Kahuzi-Biega National Park – The Hidden Jewel of Eastern Congo

Deep in the lush, mountainous terrain of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo lies one of Africa’s most magnificent yet lesser-known wildernesses — Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, named after its two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi (3,308 m) and Mount Biega (2,790 m), is one of the last remaining strongholds of the eastern lowland gorilla, also known as the Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri).

For travelers seeking untouched beauty, raw adventure, and authentic encounters with Africa’s rarest wildlife, Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience — where misty mountains meet tropical forests, and nature thrives undisturbed.

Location and Overview

Located near Bukavu on the western shores of Lake Kivu, Kahuzi-Biega spans over 6,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest national parks in Central Africa. The park straddles two distinct ecological zones — mountain forest and lowland rainforest — creating an incredible diversity of landscapes and species.

It was established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver, specifically to protect the Grauer’s gorillas. Today, it remains one of the few places in the world where visitors can track these gentle giants in the wild, under the guidance of experienced park rangers.

The Eastern Lowland Gorilla Experience

Meeting the Grauer’s Gorilla

The eastern lowland gorilla, the world’s largest primate, is bigger and stockier than its mountain cousins found in Rwanda and Uganda. It has a broader chest, longer arms, and a thicker coat, adapted for the humid lowland forests.

Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega is an intimate and uncrowded experience. Only a few groups visit each day, giving travelers a peaceful and personal encounter.

Treks start from the Tshivanga Visitor Centre, where rangers brief visitors on safety and conservation. The hike takes you through thick forests filled with giant ferns, orchids, and bird calls until you find one of the habituated gorilla families.

When you finally stand before them — a silverback resting quietly, juveniles playing in the trees, mothers cradling infants — it’s a breathtaking and humbling moment. You’re allowed one hour with the gorillas, enough to observe their behaviors and capture the emotion of the encounter.

Permit Information

• Gorilla Trekking Permit: USD 400 per person (as of 2025)

• Permits can be arranged through the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) or via local tour operators in Bukavu or Goma.

• Trekking is available year-round, though trails can be slippery during the rainy season.

Other Attractions and Activities in Kahuzi-Biega

1. Hiking Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega

For adventure lovers, hiking to the summits of the park’s twin volcanoes is an exhilarating experience. The trails pass through bamboo and montane forests, home to colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and colorful birds.

At the top, the view is breathtaking — stretching across Lake Kivu, Bukavu town, and the vast Congo Basin.

2. Bird Watching

Kahuzi-Biega is a paradise for birders, boasting over 350 bird species, including 42 endemics to the Albertine Rift. Highlights include the Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis), a rare and striking bird found only in the Congo Basin, as well as the yellow-crested helmetshrike, Grauer’s broadbill, and Ruwenzori turaco.

3. Forest Walks and Nature Trails

Guided walks through the park’s dense vegetation offer opportunities to see smaller mammals, butterflies, and ancient trees. The Marais de Tshiabati trail and Mbizi Forest are ideal for short, scenic explorations.

4. Visit Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Centre

Located near the park, the Lwiro Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates orphaned chimpanzees and monkeys confiscated from the illegal pet trade. It’s an educational and inspiring visit that highlights the region’s ongoing conservation challenges and triumphs.

5. Cultural Encounters

Visitors can engage with the Bashi and Batwa communities who live near the park. Guided cultural tours reveal traditional dances, local crafts, and stories that enrich the understanding of life around Kahuzi-Biega.

Wildlife Beyond Gorillas

In addition to gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega shelters an astonishing range of wildlife — from forest elephants, chimpanzees, and giant forest hogs to rare antelope species like the bongo and sitatunga. The park’s remoteness has allowed many of these species to thrive with minimal human interference.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega is during the dry seasons:

• June to September

• December to February

During these months, trails are easier to hike and wildlife viewing is more comfortable. However, the park remains beautiful year-round, with the rainy seasons (March–May and October–November) bringing lush greenery and vibrant birdlife.

Getting There

From Rwanda:

Most visitors travel from Rwanda into Congo via the Cyangugu–Bukavu border post (near Lake Kivu). From Kigali, it’s about a 6–7-hour drive to Bukavu. The park headquarters at Tshivanga is roughly 40 kilometers (1.5 hours) from Bukavu.

By Air:

Domestic flights are available to Kavumu Airport, located about 30 kilometers from Bukavu. Charter flights from Goma or Kinshasa can also be arranged for groups.

It is highly recommended to travel with an experienced tour operator who can handle permits, logistics, and security arrangements.

Where to Stay

• Coco Lodge Bukavu – charming and comfortable with great meals and Lake Kivu views.

• Hotel Orchid Safari Club – stylish accommodation ideal for relaxing after your trek.

• Exodus Bukavu Hotel – budget-friendly with easy access to the park.

• Camping near Tshivanga – for adventurous travelers who want to stay close to nature.

Conservation and Community Efforts

Despite years of political instability in eastern Congo, Kahuzi-Biega remains a symbol of hope for conservation. The park is managed by the ICCN in partnership with international NGOs, with a strong focus on anti-poaching patrols, community engagement, and eco-tourism development.

Every gorilla permit purchased contributes to ranger training, habitat protection, and community projects such as schools and healthcare centers.

Visitors play a vital role in supporting these conservation efforts — proving that responsible tourism can help protect one of Africa’s most fragile ecosystems.

Why Visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park

• It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can see eastern lowland gorillas.

• The park offers authentic, crowd-free adventures for nature enthusiasts.

• Its landscapes — a mix of volcanoes, rainforest, and wetlands — are among the most stunning in Africa.

• Visitors directly support conservation and local communities.

• Combined with nearby Lake Kivu and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, it creates a perfect East-Central African safari circuit.

Conclusion

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a destination that embodies the untamed beauty and resilience of Central Africa. Far from the tourist crowds, it offers a deep and personal connection to nature — a place where gorillas roam freely, forests whisper ancient secrets, and travelers discover what true wilderness feels like.

For those who seek authenticity, adventure, and purpose in travel, Kahuzi-Biega stands as one of Africa’s last great frontiers — wild, soulful, and unforgettable.