportunities, stunning views of the landscape and diverse flora and fauna.
Lake Kivu
Situated within the Albertine rift boarding Rwanda and Congo, Lake Kivu avails tourists with beautiful views, islands, marine and bird life. The Lake also avails water for all the fauna in the area.
Flora and Fauna
Kahuzi-Biega is known for rich biodiversity including 1,178 plant species like swamps, swamp forest, high-altitude rainforest, bamboo forest and subalpine heather; 136 mammals including eastern lowland gorillas, buffaloes, elephants, forest hogs, aquatic civets, galagos, giant gennets, chimpanzees, monkeys and more and 350 bird species like African green broadbill, Congo peafowl, sunbirds, Rwenzori turaco, helmet shrike, handsome francolin, Shelley’s crimsonwing and more. All these contribute to what makes the park what it is and more.
Activities in Kahuzi Biega
Gorilla trekking
This is one of the most popular activities in the park as it offers tourists a chance to get close to the lowland gorillas through tracking them. Lowland gorillas are of a larger size as compared to their relatives the mountain gorillas which makes for an interesting aspect to look forward to. Trekking normally takes between 30mins- 6hours depending on the location of the family being tracked and once located, tourists are given an hour to observe these large primates in their habitat. This can only be done after one acquires a permit with the help of a guide and ranger.
Lwiro Sanctuary
As a chimpanzee rehabilitation center close to the park where chimpanzee habituation is done. Orphaned through poaching and illegal pet trades, the sanctuary gives the chimpanzees a new home and also habituates them to enable tourists have an intimate experience with them. Away from the chimpanzees, the center has about 13 other primate species including baboons, red-tailed monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, mangabeys and more that can also be viewed by tourists. Tourists participate in activities like feeding and nurturing the chimpanzees and learn more information about all the primates available at the center.
Bird watching
Kahuzi-Biega national park is a great birding spot with 350 bird species including 42 Albertine endemics making the park a birding paradise. Whether trekking for gorillas, or hiking or taking nature walks different avian life can be viewed on the different trails availed in the park. Expect to view birds like African green broadbill, Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, African black swift, Congo peafowl, Rockefeller’s sunbird, helmet shrike, Shelley’s crimsonwing, bush shrike, trogons, doves, long-crested eagles, brown chested alethe, babblers, Ethiopian crimsonwing, red-faced cisticola and many more. The birding experience is best during the morning and late afternoon as many birds can be seen during these particular time periods. This is done with both a guide and ranger who ensure all the information you need is available and safety respectively.
Hiking
With mountains Kahuzi and Biega, the park avails more trails to use like the Bugulumiza, Marais Musisi and Tshibati waterfall trail for hiking giving a tourist enough chances to explore the park’s lush forests, scenic landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Expect to see some lowland gorillas, monkeys, baboons, elephants, buffaloes, gennets, forest hogs; birds like Rwenzori turaco, handsome francolin, Shelley’s crimsonwing, bush shrike, African green broadbill and more. There are numerous trails that offer a chance to explore the park’s lush forests, scenic landscapes, and diverse flora and fauna. This is also done with a guide and ranger to ensure smooth hiking and safety. Hiking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers a memorable adventure, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and unique biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Community cultural tours
Community cultural tours at Kahuzi-Biega National Park offer visitors the opportunity to engage with local communities, learn about their traditions, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage. Through traditional dances, music, drama, traditional crafts, storytelling and visiting local markets a tourist can intimately engage to know more about the communities around the park and when tourists connect with the locals; they contribute to their well-being.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers an unparalleled experience for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those interested in conservation and cultural heritage. Its unique combination of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences makes it a must-visit destination in the heart of Africa.
