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Mountain Climbing in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Mountain climbing in Kahuzi Biega National Park can either be done while hiking Mount Kahuzi or hiking Mount Biega.
Hiking Mount Kahuzi, a dormant volcano in the Kahuzi Biega National Park will allow you to hike the highest of the volcanic mountains in the Mitumba Mountain ranges/Mitumba Mountain range.
The dormant volcano is in the western part of Kahuzi Biega National Park near the Rift Valley. This mountain is found near Lake Kivu and it rises to about 3,317 meters above sea level it is near Bukavu Town.
Travelers on hiking Mount Kahuzi Biega Park usually combine their experiences with the Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking. Additionally, you may enjoy other wildlife experiences by watching other wildlife species for example the Blue Monkeys, eastern needle-clawed galago, Eastern Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants/the Bush Elephant, Olive Baboons, and Giant Forest Hogs, among others.
Discover the breathtaking views of nature while on the hiking trails of Kahuzi Biega National Park on your hiking safari in Africa. Let us help you book your hiking permits and a gorilla permit at the park offices for the most amazing experiences.
The Mountain Hiking Experience at Kahuzi Biega National Park
Hiking Mountain Kahuzi starts in the morning with a short briefing of the rules and regulations at the park headquarters.
Armed ranger guides lead the thrilling escapade which will allow you to experience the sight of various other park animals and features for example the eastern lowland gorillas, other mammals, primates, bird species, and Lake Kivu, among others.
You will pass through the thick vegetation cover on the different altitudes of the sea level to experience these beautiful wildlife animals.
The Tshibati waterfall trail will lead you to see 3 amazing waterfalls and other magnificent wildlife along the way.
It will take you about 4 hours to hike mountain Kahuzi and 3 hours descending Mount Kahuzi to return to the park headquarters through the steep slopes.
How Much Does it Cost to Go Mountain Hiking in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
While hiking Mount Kahuzi, you will require one of the hiking permits which costs about $100 for both foreign nonresidents and foreign residents and $50 for East African citizens.
Ensure to keep your hiking permit safe till the day of Gorilla tracking as you go to see the primates in their natural habitat.
What to Pack for Mountain Hiking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
For the best and most remarkable safari, hiking Mount Kahuzi requires that you pack some important necessities in DR Congo. These are also important while you are doing other safari activities like mountain climbing or tracking the eastern lowland gorillas in the African continent.
- Insect repellent: To protect you against insect bites during your hiking Mount Kahuzi adventures.
- Sunscreen lotion: This will help protect your skin from the harsh weather of the sun while at Mount Kahuzi hiking.
- Camera: To capture memorable photos of your experiences while on a hiking safari.
- Binoculars: These will allow you to view distant wildlife and the other different park animals.
- Energy Snacks: Hiking Mount Kahuzi is quite strenuous and so one will need energy snacks during their journey.
- Hiking backpack: To keep all your treasured belongings as you are on the move to hiking Mount Kahuzi.
- Bottled water: This will allow you to remain hydrated during your experiences in hiking Mount Kahuzi.
- Sanitizer: This will kill germs as you touch different things as you are on your hiking safari.
- Sunglasses: To cover your eyes from the strong sunshine as you are hiking Mount Kahuzi.
- Bottled water: Stay hydrated while hiking Mount Kahuzi.
- Travel documents for example the passport and the yellow fever card.
- Hiking permit when going for your safari activity.
What to Wear While Mountain Climbing at Kahuzi Biega National Park
It is important to carry the right clothes to wear while you are Mountain climbing at Kahuzi National Park as seen below.
- Long-sleeved shirts or blouses and trousers: This will help cover all your body during the different weather conditions as you are hiking Mount Kahuzi.
- Gloves: These fully cover your hands as you touch the plants in the gardens so you are not hurt by them.
- Socks: They will also keep you warm and your feet more comfortable while on the hiking trails of Mount Kahuzi.
- Waterproof hiking shoes: These are for especially comfortable hiking Mount Kahuzi expeditions.
- Hat or Cap: In case of the sunshine, a hat or cap will help cover your head so that you are not disturbed by the direct sunlight.
- Raincoat or Poncho: In case it rains, a poncho or rain jacket will help cover you up as you are hiking Mount Kahuzi.
Best Lodges/Accommodation Facilities in Kahuzi Biega National Park
The best safari lodges/accommodation facilities to stay in while Mountain hiking at Kahuzi Biega National Park include the following and they range from luxury to midrange and budget.
- Mount Kahuzi Hotel Bukavu
- Hotel Begonias
- Orchids Safari Club
- Exodus Bukavu in Bukavu Town
- Lakeside Hotel Bukavu in Bukavu Town
- Lodge Coco
However, travelers doing Mount Kahuzi Biega hiking can get involved in camping safaris, especially for budget tours.
Transportation at Kahuzi Biega National Park
The easiest way to fly to DR Congo for Mountain hiking at Kahuzi Biega National Park is through the Goma International Airport or Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport.
You can hire a 4×4 vehicle for in-country transportation at about $50 per person $150 including the driver to go Mount Kahuzi hiking.
Best Time to Visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
The best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park is usually in the dry season, which runs from around December all through February and about June to October.
The dry season also offers easier trekking experiences due to the little or no rainfalls because of the dry tracks in the different parks.
The rainy season on the other hand is a low season. This is because the rainy season causes muddy rails, especially on the hiking trails thus causing the tracks to be hard to pass.
Other Things to Do in and Around Kahuzi Biega National Park Apart from Mountain Climbing
There are various other safari activities to do while on your safari in Kahuzi National Park and these include
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Biega National Park will take you to Mountain Kahuzi Biega to meet one of the 3 habituated gorilla families these are Mpungwe gorilla family, Chimanuka gorilla family, Mugahuka gorilla family, Bonnani gorilla family, and Nganwe Gorilla family.
- Wildlife Safaris like the Giant Forest Hogs, Bush Elephants, Monkeys, and Baboons, among others
- Bird Watching of bird species for example Yellow Crested Helmet Shrike
- Visiting the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre
- Nature walks, among others
- Boat trip at Lake Kivu
Frequently Asked Questions
In Which Country is Kahuzi Biega National Park Located?
Kahuzi Park, one of the best UNESCO World Heritage Site areas is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa.
Is it Safe to go to Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo?
Much as there have been wars, political turmoil, and natural disasters in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country is bouncing back to a peaceful one.
Therefore, going to Kahuzi National Park is safe for all travelers whether for hiking or gorilla trekking.
However, like in any other country and destination, it is still important to take care and be more careful while for your trips in the national parks and country at large.
Additionally, the Gorilla trek is done on the habituated Eastern lowland gorilla species which are not harmful to humans.
Why go for Mountain Hiking at Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Mountain hiking at Kahuzi will allow you to experience a massive biodiversity of plants, park animals, and great scenery as you discover one of the most beautiful volcanic mountains in Africa.
Some of the wildlife species that you can explore at the Kahuzi Biega National Park include Chimpanzees, Baboons, Buffaloes, and bird species through bird watching like the Sunbird, Alexander’s Bush Squirrel, Yellow Crested Helmet Shrike, cinnamon chested bee-eater, martial eagle and the golden-winged sunbird, among others.
In conclusion, get to experience the amazing Mountain climbing experiences in Kahuzi Biega National Park at either Mountain Kahuzi or Mount Biega.
Additionally, you can also have other amazing adventures in the park for example tracking the Kahuzi Biega gorillas or gorilla trekking/ gorilla trek of the Mountain Gorillas of Virunga National Park.
Contact us, the best trusted local tour operator for your safari adventures.