When to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
When to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park
When to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park: Kahuzi Biega is the home to the Eastern lowland gorillas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Kahuzi Biega national park is located in the southern part of the country in the South Kivu province. All trekking of lowland gorillas of DR Congo is done in the Kahuzi Biega national park and the Maiko national park and these are the only parks that are home to the lowland gorilla. The tourism value that the Democratic republic of Congo holds in Africa is high majorly because of its outstanding fauna that is the mountain gorillas in the Virunga national park and the eastern lowland gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega national park.
This country is a very virgin land with less exploitation and human interference which gives you that raw and authentic experience when in the country at the different destinations. On top of the lowland gorillas, Kahuzi Biega is a home to other primates like the chimpanzees, and different species of monkeys. A number of these primates are endemic to the region and can be visited at the Lwiro Chimpanzee sanctuary.
Weather is a major factor to consider when choosing a travel date. The weather affects the activity you are looking forward to either positively or negatively that is why it is one of the first things to research about. The Democratic republic of Congo has two seasons that is the dry season and the rainy season. The rainy season of the DR Congo is however separated by some dry months in between making it two rainy seasons. The two rainy seasons stretch from October to November which is the shorter one and the other stretches from Mid March to end of May. This implies the dry months of the country are January, February, June, July, August and September. You should however keep in mind that the Kahuzi Biega national park is in a tropical rain forest so expect a rain shower any time of the year.
Usually the drier months receive big numbers of visitors flocking in take on a gorilla safari since the rains have reduced and it is more favorable to make your way through the forests to see the lowland gorillas and other primates. During the rainy months, the ground tends to be soft and soggy making moving about in the forest abit strenuous and not enjoyable. There is more sun in the areas during the dry season and this is favorable weather for a primate trek.
These months of the dry season are the busiest in most of the places so if you opt to travel in the dry season expect to meet a number of tourists. It is the easiest time to move through the bushes but also crowds are usually a common sight in this season and with the high demand of services, hotels tend to have higher rates for this season. You should also be sure to book your safari months earlier to keep your space especially the activity permits to avoid last minute disappointment. Travelling in the dry season is a great option but also has its shortfalls.
The rainy season in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a great time to visit the country for the travellers on a budget or love their privacy. Crowds during this season are rare as less people travel to the area so you get to enjoy less demand for services and you are given priority. The rainy season is also the time most hotels and lodges cut their rates and give incentives for the travellers opting to stay with them. The Virunga national park even goes ahead and has a rate for the low season. Get to enjoy the gorilla treks and other activities at the park at a much subsidized rate.
A number of expenses you may meet on your lowland gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi biega include the lowland gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega national park goes for 400 USD and a tourist visa to visit the park can be obtained at 100 USD and is valid for 14 days. You may also go further to visit the Virunga national park with this same visa. A decent hotel in Bukavu town, the nearest town to the park goes for about 100 USD to 400 USD all depending on your budget and the experience you are looking for.
Being a gorilla trek, it is very important to put the factors favoring the hiking first before the other needs for example the Kahuzi Biega national park being at a high altitude, you are advised to come in the drier season if there is an opportunity despite the affordability of services in the rainy season. Also another win for the dry season is that trekking is easier as the gorillas will be more predictable and found at the feeding points. The Kahuzi Biega national park is ready to receive guests and take you on visit to the lowland gorillas any month of the year that you are most comfortable with.