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Forest Service, USDA CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

Park

Kahuzi-Biéga National Park in South Kivu protects eastern lowland gorillas across montane and lowland rainforest; wildlife viewing and research expeditions bring scientists and guided treks to the region.

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Kahuzi-Biéga National Park essentials

Address: Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Hours: Park access varies by permit and ranger schedules
Admission: Park access fees and permits vary; research local permits for gorilla habituation visits (often with paid permits)
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About Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

Kahuzi-Biéga National Park is a protected landscape in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in South Kivu province, covering both montane and lowland rainforest habitats. It is internationally important for biodiversity, especially for populations of eastern lowland gorillas.

The park contains steep highland areas and lowland tropical forest with a high level of species diversity. Scientific and conservation work has focused on gorilla monitoring, forest ecology and habitat protection; limited visitor and research access is managed through park authorities.

The park was established in the 1970s and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional biodiversity values. Since establishment it has faced pressures from conflict, resource extraction and habitat encroachment, which conservation programs have sought to address.

Geographically the park lies west of Lake Kivu and north of Bukavu in eastern DRC, occupying part of the Albertine Rift. The terrain ranges from lowland forest up to montane slopes and isolated volcanic ridges.

  • Gorilla conservation: Home to eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), making it one of the most important conservation areas for that subspecies.
  • Access considerations: Park access and visitor programmes are subject to regional security and conservation considerations; contact local authorities or park management before planning a visit.

What to See#

  • Montane sector: The montane zone in the park includes forested slopes and the higher ridges of the Albertine Rift, providing habitat for mountain-adapted wildlife and montane gorilla populations.
  • Lowland sector: Lowland tropical rainforest areas that support diverse flora and the largest remaining populations of eastern lowland gorillas in the region.
  • Bukavu (access point): The city and transport hub closest to the park used by researchers and visitors as a base for access and logistics.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

Visit in the dry months for easier trekking and travel logistics; park permits and security briefings are required.

Dry season
June-September, December-February · 15-25°C
Better trekking conditions and visibility for wildlife; roads more passable.
Wet season
March-May, October-November · 18-28°C
Dense vegetation and heavy rains can hamper travel; gorilla habituation work continues but access is tougher.

Weather & Climate near Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

Climate

Kahuzi-Biéga National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1705 mm/year), wettest in November.

Air Quality: AQI 82 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 15° - 25° 20° 165 mm overcast 84% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
February Good 15° - 25° 20° 144 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
March Good 15° - 25° 20° 181 mm overcast 83% 2.0 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.0h
April Good 15° - 25° 20° 181 mm overcast 85% 1.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
May Good 16° - 25° 20° 135 mm overcast 84% 2.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
June Very Good 14° - 24° 19° 61 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.9 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
July Excellent 14° - 24° 19° 42 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.9h
August Very Good 15° - 25° 20° 72 mm overcast 77% 2.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
September Good 15° - 25° 20° 131 mm overcast 82% 1.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.0h
October Good 15° - 25° 20° 189 mm overcast 85% 1.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
November Good 15° - 24° 20° 217 mm overcast 86% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
December Good 15° - 25° 20° 187 mm overcast 85% 1.8 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

Most expeditions are organized from Bukavu (South Kivu); travel requires coordination with park authorities and experienced guides. Road and security conditions vary; international visitors should arrange trips through reputable conservation groups or tour operators.

Tips for Visiting Kahuzi-Biéga National Park

  • Arrange park entry and any gorilla or chimpanzee permits through authorized guides or conservation offices in Bukavu or nearby towns.
  • Travel in the dry season for better road conditions; many trails become muddy and slippery in heavy rains.
  • Respect local park rules strictly - the area has past security issues and guides carry essential local knowledge.