Kahuzi-Biega National Park

The History and Geography of Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver, Kahuzi-Biega National Park derives its name from two dormant volcanoes that define its landscape—Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. Covering approximately 6,000 square kilometers, the park boasts a dramatic mix of lowland rainforests, mountainous terrains, swamps, and bamboo forests. It is one of Africa's largest national parks, showcasing the raw, unspoiled beauty of the continent.

The park is home to the Eastern Lowland Gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, the largest subspecies of gorillas. These gentle giants are critically endangered, making their protection in Kahuzi-Biega even more vital. By 2015, only about 3,800 Eastern Lowland Gorillas remained in the wild, primarily within Kahuzi-Biega and Salonga National Park.

Wildlife in Kahuzi-Biega

Kahuzi-Biega is a biodiversity hotspot with over 137 recorded mammal species and 350 bird species. The park’s crown jewel is undoubtedly the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, but the rich fauna also includes:

•     Primates: Golden monkeys, chimpanzees, owl-faced monkeys, and the elusive Angolan black monkeys.
   
•     Endemic Mammals: Alexander’s bush squirrel, Ruwenzori least otter shrew, and the Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse.
   
•     Birds: The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to endemic species like Grauer’s broadbill, Shelley’s crimsonwing, and Rockefeller’s sunbird.
   
•     Other Wildlife: Forest elephants, bush buffaloes, antelopes, and aquatic civets roam the park’s diverse landscapes.

Activities in Kahuzi-Biega

1. Gorilla Trekking: The highlight of any visit, gorilla trekking offers an intimate encounter with Grauer’s gorillas. With three habituated gorilla families in the highland sector, trekkers can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Guided treks range from 30 minutes to several hours, culminating in a magical hour spent with the gorillas. Permits cost $400, contributing directly to conservation efforts.
    
2. Nature Walks and Waterfalls: Well-marked trails, such as the Tshibati Waterfalls Trail, lead visitors through lush forests, bamboo groves, and swampy landscapes. Along the way, hikers can encounter various primates, birds, and stunning waterfalls.
    
3. Mountain Hiking: Scaling Mount Kahuzi (3,308 meters) rewards hikers with panoramic views of Bukavu and Lake Kivu. For a shorter climb, Mount Bugulumiza offers equally breathtaking vistas of the park’s dense forests.
    
4. Birdwatching: Morning and evening birding excursions reveal rare species like the Congo peafowl and African green broadbill.
    
5. Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center (Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary): A visit to this sanctuary near the park headquarters provides insight into the care and rehabilitation of orphaned chimpanzees and other primates affected by poaching.

Challenges and Conservation Efforts

Kahuzi-Biega faces significant challenges, including poaching, illegal logging, and political instability. The park's lowland sector remains threatened by armed groups, while local communities often encroach on park land due to population pressures.

In response, the Congolese Institute of Conservation of Nature (ICCN), in partnership with organizations like WWF and WCS, has implemented measures to curb poaching, resolve land disputes, and involve local communities in conservation. Gorilla tourism generates income for nearby communities, creating an incentive to protect wildlife.

Getting to Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Reaching the park requires some planning due to its remote location. Most visitors travel via Kigali, Rwanda, crossing the Cyangungu border to Bukavu. From there, it’s a short drive to the park entrance at Tshivanga. For a unique experience, you can also take a boat ride across Lake Kivu or fly to Bukavu from Goma or Bujumbura.

Best Time to Visit

While the park can be visited year-round, the dry months from January to February offer relatively easier trekking conditions. However, the rainy season from May to October transforms the park into a verdant wonderland, attracting migratory birds and providing abundant food for gorillas.

Packing Essentials for Kahuzi-Biega

To make the most of your trip, pack essentials like sturdy hiking boots, rain gear, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera with extra batteries. Don’t forget your travel documents, including a valid Congo visa and an invitation letter from the park.