Overview
3 Days Kahuzi-Biega NP offers you a lifetime chance to encounter the Eastern lowland gorillas in the wild plus other species. Kahuzi-Biega National Park located in Eastern Congo is a unique habitat to over 250 grauer’s gorillas/Eastern lowland gorillas and it is a beautiful tropical forest comprising of 2 distinct volcanoes: Kahuzi and Biega.
Kahuzi-Biega NP lies at altitudinal range of 2100m and 2400m, with its borders spreading on 6000sq.kms of land area. It is officially a designated UNESCO site and a distinct habitat to wildlife not only lowland gorillas but also bush elephants, Mount Kahuzi climbing mouse, bush squirrel, bongo antelopes, buffaloes, chimpanzees and more.
There are also about 350 bird species residing in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. They include Rockefellers, yellow crested helmet shrike, Congo peafowl, Rwenzori turacos, trogons, sunbirds, etc. This park also boasts of its unique vegetation where its diverse animals and birds reside including swamp, woodland, open grassland, etc. At Kahuzi-Biega, other exciting activities to enjoy include birding, nature walks, volcano hiking, community visit and more. Your 3 days safari in Kahuzi-Biega begins and ends in Kigali.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: To Kahuzi-Biega NP
Early rise for breakfast, after enjoy Kigali city tour for about 2 hours and then you proceed to Bukavu, a 7 hours’ drive. You will drive via the lush Nyungwe Forest National Park while enjoying breathtaking view of rolling hills around Rusizi and later, connect to Cyangugu border to access Bukavu for relaxation, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Guided Eastern lowland gorilla trekking
Leave your accommodation at Bukavu for briefing on lowland gorilla trekking rules at Kahuzi-Biega National Park offices. You will be allocated to one of the 5 habituated gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega and actual tracking to see lowland gorillas/grauer’s gorillas starts at 8:00am with the park guide leading you through the forest taking about 2-6 hours. The lowland gorilla trek includes observing closely the Eastern lowland gorillas, their daily behaviors, taking pictures (this is during the one hour of a magical encounter) and you return to meet your driver guide to be transferred to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3: Kigali for departure
Enjoy a hefty breakfast at a hotel in Bukavu and after, drive back to Kigali in Rwanda, a road trip expected to take 7 hours via Nyungwe Forest. The expected stopover points en-route include the King’s Palace in Nyanza or Butare museum and lunch before you continue to Kigali for departure or relaxation at a hotel.
