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Kahuzi-Biega National Park
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Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a major protected area in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, situated near the city of Bukavu. Established in 1970 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, the park is primarily vital for the protection of Eastern Lowland gorillas (Grauer's gorillas), the world's largest gorilla subspecies. The park is named after two extinct volcanoes, Kahuzi and Biega, which dominate the landscape and provide one of the few ecological corridors between lowland and montane forests in the region. Its flora and fauna are exceptionally diverse, featuring forest elephants, chimpanzees, and numerous endemic bird species alongside primates. Over recent decades, however, the park has been severely impacted by instability, illegal mining, and deforestation. Nevertheless, it remains an essential hub for scientific research and conservation efforts in Central Africa.
- Location: Congo - Kinshasa
- Nearby: Kahuzi-Biega National Park (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 18 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 |
| Rain mm | 154 | 144 | 204 | 176 | 126 | 61 | 38 | 83 | 134 | 187 | 227 | 181 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time for gorilla trekking is the dry season from June to September and December to February. In the rainy season, trails are slippery and visibility can be limited.
Best time of day
Gorilla trekking tours start very early in the morning, around 6:00 am, to find the gorillas in their natural daily routine. The encounter itself usually happens late morning.
Etiquette
Keep a minimum distance of 7 meters from the gorillas and avoid direct eye contact. If you cough or sneeze, turn away and cover your mouth and nose.
What to bring
Sturdy footwear (hiking boots), long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and gardening gloves are recommended to protect against nettles and thorns. Also a rain jacket and water bottle.
Getting there
The park is about 30 km northwest of Bukavu and accessible by car. A permit for gorilla trekking must be booked in advance through the park authorities.
What to expect
The hike to the gorillas can take 1 to 4 hours depending on their location - often through dense jungle. The encounter itself is limited to one hour but unforgettable.
Geography
Facts
- Home to the world's only habituated groups of Grauer's gorillas.
- Mount Kahuzi is the park's highest peak, reaching 3,308 meters.
- The protected area spans a total surface of 6,000 square kilometers.
- Granted UNESCO status in 1980 (listed as 'in danger' since 1997).
- Critical habitat for the Eastern chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii).
- The park encompasses both primary rainforest and afro-alpine zones.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which gorilla species lives in Kahuzi-Biega Park?
The park is famous for protecting Eastern Lowland Gorillas.
Where is the park located?
It is located in the South Kivu province, west of the city of Bukavu.
Are there hiking trails available?
Yes, you can climb Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega.
Do you need a permit for the gorillas?
Yes, prior reservation and a permit are required for gorilla trekking.
Is there accommodation in the park?
There are basic camping options and lodges near the park entrance.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park: where is it located?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in Congo - Kinshasa.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a major protected area in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, situated near the city of Bukavu.
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