KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK (NPNKB)

A World Heritage site since 1980, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is located west of Bukavu. It covers the provinces of Sud-Kivu, Nord-Kivu and Maniema. This 6,000 km² park boasts a remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna, fostered by a variety of ecosystems spread over different altitudes. Primary tropical and swamp forests with abundant bamboo reserves follow one another up to the two extinct volcanoes that give the park its name: Mont Kahuzi (3308 m) and Mont Biega (2790 m). With its exceptional biological diversity, the PNKB is one of five World Heritage sites in the DRC. In total, the park is home to 136 mammal species; 335 bird species; 69 reptile species; 44 amphibian species and several hundred plant species, 145 of which are endemic to the Albertine Rift.

Watch lowland gorillas. Kahuzi-Biega Park is best known worldwide for the Grauer's gorilla(Gorilla beringei graueri), also known as the lowland gorilla (which distinguishes it from the mountain gorilla found in Virunga Park). It is the largest of all primate species and is found only in the east of the DRC, mainly in the PNKB. Its survival was greatly threatened during the war in Kivu. A visit to these remarkable hosts begins with a 1-2 hour walk through the forest with experienced guides who will take you to the location of one of the families accustomed to human presence. You can observe them feeding, playing, resting... It's a very impressive and magical moment. As well as allowing you to visit the park and contemplate its exceptional vegetation, the approach walk to the gorillas is also a must.

A 21-kilometrecircuit of footpaths starting from the Tshivanga station, allowing you to discover the park's unique ecosystem. A further 18 km 4x4 circuit takes you to the Mbayu-Mugaba bird-watching site.

Ascent of the Mount Kahuzi volcano (3,308 m), which takes 7 hours round trip from the Tshivanga station, where accommodation is available.

Another social component concerns the pygmy populations living around the park, and aims to improve their living conditions and involve them in the park's conservation project. The overall aim is to increase tourism and the visibility of the site. This will also involve the construction of a reception infrastructure (in progress), the previous lodges having been destroyed during the war... The area includes straw huts for welcoming visitors and for catering, with a view over the lake. It will also be possible to camp at the foot of the volcanoes.

Practicalities. The PNKB is easily accessible from Bukavu via a good road (allow 40 minutes). By cab: $150. Motorcycle: $10. Fuel and road tolls included. Or ask us to organize the trip for you via ICCN or travel agencies (same price range).

The park entrance is at Tshivanga, on the east coast. Follow the road from Kavumu airport, turn left at Miti and continue straight on to the Tshivanga visitor center.

You need to organize your visit in advance. You can either contact ICCN, travel agencies or hotels in town, which can also take you there.