The Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a protected area near Bukavu town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. Established in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver, the park is named after two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are within its limits. With an area of 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 sq. mi), Kahuzi-Biega is one of the biggest national parks in the country. Set in both mountainous and lowland terrain, it is one of the last refuges of the rare species of Eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), an endangered category under the IUCN Red List. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1980 for its unique biodiversity of rainforest habitat and its eastern lowland gorillas.
Location
The park lies west of the Bukavu town in South Kivu Province, covering an area of 6000 km2. A small part of the park is in Mitumba Mountain range of the Albertine Rift in the Great Rift Valley, and the larger part is in lowland terrain. A corridor of 7.4 kilometers (4.6 mi) width joins the mountainous and lowland terrain. The eastern part of the park is the smaller mountainous region measuring 600 square kilometers (230 sq. mi); the larger part measures 5,400 square kilometers (2,100 sq. mi) and consists mainly of lowland stretching from Bukavu to Kisangani, drained by the Luka and Lugulu rivers which flow into the Lualaba River. Two dormant volcanoes are set within the park’s limits and lend their names to it: Kahuzi (3,308 metres (10,853 ft)) and Biega (2,790 metres (9,150 ft) The Park receives an average annual precipitation of 1,800 millimeters (71 in). The maximum temperature recorded in the area is 18 °C (64 °F) while the minimum is 10.4 °C (50.7 °F).
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Getting there
Kahuzi Biega National Park is located 40 Kms from Bukavu Town and it takes one and Half Drive to enter into the National Park.
By Road
You can reach Bukavu by bus or by car from Rwanda via the Cyangugu border, from Burundi via the Uvira border, and from Goma via the road along Lake Kivu (check latest security information for the latter).
By Boat
Several operators travel daily between Goma and Bukavu, with tickets for rapid boats (2 hours) costing on average USD 50 and slower but larger boats (6 hours) costing between USD 8-25. Tickets can be bought at the ports in Goma and Bukavu and it is recommended that you get these at least one day in advance.
By Air
The nearest international airports are in Goma (2 hours by boat), Bujumbura, Burundi (3 hours by road) and Kigali, Rwanda (6 hours by road). It is also possible to fly to Entebbe Airport in Uganda, which is another 9 hours by road from Kigali.
Gorilla trekking
When visiting Kahuzi Biega the most important activity is the lowland Gorilla Trekking where two families out the 9 Families is available for Trekking by Gorilla Trekkers that visit Congo for once a life time experience. Lowland Gorilla Trekking is similar to Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, So don’t miss the unforgettable Experience of watching the primates in the Jungle.
Gorilla trekking permit
the gorilla trekking permit costs USD 400
Park security
Safety and security are vital to providing quality in tourism in Congo. More than any other economic activity, Kahuzi Biega National Park Guides takes Care of Gorilla Trekkers and Hikers when in the park for Any Activity.
What to Bring for Lowland Gorilla Trekking:
- Sturdy boots or shoes for walking in the forest (Wellington Boots can be purchased in Bukavu)
- Long pants to wear when hiking
- Rain Jacket
- Water
- Camera (no flash photography allowed)
- Snacks or a Picnic Lunch
Accommodation
In Kahuzi Biega National Park Accommodation Facilities are not nice but we discovered that there are Camping Services at the park Headquarters and other three lodges that are near the park Office , Book any Hotel Listed here when you’re going for Gorilla Trekking Activity in Kahuzi Biega National Park. All the Listed Hotels and Lodges are Luxurious and Mid-range, We shall be updating the list of the Lodges but at the moment they are three Lodges worth Staying in while on an African Safari Holiday.
L’Orchids Safari Club
The lush natural surroundings of Lake Kivu allow us to welcome you in an exceptional environment. This hotel in the elegant and tastefully decorated, offers a mix of contemporary and traditional African style. Our bar “lounge” will offer a wide selection of specialty beers, a nice wine list and champagne, and a small restaurant at all hours card.
Our chef will satisfy your palate by making you discover the natural resources of Kivu;our traditional French cuisine accompanied by local card and suggestions of various suggestions, changing regularly, our personnel is highly qualified to provide you with impeccable service. Enjoy our outdoor terrace with stunning views of the flower gardens of the hotel and on Lake Kivu.
Lodge Coco Lodge,
The hostel has 8 luxurious rooms equipped with double beds, decorated in the theme of Africa and it can make the African Safari Experience worth the money paid either for Lowland Gorilla Safari in Congo and all are equipped with bathrooms or showers, toilets, televisions.
The wireless Internet network is available everywhere inside, on the terrace and restaurant. All displays have HD and cable. Inside, two lounges with bar and fireplace as well as a VIP lounge, private bar for guests
Note that all accommodations and lodges in Congo accept Payment in Dollars and the Dollar Notes Should be from 2009 and above to avoid hard times while on a Congo Safari: We do not accept US Dollars a year prior to 2004
Adventure Tour Operators offering gorilla safaris to Kahuzi Biega National Park;
- Go Gorilla Trekking
- Nature Adventure Africa Safaris
- Safari Gorillas
