Kahuzi-Biega National Park (KBNP) was ranked third among the best ecotourism destinations in Africa and around the world at the Berlin Salon 2019.
Located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kahuzi Biega National Park extends over 6000 km2, with an altitude ranging from 600 to 3308m.
It takes its name from two mountains that dominate its so-called “high altitude” part: Mount Kahuzi (3308m) and Mount Biega (2790m).
Thanks gorilla habituation experience, KBNP is the only place in the world where it is possible for tourists to observe the Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla Beringei Graueri) in its natural environment. It is known as the largest of the three gorilla subspecies.
Coming across those magnificent creatures during a long hike in the dense and humid mountain forest is an unforgettable experience.
Visitors will be offered a range of hikes adapted to their age and goals during which they will admire birds, monkeys and countless other animal and plant species. The magnificent waterfalls, swamps and panoramic views will take your breath away.
Make the most of this opportunity and climb Mount Kahuzi (3308 metres), the highest peak in the park. The climb starts at about 2100 meters, and you should be able to make it to the summit after a four hours hike. Mount Biega, which rises to 2800 metres, is also a must-see.
LOGBOOK
ACCOMMODATION
BUNGALOWS: Spend the night in one of the five beautiful new bungalows made of volcanic stone and thatch and located in the forest near the visitor centre.
CAMPING: It is also possible to camp on the summit of Mount Bugulumiza, which is accessible by 4×4 or by foot (panoramic view of Kuhuzi and Biega).
VISITING THE GORILLAS
The hike to visit to the gorillas takes place early in the morning. Wear shirts, long pants and sturdy shoes. A good physical condition is required. Silence and respect for the environment and nature are the norm. Please be careful not to throw garbage in the forest. A minimum safety distance of 10 metres from animals is required. Turn off the flash of your camera when standing in front of the gorillas
VISA
Kahuzi Biega National Park can help you obtain a visa for the DRC.
A DAY WITH THE ECO GUARDS
Conserving biological diversity in a sustainable way, while reducing conflicts with surrounding populations is a challenge for the park’s management board. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is classified as an endangered UNESCO World Heritage site. At an altitude of more than 1800 metres, the eco guards of Kahuzi-Biega National Park tirelessly patrol the bamboo and Podocarpus forests to dismantle illegal activities. Despite difficult daily working conditions, they travel three quarters of the year through this exceptional but fragile nature to protect the integrity of habitats, particularly the flagship species of this area: the eastern lowland gorilla, also known as the Grauer’s Gorilla. Thanks to the efforts and investments of the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN), in charge of managing the country’s protected areas, these gorillas can flourish in their ecosystem and be frequently visited by tourists from various backgrounds.
RATES
Foreigners
Adults: 400 USD / Student: 200 USD / Children: 150 USD
Foreigners residing in the DRC and CEPGL, EAC and SADC areas
Adults: 200 USD / Students: 100 USD / Children: 80 USD
Nationals
Adults: 20 USD / Students: 10 USD / Children: 5 USD
CONTACT
www.kahuzi-biega.org – [email protected] / [email protected] – +243 822 881 012 – +243 971 300 881 – +243 813 431 239
Blog: http://kahuzibiegawordpress.com
THE KBNP IN NUMBERS
– Surface area: 600,000 ha
– 250 ecoguards
– More than 200 endemic plant and animal species
– Established in 1937 (declared a wilderness area) and classified as a national park in 1970
– Management : The Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN)
– Several technical and financial partners including: KfW/GFA, WCS, PREPAN/BM, FFI, DFGFI, Born Free, Strong Roots, PICG, Zoo de la Palmyre, Primate Expertise, MGVP, etc.
HIGHLIGHTS
– Kahuzi Biega National Park is classified as an endangered UNESCO World Heritage Site
– At an altitude of more than 1800 metres, the eco-guards of Kahuzi-Biega National Park tirelessly patrol the bamboo and Podocarpus forests to dismantle illegal activities
– The park is the only place in the world where it is possible for tourists to observe the Grauer’s gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri) in its natural environment
– At the 2019 Berlin Salon, the KBNP was ranked third among the best ecotourism destinations in Africa and around the world
