Travel to Kahuzi Biega National Park and discover Congo’s hidden gem. Located in Eastern Congo, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a not miss. Whereas most Congo safaris involve Virunga Park and Nyiragongo Volcano, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a place to visit. The park was named after Mt Kahuzi and Mt Biega on which it spreads. Kahuzi Biega National Park covers a land area of 600,000 square kilometers comprised of forests, swamps, blogs and marshlands. The animals in Kahuzi Biega National Park include Eastern lowland gorillas, birds, monkeys and baboons among others. The things to see and do in Kahuzi Biega National Park include:
1. Gorilla Trekking
Trekking the endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas is the key tourist activity in Kahuzi Biega National park. YES, over 80% of travelers to this park chose to visit and spend time with the largest gorilla specie. A face-to-face encounter with the largest gorilla specie is a magical experience you ought to enjoy. Two gorilla families have been habituated for trekking everyday at $450 for a permit. This guarantee availability of 16 gorillas permits since 8 people a day visit each family. Trekking to see eastern lowland gorillas lasts between 30 minutes to over 6 hours depending on where the endangered species will be that day and the traveler’s speed of movements. The trekking day starts with a briefing at the park headquarters where travelers are also registered and introduced to the rules and regulations of gorilla trekking. This include:
• Do not trek when sick
• Avoid direct eye contact with the gorillas
• Keep a seven meter distance from the gorillas
• Do not use flashlight cameras
• Keep your voices low
• Keep within your group
• Do not eat or drink in the presence of the gorillas
• Do not touch the baby gorillas
• Wear a face mask
• Turn back your face when coughing or sneezing
• Do not smoke in the presence of the gorillas
Like in the sister mountain gorillas, travelers visiting eastern lowland gorillas are also advised to carry the essentials to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable trek. Among the things to carry for gorilla trekking include:
• Hiking boots
• Garden gloves
• Long sleeved shirts/blouses
• Long pants
• Rain jacket
• Scarf
• Sweater
• Sun glasses
• Hat
• First aid Kit
• Insect repellants
• Drinking water
• Extra batteries
• Energy giving snacks
Travelers planning to visit Eastern Lowland gorillas are advised to book as early as 6 months in advance to reserve the permits. Africa Adventure Safaris helps you book a permit and tailor made a suitable Congo gorilla safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park at affordable rates.
2. Volcano climbing
In addition to gorilla trekking, take chance to hike any of the two Volcanoes in the National Park. My Kahuzi is the tallest standing at 3,308 meters above the seas level while Mt Biega stands at 2,790 meters above the sea level. A hike to the summit of any one volcano offers you great views of the entire park, the Virunga volcanoes and local communities in the neighborhood. Also, the slopes of these volcanoes helter different wild animals including the endangered eastern lowland gorillas. Volcano climbing therefore gives you chance to meet these wild animals on a good day. Traveler’s intending to hike are advised to do physical exercises to ensure fitness.
3. Bird watching
Kahuzi Biega National park shelters over 340 bird species 42 of which are endemic to the Albertine region. The park is therefore a haven for birders and one of the top birding areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Among the notable birds in Kahuzi Biega National Park include Rockefeller’s, African green broadbill and Congo Paefowl. Binoculars are highly recommended for birding travelers to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Birding watching can be done all day through but morning and evening hours is the best time to see may birds waking up and going back to their nests.
4. Forest/Nature walks
Guided nature/forest walks help you to explore all the hidden treasures in Kahuzi Biega National Park. A walk to Tshibit waterfall, caves and ricers in Kahuzi Biega Park is a memorable experience you will live to remember. Walking through the forest gives you chance to see different herbs, plants, birds and even wild animals in the park. A quite walk listening to the sweet melodies of birds in the trees above you is a magical feeling.
Accommodation in Kahuzi Biega National park
Wondering on where to sleep in Kahuzi Biega National Park? no worries. Numerous lodges, hotels and camps have been put up to offer you budget, luxury and midrange food and sleeping services at affordable rates. The top lodges in Kahuzi Biega Park are L’Orchids Safari club and Lodgecoco Lodge. Africa Adventure Safaris help you book excellent accommodation services in Kahuzi Biega National park.
In general, Kahuzi Biega National Park offers it all you need on a safari. Book a Congo safari today, trek Eastern Lowland gorillas and volcano climbing in Kahuzi Biega National Park with Africa Adventure Safaris