Visit Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo & Enjoy Unforgettable Lowland Gorilla Trekking Congo Tours
An Outstanding Biodiversity and Endemism in the Mid-Altitude and Montane Tropical Forests of the Albertine Rift
As an ecological corridor, Kahuzi Biega Park holds the distinction of being the largest destination area in the Albertine River, boasting the presence of biodiversity, endemics, and threatened species that are rare worldwide.
The Grauer's gorilla and the red-faced chimpanzee, both rare species, are among the 14 primates that fall into this category.
In addition to offering gorilla trekking, the national park is a rare location for observing the endangered category of birds, which includes 349 species and approximately 42 endemic species. This vast area is considered an important endemic bird area.
The Emblematic and Endangered Mammal Species in the Kahuzi Beiga National Park
The Grauer's gorilla, the most famous of these endangered species, is rare worldwide and only found in this park. These Eastern Lowland Gorillas/Grauer’s Gorillas have since the early 20th century to the present been a source of tourism to both local and international markets.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has declared these rare/threatened species critically endangered due to a 77% decline in their population since the 1990s.
General Protection and Park Management
The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation currently manages and protects Kahuzi Biega under the national park legal status.
Due to the armed conflict in the DR Congo, the national park's legal status and good park management by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation were reduced, posing a serious threat to the wildlife.
However, with the military involvement in 2015, there has been an improvement in the surveillance and management plan of Kahuzi Biega, even though there are still some concerns of insecurity due to the presence of some illegal armed groups/armed forces in these lowland regions.
Bodies like the Wildlife Conservation Society have one of the most established programs to save the country’s wildlife in this ecological corridor, especially those that are rare worldwide.
Challenges in Conservation at Kahuzi Biega National Park and How to Change It
Conservation measures and the management plan at Kahuzi Biega Park have been both advantageous and disadvantageous, especially to the local communities that live inside this World Heritage area.
While gazetting and conservation aimed to safeguard wildlife, particularly mammal species, they resulted in the displacement of many people, prompting some conservationists to argue for more equitable compensation.
Additionally, the previous wars and the presence of some illegal armed groups caused insecurity in a vast area of the Kahuzi Biega.
While many people, like the Batwa indigenous peoples, were forced to lose their land as they were expelled from living in the forests of the Kahuzi National Biega, some people’s homes were burnt, and some people were killed in the process.
To address this issue, park authorities involved in the management plan should implement measures that promote peaceful coexistence, protect both mammal species, and foster community development in the park's neighboring local communities.
A new paradigm shift should concentrate on methods for humans and wildlife to coexist peacefully in this ecological corridor, promoting inclusive nature conservation that benefits both the wildlife and the local communities in the protected areas.
The Wildlife Conservation Society is making this possible by working to protect the nation's wildlife from the grave threat of extinction.
Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safari Guide
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega Park first occurred in 1973. Many of the tailor-made safaris in Kahuzi Biega will lead you on gorilla trekking to meet the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and watch other rare species in other protected destinations, for example, mountain gorilla trekking in Congo's Virunga National Park.
Some things and important information to guide you on your Kahuzi Biega gorilla trekking adventure include:
- The Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking experience
- What to pack and wear for gorilla trekking
- The Democratic Republic of Congo tourist visa
- How to get to Kahuzi Biega for gorilla trekking safaris
- Where to stay during your gorilla trekking adventures
- Lowland gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Kahuzi Biega Park
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as the Grauer’s Gorilla, are the largest of the four Gorilla subspecies, and you can see them in Kahuzi Biega.
In this thrilling adventure to encounter the last remaining group of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega, you are free to trek one of the only two habituated gorilla families gorilla families in Kahuzi Biega Park that are available for trekking by travelers.
The cost of trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biega is $400, which is also the same cost for trekking Mountain Gorillas at Virunga.
The trek at this ecological corridor begins at around 7:00 a.m. with a briefing, and finding a group will take about 4 to 6 hours depending on the movement or the location of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Having been habituated, it is comfortable to stay with the Eastern Lowland Gorillas for the designated 1 hour during your gorilla trekking trips at the Biega National Park. The Grauer’s gorilla species in the park feed on bamboo shoots, fruits, and several herbaceous materials.
Congo Gorilla Trekking What to Wear & Pack
When embarking on the Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking in the Democratic Republic of Congo, located in sub-Saharan Africa, a packing list is a crucial consideration.
Ensure that you carry with you the most important and necessary things, for example;
- Camera and extra batteries
- A pair of binoculars
- A phone and your charger
- You should bring your important documents, such as a passport, visa, and medical report.
- Raincoat or Poncho
- A face mask
- Hand cotton gloves
- A head cape
- Insect repellents,
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Guidebooks, notebooks
- Water bottles
- Packed snacks, etc.
On the other hand, a traveler may want to consider the clothes to wear for their tours, and these should be long trousers and long sleeves, a sturdy pair of comfortable shoes for gorilla trekking through the lowland region, a hat or cape, poncho, or rain jacket in case it rains, etc.
How to Get to Kahuzi Biega for Gorilla Trekking Safaris
This park is in Eastern DRC, located 30 km from Bukavu Town on Lake Kivu. The distance from the town is a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the vast ecological corridor to meet the gorillas of lowland regions.
Most connections to this World Heritage Site begin from Rwanda in Kigali City or from Cyangugu Town.
You can also access the park using air transport from the Goma International Airport, Kavuma Airport, or Miti, where a professional guide will be waiting to lead you to your destinations.
You have two options: either self-drive or hire a car with a professional driver guide to guide you through the various protected areas.
Safari Lodges in Kahuzi Biega National Park - Accommodation & Hotels
All travelers should note that there are no established accommodations in the park, but they can find accommodation in Kahuzi Biega Park in Bukavu Town, which is the nearest town to the south of L. Kivu.
However, budget travelers can get camping facilities at the park headquarters at Lwiro. Your tour operator will help to arrange for the best accommodation that will allow you to arrive early for your Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking.
However, some of the renowned accommodation facilities around the lowland regions of this World Heritage Site include:
- Mount Kahuzi Hotel
- Lodge Coco
- Hotel Begonias
- Orchids Safari Club
- Hotel Exodus Bukavu
- Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, etc.
Lowland Gorilla Trekking Rules and Regulations
We implement gorilla trekking rules and regulations to safeguard the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and ensure the safety of trekkers during their forest adventures.
Note that these rules apply when you are visiting any of the four gorilla subspecies, like the mountain gorillas or the western lowland gorillas.
Below are the different rules and regulations to follow while gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Biega.- Make sure to bring your Gorilla permit and all your receipts to the Gorilla trekking point, as they will undergo verification before you meet the Lowland Gorillas.
- At the park headquarters, you will be grouped in a set of a maximum of 8 people to avoid stressing the Eastern Lowland Gorillas with a high number of people coming to meet them.
- If you need to relieve yourself in the forest, do so away from the tracks and bury any waste deep in the ground.
- Follow the guidelines given by your park rangers to remain safe during your gorilla trekking adventures at Kahuzi Biega.
- Only individuals who are 15 years and above are allowed to go for the gorilla trekking experience in the park and also for the gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega Park adventures at Virunga National Park to watch the mountain gorillas.
- Silence along the trails will give you more experiences, like identifying some birds or finding one of the gorilla families much faster.
- Since the Eastern Lowland Gorillas might need some of your food, you cannot eat, drink, or smoke while you are with them.
- Always keep an 8-meter distance from the lowland gorillas upon meeting one of the gorilla families.
Things to Do in Kahuzi Biega National Park - Safari Activities in Kahuzi Biéga National Park
Apart from gorilla trekking of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas/Grauer’s Gorilla,
Kahuzi Biéga National Park also boasts other amazing activities to enjoy in its lowland terrain as seen below:
- Chimpanzee habituation at Lwiro Sanctuary
Travelers to Kahuzi Biéga National Park, one of the World Heritage sites, can also participate in visiting the habituated chimpanzees at the Lwiro Sanctuary, one of the rare sites for primate watching. Visiting this sanctuary will allow you to learn about the history of the place and how you can contribute to supporting protected areas in this center.
Visiting these chimpanzees will cost every person $40.
- Hiking Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega
These two spectacular extinct volcanoes are part of the Mitumba mountain ranges, and hiking in Kahuzi Biega Forest Park is an adventure to experience the captivating scenic views of the continuous vegetation and wildlife.
Additionally, travelers can also hike the beautiful Kibata waterfalls for $25 per person and $100 for hiking the two spectacular extinct volcanoes of the Kahuzi or Biega ranges.
- Birdwatching
Bird watching in Kahuzi Biega Park will offer a thrilling experience at Kahuzi Biega, as the park is an important endemic bird area. Kahuzi Biega is home to over 349 bird species, with various endemic birds identified to liven your gorilla trekking experiences.
Common examples of birds identified in this park include the Rwezori Turaco, Congo Peafowl, and the Trogons, among others.
- Boat cruise safaris on Lake Kivu
This lake lies on the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, and it is a beautiful place to enjoy amazing boat cruises.
After the gorilla trekking adventures, tourists typically take a boat cruise on L. Kivu, which costs $50 per person.
While at the lake near one of the world heritage sites, tourists can also participate in other activities, for example, sport fishing, to explore the different species of fish fauna.
- Visiting local communities
Meeting the local communities is an opportunity to learn about the new cultures and ways of the people in and around the Kahuzi Biega Park.
For instance, you can participate in these local communities' cultural performances where they dance, sing, narrate stories about their ancestors, and create local crafts such as bags, baskets, jewelry, and clothes.
Learning how to cook Congolese specialties and eating with a local family are also options.
- Wildlife Viewing
Apart from the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and the Eastern Chimpanzees, Kahuzi Biega NP also boasts many mammal species for thrilling game-viewing trips.
Some of the animals to watch on this continuous vegetation include the Eastern Needle-Clawed Galago, Bush Elephant, the Bongo Antelope, Alexander’s Bush Squirrel, Bush Buffalo, Maclaud’s Horseshoe Bat, and the rare Dwarf Buffalo, etc.
- Camping safaris in the park:
Since Kahuzi Biega NP currently lacks established accommodation facilities, camping is a unique activity that allows you to spend a night with the wild nature.
Wake up to the beautiful sights of the primary tropical forest vegetation of the Congo Basin and the sounds of the chirping birds as they sing upon the glorious sunrise.
Camping in Kahuzi Biega Park takes $50, and travelers on this trip can either bring their tents and bedding or hire them from the park at $5.
Is Kahuzi Biega Safe?
Because of the armed conflict between armed groups, which caused different instabilities in the country, safety is a primary concern for all travelers to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For maximum safety, it is important to choose a tour operator who will safely guide you through the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their firsthand knowledge about the different statuses of the country will avail you of the best tips to keep safe while you enjoy your gorilla trekking and other safari activities in the park.
Additionally, the Kahuzi Biéga National Park rangers and the new management plan guarantee your well-being during your tours, such as gorilla trekking or hiking.
dditionally, we conduct gorilla trekking with habituated gorilla groups to reduce the very serious risk of them injuring you.
Although self-drives are possible at Kahuzi Biega, it is advisable to not have them since it is still considered risky.
Assessment Information | Full AssessmentMilitias surrounding this World Heritage region have been a significant threat to the natural resources of the environment in and around the Kahuzi Biéga National Park.
However, due to the efforts of the ICCN and the Congolese government to eliminate the rebels, the security levels through legal armed forces have greatly improved since 2019.
Current State and Trend of ValuesThere is still a large sector of wildlife, especially the forests and the biotopes in the lower altitude of the basin in the park.
However, over 90,000 illegal farmers in the parkland have relocated to some neighboring villages. We still need to assess these agricultural activities further to understand their overall impact at Kahuzi Biéga National Park.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to Kahuzi Biega Park?
Going to the Kahuzi Biéga National Park to meet the lowland gorillas/Grauer’s gorillas is among the cheapest safaris in Africa. This is partly because of the reduced costs of the major activity, which is the Eastern Lowland Gorilla tracking.
Please note that the cost of your safari to Kahuzi Biéga National Park depends on various factors, such as the cost of your gorilla permit activity, accommodation fees, the use of a tour operator, the park entrance, meals, tips, and the number of days you spend during the tour.
However, the cost of your safari at Kahuzi Biéga National Park will range between about $600 to $4000 or more, depending on the above factors.
These factors applied for determining the cost of visiting the Lowland Gorillas at Kahuzi Biéga National Park are also important for determining the cost of your safaris to other destinations like Virunga National Park to watch the Mountain Gorillas.
Best Time to Visit Kahuzi Biega Park
Since visiting Kahuzi Biéga National Park can be fruitful all year round, a traveler can choose any season of the year depending on the experiences that they would like to have.
The dry season (June to September and January to February) usually makes the tracks drier and easier for gorilla trekking, making activities less challenging.
The rainy season (October to November and mid-March to May) is also great, especially for gorilla trekking in both Kahuzi Biéga National Park and Virunga National Park. This is due to the abundance of fruits that the Lowland Gorillas and Grauer's Gorillas receive during this season, which makes them easier to locate as they do not travel long distances.
Apart from visiting the lowland gorillas, these seasons are also applicable for visiting the mountain gorillas in Virunga.
Best Tour Companies for Your Safaris in Kahuzi Biega Park
Below are the recommended tour operators that you can use for your gorilla trekking adventures in Kahuzi Biéga National Park and other adventures like trekking mountain gorillas in Virunga NP, also one of the World Heritage sites.
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Africa Safaris Tours
- Congo Gorilla Safaris Tours
Frequently Asked Questions About Kahuzi Biéga National Park
- What is Kahuzi Biéga National Park known for?
Kahuzi Biéga National Park is famous for protecting the last surviving Eastern Lowland Gorillas in its forests. The Eastern Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi Biega are one of the most threatened species of the world, thus one of the places you should not miss for your Gorilla trekking experiences.
- Why is Kahuzi Biéga National Park a top attraction? Why is Kahuzi Biéga National Park a Tourist Attraction?
Kahuzi Biega Park is a top attraction because of its large diversity of mammal species compared to the protected areas in the Albertine Rift.
The diverse and abundant fauna of the park also holds a large biodiversity of some of the most endangered and endemic wildlife in the world, for example, the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and the Red-faced Chimpanzees.
- Why is Kahuzi Biéga National Park in Danger?
Due to the political instabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the conservation measures that hurt former inhabitants of the forest, many of the local population have been displaced from the region, and various mammal species have greatly declined in number.
This fact poses a significant threat to the existence and effective conservation of lowland gorillas and other animals, as well as the peaceful coexistence of the people in the neighboring local communities.
The current management plan aims to rectify these issues to protect both the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and the local population. This in turn will promote the best gorilla trekking experiences and community tours in and around the park.
- What Animals are in Kahuzi Biéga National Park?
The common mammal species in Kahuzi Biéga National Park include;
- The Eastern Lowland Gorillas,
- Faced Chimpanzees
- African Bush Elephant,
- Maclaud’s Horseshoe Bat,
- Mount Kahuzi Climbing Mouse,
- Albertine Owlet, etc.
- How Can We Help the Eastern Lowland Gorillas?
We can help the Eastern Lowland Gorillas by supporting protected areas in which they stay away from environmental degradation.
Additionally, the management plan should aim at international marketing and promoting tourism of these lowland gorillas to help collect money for conserving these Eastern Lowland Gorilla subspecies.
By conserving lowland gorillas, we also contribute to the effective conservation of other animals in this habitat, for example, the African bush elephant, bush buffalo, etc.
The Wildlife Conservation Society is implementing important measures to protect these wildlife species for more enjoyable gorilla trekking and game-viewing adventures.
Top Congo Safari Packages to Kahuzi Biéga National Park
Visiting Kahuzi Biéga National Parkis thus a wonderful experience and one that every tourist should look forward to having.
This experience will allow you to visit one of the richest wildlife destinations in Africa and the only place in the world to watch the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, among other experiences like visiting Mountain Gorillas in Virunga National Park, birding, hiking, camping, visiting local communities, etc.
You can meet the lowland gorillas in this park and explore nearby protected areas by inquiring and booking with Prime Safaris and Tours Ltd., which guarantees a genuine African gorilla trekking experience.
Let us help plan your gorilla trekking Congo safaris & tours today!
