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Congo Hiking Adventure Treks in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a protected area situated near Bukavu town, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo close to the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwanda border. The park was named after its two dormant volcanoes; Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are within its parameters. Covering an area of about 6,000 square kilometers (2,300 sq mi), Kahuzi-Biega is one of the biggest national parks in Congo and it is famous for its lowland gorillas.
Mount Kahuzi & Mount Biega hiking adventure in Congo
Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo is however is not just about lowland gorillas, it gives travelers more opportunities to explore its landscape alongside the Congo gorilla trekking safaris. The park is home to a pair of inactive volcanic mountains found within the heart of this national park you can hike. Mount Kahuzi is the highest with a height of about 3,308m above sea level while Mount Biega, is the smallest of the two stands at about 2,790m above the sea level. Hiking is one of the common activities done in this park. Hiking Mount Kahuzi takes about 4 hours to the top and 3 hours down while Mount Biega takes about 3 hours to the top and 3 hours down.
Once you hike and reach any of the summits of these two volcanoes, you will enjoy a scenic panoramic view of the entire park, you may spot some of the wildlife that habits the park, enjoying viewing the neighboring communities and countries. During your hiking adventure in Kahuzi Biega National Park, expect to see bamboo and subalpine vegetation that harbor different animals in the park and a few animals like owl-faced monkeys plus a variety of birds.
Other tourist activities in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Lowland gorilla trekking
Lowland gorilla trekking is the major activity done in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park has over 5 habituated lowland gorilla families that are trekked by travelers on Congo gorilla safari tours. Its an adventurous activity that involves trekking a particular gorilla family in the forest for some hours, when you see it, you are allowed to be around them for only an hour. During this hour, you make use of your phone and camera, take many photos as possible as the gorilla build their nests, care for the young ones, feed, cuddle and many more. Seeing lowland gorillas is captivating and memorable making it the most sought activity in this park.
Birding
Because the park habits more than 350 bird species with 42 being endemic to this park, it has made birding in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park a very popular activity in the park. The most spotted ones include the African green broad bill, yellow crested helmet shrike, the Congo peafowl and Rockefeller’s.
Nature walks
There are various walking trails in the park that pass through the tropical rainforest to different tourism sites. The Tshibiti waterfalls trails lead you to three waterfalls in the park. During your nature walk, an experienced guide will show you different vegetation types and other wildlife species in the park. Nature walks give you opportunity to feel the natural fresh air accompanied by sweet sounds of the singing birds in the forest. The adventure makes travelers desire a longer forest walk.
With all the beauty and the tourism potentials that Kahuzi-Biega National Park boasts ranging from the awesome Eastern lowland gorillas to different primate species, we believe the park is an awesome destination to include on your itinerary to Virunga National Park on your Congo safari. You may decide to also include Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya as your next safari destinations.