Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Location: Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of the last refuges of the eastern lowland gorilla. The park is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which dominate the landscape. The park covers an area of 6,000 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, and several species of monkeys.
Prominent Features: The park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorilla, which is the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Visitors can take guided tours to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The park also contains a variety of ecosystems, including dense rainforests, swamps, and bamboo forests. In addition to gorilla tracking, visitors can also take guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and visit the nearby Tshibati Waterfall.
History: Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970 to protect the eastern lowland gorilla population, which had been decimated by poaching and habitat loss. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and significance for the conservation of biological diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and cultural visits to local villages. Children will also enjoy seeing the park's diverse wildlife, including monkeys, chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
Fun Fact: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to more than 1,000 plant species, making it one of the most diverse areas for flora in Africa.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Kahuzi-Biega National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Gorilla trekking permits cost $400 per person, and other activities such as nature walks and birdwatching tours typically cost around $30-$50 per person.
How to Reach it: The park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Rwanda. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then driving to the park, which takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Goma International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo and then take a taxi or hire a private car to get to the park. It is also possible to reach the park by taking a bus or taxi from Bukavu, which is the nearest major town to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options include Tchegera Island Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Mikeno Lodge. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, as availability can be limited.
Next Stop: Virunga National Park
Year of Inscription: 1980
Criteria: (vii) exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; (x) the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and is one of the last refuges of the eastern lowland gorilla. The park is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which dominate the landscape. The park covers an area of 6,000 square kilometers and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, and several species of monkeys.
Prominent Features: The park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorilla, which is the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Visitors can take guided tours to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The park also contains a variety of ecosystems, including dense rainforests, swamps, and bamboo forests. In addition to gorilla tracking, visitors can also take guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and visit the nearby Tshibati Waterfall.
History: Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970 to protect the eastern lowland gorilla population, which had been decimated by poaching and habitat loss. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1980, in recognition of its exceptional natural beauty and significance for the conservation of biological diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: The park offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and cultural visits to local villages. Children will also enjoy seeing the park's diverse wildlife, including monkeys, chimpanzees, and forest elephants.
Fun Fact: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to more than 1,000 plant species, making it one of the most diverse areas for flora in Africa.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Kahuzi-Biega National Park varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Gorilla trekking permits cost $400 per person, and other activities such as nature walks and birdwatching tours typically cost around $30-$50 per person.
How to Reach it: The park is located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, near the border with Rwanda. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying into Kigali International Airport in Rwanda and then driving to the park, which takes around 4-5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Goma International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo and then take a taxi or hire a private car to get to the park. It is also possible to reach the park by taking a bus or taxi from Bukavu, which is the nearest major town to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near Kahuzi-Biega National Park, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options include Tchegera Island Camp, Kibumba Tented Camp, and Mikeno Lodge. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, as availability can be limited.
Next Stop: Virunga National Park