Hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park
Are you interested in booking a hiking safari to Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park? Mount Kahuzi is the highest of the volcanoes found within the mitumba range. The dormant volcano is found in Kahuzi Biega national park in the eastern part of the park near Lake Kivu. The mountain is not located next to Mount Biega and these two together led to the Kahuzi Biega national park. Mountain Kahuzi Biega is located on the western side of Kahuzi Biega national park on the shores of Lake Kivu in the Albertine Rift.
Mountain Kahuzi is the highest volcano in Kahuzi Biega national park with an elevation of 3,317 meters above sea level. Mount Kahuzi is home to several animals of the park because it is part of the eastern part of the park. Some of the animals that live on the slopes of Mount Kahuzi include the eastern lowland gorillas, monkeys, olive baboons, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, elephants, bongo, and much more.
Hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park
Hikers to Mount Kahuzi usually combine the activity with eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park. Hiking Mount Kahuzi is not challenging, it takes 4 hours to get to the summit and 3 hours to descend and the experience is always amazing. The fact that the mountain is located within Kahuzi Biega national park, the hikers should expect to see some primates, mammals, and birds during the hike.
Hiking mountain Kahuzi starts in the morning at the park offices where wardens teach the hikers about the rules and regulations of the hiking activity. The armed ranger guides lead the hikers all the way to the summit. Hiking to the summit of this dormant volcano takes you through thick vegetation cover, muddy rails in case it’s a rainy season, and steep slopes most especially on the trails towards the summit.
Ascending Mount Kahuzi takes 4 hours which implies that you need to be in good shape to make it to the summit. Along the hiking trails, you will meet different park animals such as forest elephants, chimpanzees, mice, mongooses, giant forest hogs, monkeys, birds, and much more. At the summit of this volcano, you will have beautiful views of Kahuzi Biega national park, Lake Kivu, mountains, Bukavu town, and much more. Descending Mount Kahuzi is 3 hours.
How much is hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park?
Hiking Mount Kahuzi requires you to have a hiking permit which you can get from the park headquarters. or a trusted local tour operator. The hiking permits for Mount Kahuzi cost $100 for foreign non-residents and foreign residents while east African citizens pay $50. The hiking permits can only be used for one day. It’s very possible to get hiking permits for Mount Kahuzi on the day of hiking but it’s better you book in advance to be sure of the hike.
What to pack for Mount Kahuzi hiking safari?
Before arriving in DR Congo for Mount Kahuzi hiking, it’s very important to know what to pack for the hiking safari. Some of the things to pack for a hiking safari include waterproof hiking shoes, long-sleeved pants, long-sleeved pants, a hiking backpack, a hat, sunscreen, a rain jacket, scarf, a pair of gaiters, gardening gloves, drinking water bottle, energy-giving snacks, camera, a pair of binoculars, facemask, and sanitizer.
Accommodation during Mount Kahuzi hiking safari
Travelers going for Mount Kahuzi hiking in Kahuzi Biega national park don’t have to worry about where they will spend a night or two. There is a variety of accommodation facilities where you can stay and these range from budget to mid-range to luxury options such as Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Lodge Coco, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Begonias, Orchids Safari Club, and Exodus Bukavu among others.
When to go hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park?
Hiking Mount Kahuzi in Kahuzi Biega national park can be done at any time of the year however certain months are better than the rest. The dry months that occur from June to September and December to February are the best for hiking this dormant volcano because they are characterized by little or no rainfall, the hiking trails are dry and this increases the speed of hikers, the vegetation is thin with clear views of the park animals on the slopes and the roads leading to the park are passable.
Hikers can still try hiking Mount Kahuzi in the rainy season of March to May and October to November to enjoy discounts on accommodation facilities and maybe some of the park activities like gorilla trekking. Hikers should however note that during the rainy season, the hiking trails are muddy and slippery and this reduces the speed of hikers, the vegetation is thick with unclear views of the park animals, and the roads leading to the park are impassable.
