FAUNA IN KAHUZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK-ANIMALS

Are you planning to go for a Congo wildlife safari and still unsure about the fauna or animals in Kahuzi-Biega National Park?

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a biodiversity hotspot known for its rich and diverse fauna in its misty highland and lowland terrain.

Spanning 6,000 km², the park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorillas, found only in this region.

Its dense tropical rainforests and two extinct volcanoes—Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega—support a wide variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for Congo safari tours and wildlife enthusiasts.

Let us interest you with interesting information about the animals in Kahuzi-Biega National Park!

Where to Find Animals—Kahuzi-Biéga National Park (A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) 

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1970, is one of Africa’s most diverse reserves.

Located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near Bukavu and the border with Rwanda, straddling the Albertine Rift and the Congo Basin, it covers approximately 6,000km² of lowland terrain and misty highland terrain (600-3,308m).

This park has over 136 species of mammals, 342 bird species, 69 reptiles, and 44 amphibians.

It’s home to incredible wildlife—from majestic gorillas and chimpanzees to endemic bats and treefrogs.

Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park today and see its iconic fauna firsthand during Congo tours!

List of Animals in Kahuzi Kahuzi Biega National Park: A Guide to Its Animal Species 

With over 136 species of mammals, 342 bird species, 69 reptiles, and 44 amphibians, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a biodiversity hotspot worth exploring on Congo wildlife safaris. Some of the beautiful animals to see include.

Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Main Attraction) 

The critically endangered eastern lowland gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri), the world’s largest gorilla subspecies only found in the DRC, is Kahuzi-Biega’s crown jewel.

Once numbering ~14,500 in the 1980s, fewer than 1,000 eastern lowland gorillas remain in the wild, according to the IUCN due to civil war, poaching, and habitat loss, among others.

The eastern lowland gorilla habitat ranges from lowland tropical rain forest to bamboo-rich montane forests.

To see these eastern lowland gorillas, visitors need to partake in eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo to see any of the 5 habituated gorilla families (Mpungwe, Chimanuka, Mugahuka, etc.).

Experienced Park and armed rangers guide trekkers into the jungle for an unforgettable eastern lowland gorilla trekking experience

Trekking includes a briefing, armed guides, and one hour with these gentle giants in bamboo and montane rainforest. However, sick visitors are not allowed to trek gorillas since even mild human illnesses can wipe out wild gorilla groups.

The eastern lowland gorillas are similar to the famous mountain gorillas that are residents in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park & Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, and the nearby Virunga National Park in DR Congo.

Alternatively, visitors can also see western lowland gorillas in the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo during a Congo safari tour.

Visit Congo today and take part in lowland gorilla trekking to see all these great apes firsthand during safari excursions!

Bird Species in Kahuzi-Biega National Park 

Kahuzi-Biega has around 342 bird species, including 42 Albertine Rift endemics like Congo peafowl, African green broadbill, Albertine owlet, yellow-crested helmet-shrike,  Grauer’s swamp warbler, and Rockefeller’s sunbird, among many others, often seen during Congo bird-watching tours.

Due to its range of swamp, montane, and primary forest habitats, it’s an Important Bird Area recognized by BirdLife International.

Journey to the DR Congo and see these avian species firsthand on a birding tour or gorilla tracking safari!

Eastern Chimpanzees 

Eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii), another great ape species in the reserve, number around 835.

Though less frequently seen than gorillas, these huge chimps add to the park’s primate diversity and ecological importance.

These can be seen by visitors on chimpanzee trekking tours in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park or the close Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary or primate rehabilitation centre (rescues orphaned chimps)

Book your Congo chimp tracking safari with a reputable tour operator to see primates firsthand!

Monkeys In Kahuzi Biega NP 

The park is home to several monkeys: black-and-white colobus, blue monkeys, red-tailed mangabeys, L’Hoest’s monkeys, olive baboons, needle-clawed bushbabies, golden monkeys, Angolan black monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys, among many others.

These agile primates add to forest life and delight visitors during Congo gorilla treks.

For memorable monkey sightings, book a Congo tour today!

Other Primates in Kahuzi Biega NP (Nocturnal and Rare Forest Primates) 

Besides the eastern chimpanzee and lowland gorilla species, KBNP supports 14+ additional primate species, making it an Albertine Rift hotspot.

Visitors on Congo safaris can look out for nocturnal primate species like the eastern needle-clawed galago and grey-cheeked mangabey.

These under-studied animals show the park’s rich but hidden biodiversity

Don’t miss a chance to see a nocturnal primate; book your Congo trip now!

African Forest Elephants (Loxodonta Cyclotis) 

Smaller and quieter than savannah elephants and crucial for seed dispersal in lowland and montane forests, African forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis) roam both lowland and montane zones in groups of ~10.

Their quiet movements shape dense forest ecosystems.

Don’t miss a chance to get a glimpse of this large mammal during Congo wildlife safaris!

Dwarf Buffalo or African Forest Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer Nanus) 

Forest or dwarf buffaloes (Syncerus caffer nanus), also known as the red buffalo, Congo buffalo, or bush-cow, are the smallest of the African buffalo species are reddish in colour and thrive in the moist tropical rain forest habitats.

Though elusive, they play an important herbivore role in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Visitors can spot one of these during Congo wildlife safaris!

Forest Antelopes, Hog & Wild Pig Species in Kahuzi Biega National Park 

Expect to see bongos (huge striped antelopes), seven species of duiker, sitatunga, and giant forest hogs (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) during Kahuzi-Biega National Park Congo wildlife safaris.

These herbivores maintain forest dynamics and are sometimes preyed upon by big cats, hence playing a big role in the food web.

Visit Congo on safari excursions and see these beautiful animals firsthand!

Predators And Elusive Forest Carnivores 

Leopards and golden cats are present in the Kahuzi-Biega NP forest, though rarely seen.

Nocturnal and rare civets of the Congo Basin civets like the aquatic and giant genet, add intrigue to Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega NP.

Book a Congo safari while visiting Kahuzi-Biega National Park and see these predators firsthand!

Kahuzi-Biega National Park Endemic Species and Other Mammals 

Other unique gems of Kahuzi-Biega National Park include Alexander’s bush squirrel, Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse, Ruwenzori otter-shrew, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, giant genet, aquatic genet, and other critically endangered small mammals.

Visitors lucky enough may spot one of these during a wildlife tour in Congo.

Journey to Kahuzi Biega’s Forest and get a glimpse of these firsthand!

Fish Species in Kahuzi-Biega National Park 

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, though famed for its primates, also harbors rich aquatic biodiversity.

A 2020 survey (conducted by Tchalondawa Kisekelwa, Jos Snoeks, and Emmanuel Vreven, and published in the Journal of Fish Biology) recorded 147 fish species, including 11 endemic to the Lowa River basin and 7 newly described species.

Dominant families include Cyprinidae, Mormyridae, and Alestidae. This highlights the park’s ecological richness and conservation value.

Partake in a Congo sport fishing excursion and see all these for lasting memories!

The Cold-Blooded Reptiles 

The park is home to about 69 reptile species, including endemic chameleons, geckos, and snakes, that thrive in the park’s various forest habitats.

Visitors on nature walks or forest hikes have plenty of opportunities to see these reptiles firsthand during Congo tours.

Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park and see these firsthand!

Amphibians Of Kahuzi Biega NP 

Kahuzi‑Biega has around 44 amphibian species, including endemics like Hyperolius discodactylus, Leptopelis kivuensis, and L. Karissimbensis.

Seasonal wetlands and montane streams make excellent spots for listening to and observing these amphibians in the park.

Journey to Kahuzi-Biega National Park and see all its fauna and animal species firsthand during Congo safaris!

Flora and Vegetation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park | Where to Find Animals in Kahuzi-Biega National Park During a Congo Safari? 

Kahuzi-Biega National Park hosts over 1,178 plant species, including mahogany, orchids, mosses, and giant lobelias across vegetation zones, which are home to diverse habitats for the fauna in the park. These include.

• Lowland Guineo-Congolian rainforest (<1,200 m)
• Swamp forests and peat bogs
• Montane rainforest (600–2,400 m)
• Bamboo forests (2,350–2,600 m)
• Afro-alpine heather & grasslands (>2,600 m on Mt. Kahuzi & Biega with endemic plants like Senecio kahuzicus)

These support a wide range of fauna, i.e.

• Lowland forest: forest elephants, buffalo, antelopes, monkeys
• Montane bamboo zones: gorillas
• Swamp & peat areas: birds, amphibians, swamp mammals
• Waterways: amphibians and aquatic genets

Please note that nocturnal primates, civets, and bats are best seen on guided night walks through this ecologically rich national park.

Safari Activities Done in Kahuzi Biega National Park to See the Fauna | How to See the Animals in Kahuzi Biega NP? 

For tourists to see the famed animals of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, they need to take part in activities like.

1)      Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking

Trek through bamboo forests to see eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Led by experts, visitors get up close and personal with eastern lowland gorillas, among other wildlife species, like the Alexander’s bush squirrel, Mount Kahuzi Climbing Mouse, in this UNESCO World Heritage Site in eastern DRC—an experience at the heart of Kahuzi-Biega’s gorilla conservation mission.

Eastern lowland gorilla trekking requires one to bring essential gorilla trekking gear and purchase an eastern lowland gorilla permit, which costs $400, with a maximum of only 8 people per eastern lowland gorilla trekking group allowed to see the threatened species of the eastern lowland gorillas.

Please note that gorilla trekking in Africa can also be done in Virunga National Park, Congo, to see mountain gorillas; Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park to see mountain gorillas; and Uganda’s Mgahinga Gorilla and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Parks to see mountain gorillas during gorilla safaris.

it can also be done in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo to see the threatened species of the western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat during a Congo safari tour or Congo gorilla tour.

2)      Congo Birding Tours

Birding tours in Kahuzi Biega National Park explore the dense primary tropical forest or lowland rainforests, swamp forests, and montane zones with over 342 bird species, including turacos and Congo peafowl. For both novice and expert birders, these guided tours highlight the park’s role in Sub-Saharan African bird conservation.

3)      Hiking & Climbing Mount Kahuzi & Biega

Adventure seekers can hike the two spectacular extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi (3,308 m) and Biega (2,790 m), through bamboo, mountain rainforest and high-altitude rain forests.

Trails wind through stunning landscapes and offer wildlife sightings—like the Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse, a sub species endemic to these high mountain ranges—rewarding climbers with summit views.

4)      Wildlife Viewing

See African forest elephants, bush buffalo, blue monkeys, Alexander’s bush squirrel, and owl-faced monkeys in lowland forests and mountain rainforest. Montane trails offer gorilla sightings, while swamp areas have amphibians and birds.

Kahuzi-Biega’s primary tropical forest dominated by a variety of wildlife species including eastern lowland gorillas, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, eastern needle-clawed galago, etc., is a prime wildlife viewing destination for visitors on a Congo safari tour.

5)      Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in local culture through community visits featuring traditional dances, crafts, and storytelling. These cultural exchanges complement wildlife experiences and show how park communities coexist with Kahuzi-Biega’s wildlife and enhance appreciation for conservation and park management.

6)      Chimpanzee Trekking

Trek into the lowland rainforest to see huge chimpanzees and other primates like blue monkeys and needle-clawed galagos. Get up close and personal with intelligent apes and their habitat, and enrich your experience and the park’s primate diversity.

7)      Camping Safaris

Overnight camping is the ultimate way to experience Kahuzi-Biega’s nocturnal life. Guests sleep under the forest canopy and listen to civets, bats, and night-active primates. Morning brings a dawn bird chorus and wildlife sightings—a raw and unforgettable way to connect with the park’s biodiversity.

8)      Guided Nature Walks in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Walks through bamboo forests, swamp zones, and montane rainforests with experts to see medicinal plants, birdlife, and animal tracks. Educational trails show habitat types and species interdependence and the park’s commitment to nature conservation.

9)      Gorilla Conservation & Research in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Visit conservation centers in Kahuzi Biega National Park where researchers monitor eastern lowland gorilla populations, study behavior, and train park rangers. Learn about conservation strategies to combat bush meat hunting and support ongoing conservation work in this world heritage site.

10)  Wildlife Photography in Kahuzi Biega National Park

With landscapes shaped by extinct volcanoes and misty forests, Kahuzi-Biega is a wildlife photographer’s paradise. See gorillas, rare birds, and elephants in their natural habitat—an inspiring destination for both amateur and professional photographers.

11)  Lake Kivu Boating Trips

Nearby Lake Kivu offers peaceful boat trips along the shorelines and cultural stops where you can spot some aquatic animals like hippos and a relaxing break between Congo safaris.

12)  Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre Tours

Tours of this nearby centre show rescued chimpanzees and monkeys and explain primate rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Learn about wildlife threats beyond Kahuzi-Biega.

13)  Tshibati Waterfall Hikes

Trek through tropical rainforest to hidden Tshibati Waterfalls and see lush vegetation, birdlife, and possibly forest elephants or buffalo. This scenic trail shows the park’s diverse habitats and natural beauty.

Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park and take part in any of these tourist activities for faster and assured chances of seeing the animals that call this park home!

Rules & Regulations for Wildlife Viewing in Kahuzi Biega National Park 

• Strict health screening—no illness allowed
• One-hour observation limit per gorilla trekking group as per the gorilla trekking rules and regulations
• Maintain a 7 m distance from the wild animals
• Use face masks, avoid noise, and no littering in the park
• Local IUCN rangers escort and enforce rules
• Dispose off human waste properly
• Obtain necessary permits before taking part in any activity.

By following all the park guidelines and gorilla trekking rules and regulations, you will have a safe and enjoyable safari experience!

Where To Stay on Wildlife Safaris in Kahuzi-Biega National Park? 

Visitors on safari excursions to see animals in Kahuzi-Biega National Park can stay in Bukavu lodges (near park gates), In-park rustic camps (for early starts), or eco-lodges (along trails), and some of these include.

• Orchids Safari Club
• Hotel Horizon
• Hotel Exodus Bukavu
• Mount Kahuzi Hotel
• Hotel Begonias
• Lodge Coco
• Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, among others.

Whether you choose budget, midrange, or luxury lodges, the above will offer you a good rest and stay during Congo tours!

Costs Incurred on Congo Safaris to See the Fauna of Kahuzi Biega NP 

Consult a reputable Congo tour operator for the most updated pricing!

How To Get to Kahuzi-Biega National Park for Wildlife Viewing Safaris in Congo? 

Reaching Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is part of the safari adventure.

Most visitors fly into Bukavu (BKY) via Kavumu Airport or travel overland from Kigali or Kampala.

From Bukavu, it’s a 1.5-hour drive to the Tshivanga park entrance. You can also cross Lake Kivu by boat from Goma for scenic views.  A 4×4 vehicle with an IUCN escort is required.

Use a trusted tour operator for safety and smoother logistics.

Best Time to Visit Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park to See Animals 

The best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park for wildlife viewing and eastern lowland gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons—from June to September and December to February.

These months offer drier trails, better visibility, and higher chances of animal sightings like the Alexander’s bush squirrel, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, eastern lowland gorillas, forest elephants, bush buffalo, etc. Photography conditions also improve thanks to clearer skies.

Though it is worth noting that during the dry season, permits are limited, so book in advance.

In contrast, the wet seasons (March–May and October–mid-December) bring muddy trails and thicker vegetation, making fauna sightings more difficult.

What To Wear for Safari in Kahuzi Biega NP To See Fauna? 

• Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots
• Long-sleeve shirts & convertible long pants
• Rain jacket and warm layer for high altitudes
• Hat, sunglasses, gloves

What To Pack for A Kahuzi Biega National Park Safari to See Animals? 

• Essential gorilla trekking gear: gloves, walking poles, insect repellent, quick-dry layers, mask, face shield, health certificate
• Binoculars, camera, headlamp
• Water bottle, snacks, sunscreen

Consult your travel agent on the most recommended items to pack and wear during Congo tours!

Why Kahuzi-Biega National Park is Important? 

Kahuzi-Biega NP matters and is an important biodiversity hotspot with a World Heritage status, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the following reasons.

• The park lies in one of the most ecologically rich regions in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Serves as a living laboratory for conservation amid regional conflict and instability.
• Protects up to 91% of the world’s eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas).
• Home to 13 primate species, including eastern chimpanzees, blue monkeys, and owl-faced monkeys.
• Contains 136 mammal species, including rare ones like the Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse, the Aquatic genet, the Giant Forest genet, the eastern needle-clawed galago, the Bush elephant, the forest elephant, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, and the bush buffalo, among other diverse fauna.
• Identified by Birdlife International as an Endemic Bird Area.
• Over 349 bird species, with 42 endemic species, such as Congo peacock, Albertine owlet, Rockefeller’s sunbird
• Covers dense lowland rainforests to sub-alpine vegetation above 2,600 m, which are habitats for diverse fauna.
• Hosts two dormant volcanoes—Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are home to diverse and abundant fauna.
• Includes rare ecosystems Swamp forest grows, bamboo cover, afro-montane forests, bogs, and marshland vegetation that are rare worldwide and support diverse and abundant fauna.
• Over 1,178 plant species recorded in highland areas.
• The Park is a continuous forest corridor connecting highland (60,000 ha) and lowland (540,000 ha) zones.
• Essential for maintaining animal populations and preventing habitat fragmentation through the park’s surveillance system and conservation efforts.
• Kahuzi Biega is recognised as a WWF Global 200 Freshwater Ecoregion.
• Indigenous Bakwa pygmies and seven tribal groups traditionally lived in and around the park, so it matters to human survival.
• Surrounded by one of the most densely populated areas in the country.
• Inaccessibility of lowland regions preserves undocumented biodiversity.
• The Kahuzi Biega NP has several ongoing research projects led by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, Kyoto University, and Centre de Recherches en Sciences Naturelles (CRSN), among other institutes.
• It is the only game park where eastern lowland gorilla trekking is done in Africa.

The above reasons make the need to protect Kahuzi-Biega National Park stronger!

Threats To Kahuzi‑Biega National Park Fauna 

• Poaching & bushmeat hunting—a very serious threat to large mammals, especially the bush elephant and eastern lowland gorilla species
• Illegal logging & charcoal
• Political instability and Military activity
• Human Disease risk (COVID-19 and others)
• Human-wildlife conflict

Conservation Efforts in Kahuzi-Biega National Park Aimed to Protect Wild Fauna 

The Kahuzi Biega National Park is managed by IUCN, with WCS, FFI, Jane Goodall, Gorilla Doctors, etc., who have put up some strategies aimed at improving the conservation status of the fauna, including.

• Anti-poaching patrols, community education, habitat restoration
• Gorilla health teams & satellite monitoring
• Sustainable eco-tourism revenue to local communities

Animals In Kahuzi Biega National Park FAQs 

1. What animals are in Kahuzi‑Biega National Park? 

Over 136 mammals, including gorillas, elephants, chimpanzees, antelopes, 342 birds, 69 reptiles, and 44 amphibians live in Kahuzi Biega National Park, and can be seen during Congo safaris.

2. What is the fauna in Bruce Peninsula National Park? 

This park in Ontario, Canada, is home to black bears, deer, wolves, moose, and migratory birds—not African rainforest fauna.

3. What fauna is in Theodore Roosevelt National Park? 

Located in North Dakota, USA, this park is home to the bison, pronghorn, coyotes, prairie dogs, and mule deer, among other wildlife species

4. Is it safe to go to Kahuzi‑Biega National Park? 

Yes, it is safe for visitors to go to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Tourists just need to stick to the well-guarded eastern sector and tour around with IUCN escorts.

Please note that the western lowland zone is unsafe, so always check travel advisories and hire a trusted operator.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a biodiversity marvel—home to diverse and abundant fauna such as eastern lowland gorillas, rare wildlife, and rainforest beauty. Visiting supports vital conservation efforts, local communities, and endangered species protection, offering a powerful, unforgettable safari experience. Book your Congo tour to Kahuzi Biega National Park now and see all its animals firsthand for lasting memories!