Kahuzi-Biéga National Park
Sud-Kivu
Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, located near Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, is one of the largest and most biologically diverse protected areas in Africa. Established in 1970 and named after the two dormant volcanoes Kahuzi and Biéga, the park covers 6,000 square kilometers of both mountainous and lowland terrain. It is renowned for its unique habitats, including dense Guineo-Congolian rainforests, swamp forests, bamboo forests, and subalpine heather at high altitudes. The park is a crucial sanctuary for the endangered eastern lowland gorilla, hosting the last refuge for this rare primate, alongside over 136 mammal species and 349 bird species. Its varied topography supports over 1,178 plant species, making it a hotspot for endemic flora and fauna. Despite challenges from regional instability, Kahuzi-Biéga remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their visit during the dry season for better accessibility and wildlife viewing. Booking permits or guided tours in advance is recommended due to conservation regulations and limited visitor facilities. Discounts may be available for students or groups. Visitors should prepare for variable mountain weather and bring appropriate gear for trekking and wildlife observation.
Interesting facts
- •Kahuzi-Biéga protects more mammal species than any other park in the Albertine Rift.
- •The park is home to the endangered eastern lowland gorilla, with populations recovering from less than 125 individuals to over 180 by 2011.
- •It features six primary vegetation types, including rare swamp and peat bog forests found at various altitudes.
- •The park encompasses two dormant volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi (3,308 m) and Mount Biéga (2,790 m).
History
The park originated as the Zoological and Forest Reserve of Mount Kahuzi in 1937 during Belgian colonial rule.
It was officially established as Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in 1970 by conservationist Adrien Deschryver and expanded five years later to its current size.
In 1980, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique rainforest habitat and mammal diversity, especially the eastern lowland gorilla.
Political instability and regional conflicts led to its inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger in 1997 due to threats from poaching and human encroachment.
Place Guide
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Habitat
This area of the park is the critical refuge for the endangered eastern lowland gorillas, offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe these primates in their natural mountainous rainforest environment.
Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biéga
Two dormant volcanoes that give the park its name, offering diverse ecological zones from lowland rainforest to subalpine grasslands and heather at the summits, providing spectacular trekking and panoramic views.
Albertine Rift Montane Forests
The mountainous eastern sector is part of the Albertine Rift montane forests ecoregion, showcasing a rare complete transition from lowland to highland vegetation including bamboo forests and subalpine heather.
Contact
Phone: 0992 116 464
