Bird watching in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo

Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park is a rewarding experience as a variety of birds find a haven in this tropical rainforest. At the moment more than 342 bird species have been recorded as residents of Kahuzi Biega National Park with more than 42 Albertine rift endemics present. Kahuzi Biega forest is a birding paradise.

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Kahuzi Biega National Park a pristine forest is famously known for hosting the eastern lowland gorillas with currently about 5 gorilla trekking families present. The stunning topography of Kahuzi Biega forest covering a span area of approximately 6000 square kilometers provides a home to the fragile eastern lowland gorillas. Other than the huge list of primate species, Kahuzi Biega forest also hosts an array of birds, and this huge list of birds is attributed to the rich ecosystem. The presence of swamps, marshland, bog, and forest creates a safe home for a variety of birds.

The political instability of eastern D.R.Congo is one hindrance to the birding experience in this park as there are some no-go areas. This unstable environment is one of the reasons why Kahuzi Biega National Park is under the protection of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Kahuzi Biega National Park was gazette in the 1970s after a Belgian photographer and conservationist Adrien Deschryver was the whistleblower to protecting this national park and its inhabitants. Other than the eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Graueri) a huge list of flora and fauna live in this forest.  

During Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park, some of the birds you may encounter include African Green broadbill, Congo Peafowl, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Helmet Shrike, Yellow Chested Helmet, handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, trogons, Red-eyed Doves, African Black Swift, Long-crested Eagles, Bush Shrike, Brown Chested Alethe, African Hill Babblers, Ethiopian Crimsonwing, Red-faced Cisticola to mention but a few. Birding experience in Kahuzi Biega National Park is best experienced early morning and late afternoon.

Birding in Kahuzi Biega forest starts with a briefing from the ranger guide who takes you through the dos and don'ts of this primeval forest. You must listen carefully to the guidelines of this adventure as other than the birds, other sensitive forest dwellers deserve to be protected.

When is the best time to plan a Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

The dry season provides the most suitable time to do birding in the Kahuzi Biega forest when the birds spend much of their time in the open space. These birds keep lingering in the forest in search of food while others prepare nest-building materials as they get ready for the wet season. The dry season for birding in Kahuzi Biega forest is normally June to October and December to early February.

Although Kahuzi Biega National Park is a tropical rainforest with chances of receiving rain, its dry season rains are slightly light. This is coupled with more sunlight let in through the dense forest canopy to the ground reducing the amount of precipitation in the forest.

Birding in Kahuzi Biega forest requires walking on every wet ground but during the dry season, the trails are drier. There is also less undergrowth protruding through to obstruct the way. Following the swift birds on soggy and slippery ground is quite tricky makes the entire experience strenuous but the dry season creates a better environment.

Even though this is the best birding time in Kahuzi Biega forest, the number of people allowed in the forest is regulated for conservation reasons. Even with high demand for other activities like gorilla trekking, the number of visitors to the forest is restricted.

 The wet season is also comfortable for birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park as most birds are confined closer to their nests. There is plenty for them to feed on and also some migrant birds may make their way into the forest to feed on the plenty of food in the forest. The wet season is normally March, April, May and November. Get ready to wear rainproof gear and protective gear for your gadgets.

How much is the cost of Birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

At Encounter Africa Safaris, we categorize Birding Safaris in Kahuzi Biega National Park into upmarket, Midrange, and basic. You must pay park entrance fees and a birding permit from the Virunga Tourism office. Note that most of the ranger guides in this park are fluent in French compared to English so in case you need an English-speaking ranger guide, preparations have to be made.

For the best birding experience in Kahuzi Biega National Park, an experienced and professional birding guide must be on the list of items to book in advance. 

Secure accommodation to use on the birding safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park as the options run out early. It is best to start the bird search early to get the best results so spending the night within or closer to the park provides better chances to catch up with this time.

Is Kahuzi Biega National Park Safe For Birding?

Kahuzi Biega National Park is closely supervised by ranger guides with other Congolese security agencies to provide maximum security to tourists and the close by community. In the past, the eastern part of D.R.Congo has been infested by unlawful activities like smuggling, illegal lumbering, illegal mining, poaching, and rebel activities and these have affected most of the tourism activities in this area.

At the moment because of the great effort by the D.R.Congo, there is some peace in this area allowing safari activities to go on.

For birding in the Kahuzi Biega forest, it is safe but you must be in the company of an armed ranger guide.

How Long Is The Birding Safari In Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Birding time in Kahuzi Biega National Park is hard to determine because of the variety of species living in different parts of the park. You need to possess the right birding gear like a good camera with a great lens, a pair of binoculars, and much more. Don't forget rainproof gear as they may fall in the forest while still in the field.

Some factors that may affect quick birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park may include weather, the state of the trails, the location of particular birds, and much more. As a birder, some patience and zealous help to get the best from this birding safari because there are plenty and unique bird species in this forest.

 While on the birding safari, you may cross paths with the Eastern lowland gorillas or chimpanzees in this forest enriching your list of wildlife other than the birds.

Is Birding in Kahuzi Biega Forest Difficult?

The nature of the topography of Kahuzi Biega National Park is largely flat lowland that descends from Lake Kivu. This park also crosses the mountain Mitumba ranges and is west of Bukavu town near Lake Kivu. On the western part of Kahuzi Biega National Park is the dormant Volcano Mountain Kahuzi and Mountain Biega in the eastern part.

Mountain Kahuzi stands 3308 meters above sea level and Mountain Biega 2790 meters above sea level. In terms of rain, Kahuzi Biega National Park receives an average of about 1800 mm. The soil of Kahuzi Biega National Park is volcanic and soft so during heavy rains, the ground may become slippery and soggy.

The trails through the forest are constructed by regular visitors but at times they are shadowed by the overgrown undergrowth so require some trimming which may scare the birds. Along the way, are some rough plants that may cause skin eczema so you need to wear the right attire for your birding safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Which accommodation to book for the Birding Safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Kahuzi Biega National Park offers a range of accommodation options to book during the birding safari. The accommodation ranges from Upscale to Mid-range to basic. 

Accommodations in Kahuzi Biega National Park: Orchid Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonais Bukavu, Panorama Hotel, Exodus Hotel, Hotel Elizabeth

It is best to book accommodation for Kahuzi Biega National Park to use in advance as options run out, especially during the peak season when demand for safaris is high.

How to Get To Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Some of the road routes to Kahuzi Biega National Park start from Kigali Rwanda driving through Gisenyi to cross the border at Risizi border then to Bukavu town then to Kahuzi Biega National Park. From Uganda, you may cross into D.R.Congo via the Kasese route to Goma then carry on to Bukavu town which is about 30 kilometers from the border and Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Because of the poor roads in this area, it is best to have an experienced driver guide with good knowledge of eastern D.R. Congo routes is that you are not lost in this jungle.

Charter flight arrangements to Kavumu airstrip and then to Kahuzi Biega National Park can be made but booking must be made and the status of the environment in this park must be watched for safe landing.

 Why do birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the few chances to see these few leftover forests in the world as environmental degradation is claiming many prehistoric forests. Kahuzi Biega forest is a haven for birding and is rich with flora and fauna found in few places in the world.

While birding may be your main aim for visiting Kahuzi Biega forest, you may encounter a variety of other forest dwellers like the Eastern lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, blue monkeys, olive baboons, grey-cheeked mangabey, and Bongo, to mention but a few. There are other mammals like forest elephants, giant forest hogs, and others.

In case you are into botany too, there is plenty of flora to see while birding in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Kahuzi Biega National Park is a place that makes one fall in love with nature because of its stunning beauty and uniqueness. It is very easy to fall in love with the surroundings of Kahuzi Biega National Park where vast lowlands meet breathtaking mountains as Biega and Kahuzi creating a protective barricade for the park.

 Packing List For Birding In Kahuzi Biega National Park

• Waterproof Backpack to carry with your belongings in case you have to hand them over to the porters and in case you tripe they don’t scatter.
• Warm wear as the temperatures of Kahuzi Biega and volcanoes Forests drop as low as 7 degrees centigrade sometimes. The mornings and nights are extremely cold.
• Tracking boots that can withstand slippery slopes when you hike to find the birds.
• Energy snacks to keep munching on because breakfast is taken too early to last the entire time you are in the wilderness.
•  Water bottle to carry with drinking water to use for rehydrating as you trek to find the birds
• Garden gloves to wear and keep your palms warm also help you catch a tighter grip on the entangled vegetation when you slide.
• First aid kit with emergency medication in case you get an accident
• Energy treats give you more reason to carry on to locate the find the birds.
• A camera to capture every moment of your experience with the birds in Kahuzi forest.
• Some hard cash in case you have to make on-ground purchases.
• A poncho or raincoat in case it rains without warning.
• A pair of stockings to tack in your clothes and prevent creepers from getting in.
• Larger brim hat that is foldable to protect yourself from the buzzing insects in the jungle.
• Insect repellent to protect your skin from stinging insects

Birding is truly a rewarding experience. Contact our team to plan your birding safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park.