Talking of National parks in the continent of Africa; Kahuzi-Biega National Park appears in the discussions. This is one of the largest protected areas in the democratic republic of Congo in the central Africa. It is famously known for the Eastern Low lowland Gorillas; a subspecies of the Eastern Gorillas. The park is situated in the eastern kivu province, western bank of Lake Kivu in Bukavu town. Some other portion of the park seats at Mitumba Mountain Ranges within the Albertine rift valley. It features the dormant volcanoes, Mountain Biega and Mount Kahuzi from which the name is derived, and the montane rainforest
Spanning through an over 600 ha of land, the area was established in 1973 as a national park, and ranks today as one of the largest national parks in the democratic republic of Congo. Forward to 1997, it was named a world Heritage site in 1997, with a great emphasis on conservation and wildlife protection. The area has over 350 bird species, chimpanzees, the endangered eastern lowland Gorillas, and more.
What to do while in Kahuzi-Biega National Park?
Eastern Gorilla lowland Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the park’s main activity, happening all year round. It is a way of uncovering the life of the world’s largest and strongest primates-the lowland Gorillas, their uniqueness, diet, family social life, and relations to human beings. The Trekking session lasts from sunrise for about 1-8 hours, plus an additional hour for taking photos, love on the gentleness of the silverback, the nursing skills of the mothers, and their diet.
Lowland gorillas are in the same family with Mountain Gorillas, though have got some distinctive differences. They live in families led by an alpha male with a silver like lining at the back-a silverback. To visit the Gorillas, there must be a valid gorilla trekking permit. The permits are at 400$ for one person aged 15 years and above.
Mountain Hiking
Take time on a physical fitness journey to the summit of mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. This one day hike offers an aerial view of the park; a possibility of an encounter with some primates such as the golden monkeys, birds such as the Rwenzori Batis, double colored sunbird, and lots more. The Hikes start with a briefing session where the Guests tend to explain the hiking dos and don’ts, verify the documents and facts about the park.
Chimpanzee sanctuary visit
Once in the park, you can pay a visit to your cousins the chimpanzees at Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary-a short distance from the park. The sanctuary is a habitat to the orphaned chimpanzees rescued from poachers and isolations. You will get the opportunity of watching the chimps taken care of, and interact with them. Get much involved by playing, and cleaning their sleeping nests.
Other activities include bird watching, nature walk, Boat cruise at Lake Kivu, cultural tours, camping and photographer.
How to access Kahuzi-Biega National Park?
Visitors to the park can use road or air transport to transfer to the park. Most journeys start from the republic of Rwanda through the eye-catching Rusizi route to cyangugu / Kamembe town. This journey is very safe and takes about 6-7 hours with the views of the rolling hills, lush plantation cover and the dotted African style homesteads.
Once you cross to the country, the drive to the park takes about 1-2 hours. The other travel option is flying from Kigali international airport in Rwanda to Goma airport in the democratic republic of Congo and then drive for about 230km to the park.
Best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is open for tourism all year round, with the best months for activities such as nature walk, and Gorilla trekking being June to September and December to February when there is less or no rains. Bird watching is best done in the months of March to May when there are migratory birds.
To book a gorilla trekking permit, it is advisable to reserve at least six months in advance. For tourists visiting the park, Security is guaranteed though it is advised to stay up to date with the political situation of the area and the entire country.
What to carry on a safari to Kahuzi-Biega National Park?
Deciding on what to pack for a safari tends to be a hard ask to most of travelers. This is why we guide you on some of the important items to move with. A good hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, trouser, a hut, binoculars, professional camera for photographer, traveler documents, descent warm cloths, insect repellants, long stockings and more.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the premier safari destinations in Uganda. It is located in eastern part of Uganda, with a variety of flora and fauna, birds, and unique plant species. Book your eastern Gorilla trekking safari in advance and as well add with other activities offered in the park such as bird watching, nature walk, boat cruise and more.
