Mount Kahuzi in Congo

Are you planning a hiking safari to Mount Kahuzi in Congo? Travelers are supposed to plan accordingly since this mountain is quite challenging. The mountain is located within the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in the Kahuzi Beige National Park. Mount Kahuzi is the highest in the park, with an elevation of 3317 meters above sea level. The mountain is not near the mountain beige. Mount Kahuzi is the highest mountain in the park in the Mitumba ranges along the west shores of Lake Kivu. The forest reserve on the mountain was gazette on July 27^th, 1937 and it was extended in 1951 to include the Beige forest. In 1970, the area was gazette as a national park.

How long does hiking Mount Kahuzi take?

The hiking of the mount Kahuzi starts with the briefing at the park headquarters. The briefing which is done by the park officials and wardens, highlights the dos and don’ts about the hike. The hiking of the mount takes about 7 hours where 4 hours are for ascending to the highest peak of the mountain and 3 hours to descend back. The hike is guided by the ranger guides and armed security officers. This hike takes you through the different trails upon which travelers will have chosen.

How much does hiking Mount Kahuzi in Congo cost?

Hiking Mount Kahuzi requires travelers to have acquired a hiking permit for the mountain. The hiking permits are supposed to be booked in advance to ensure the hiking on the day. The hiking permits cost about 100 dollars for foreign nonresidents and foreign residents, and also 50 dollars for East African citizens.

What to pack for a hiking safari to Mount Kahuzi?

As you plan a hiking safari, there are several requirements needed for a hiking safari. These requirements ensure a successful hike for travelers during the safari. Some of the things to pack for the safari include; waterproof sturdy hiking shoes, long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, energy-giving snacks, a camera, a pair of binoculars, a pair of gaiters, a scarf, a hiking backpack, and many others.

What to see during the hiking of Mount Kahuzi?

During a hiking safari to Mount Kahuzi, there are several attractions that travelers on their safaris can see and they include;

Wildlife

The wildlife in the mount Kahuzi within the Kahuzi Biega National Park is situated around the park which travelers can see during their safaris. In the park, there are over 136 mammals and several primates that are usually seen by travelers on their hiking safaris and they include; eastern low gorillas, colobus monkeys, blue and black monkeys, and many others. The other wildlife includes leopards, forest elephants, forest buffaloes, antelopes, and many others.

Bird species

While on the hiking safaris to the mountain, there are several bird species including Rwenzori Turaco, yellow chested helmet, handsome francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, red-eyed doves, African black swift, and many others. The birding in the forest starts with the briefing at the park head headquarters about the dos and don’ts of birding. It is done under the guidance of the ranger guide.

Accommodation at Mount Kahuzi in Congo

When planning a hiking safari to Mount Kahuzi, travelers are supposed to choose the accommodation facilities within Bukavu. Bukavu is the nearest town to the Kahuzi Beiga National Park. The accommodation facilities include midrange, luxury, and budget facilities. These facilities include Mount Kahuzi Hotel, exodus Bukavu, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Orchids Safari Club, Lodge Coco, and many others.

Is hiking Mount Kahuzi in Congo difficult?

The nature of the topography of the mountain is quite ascending travelers who engage in the hike usually face challenges. It is at the highest altitude among the other mountains in the park. While ascending to the highest peak of the mountain, travelers face challenges like slippery and muddy trails. So travelers are supposed to be physically fit for the safari to the mountain.

Reasons why you should hike Mount Kahuzi in Congo

Hiking Mount Kahuzi is worth it because it involves taking the highest level of fitness, and having the stunning beauties around the mountain. The purchasing of the hiking permits to the mount is worth it because it helps in the contribution of the conservation funds. These conservation funds help the Virunga tourism office to work in hand in the conservation, and protection of the flora and fauna of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

What to follow during the hiking of the mount Kahuzi?

While on a safari planning to hike Mount Kahuzi, there are several rules and regulations to follow during the safari and they include;

Follow the trails of the park which are gazette for travelers during their safari.
Every hike to the mount Kahuzi is guided by a ranger guide and armed security officer.
No littering in the park during the hike and in case you encounter rubbish or litter in the park, volunteer to put it in the right place.
No making Noise in the park during the safari.
Do not take anything like plant species, or stones from the park.
No feeding of the wildlife in the park.

How to get to the Kahuzi Beige National Park?

Travelers planning a hiking safari to the Kahuzi Beige National to Mount Kahuzi have to take a flight to Kigali International Airport in Rwanda. Travelers are transferred to Bukavu through the Cyangungu border within the Nyungwe Forest National Park. The transfer to Bukavu takes about 7 to 8 hours of the day.

What is the best time to visit Mount Kahuzi?

Mount Kahuzi is available for travelers throughout the year. The best time is during the dry season December to February and June to September is the best time to hike the mountain since it is dry and clear. Also during this time, the hiking trails are dry and safe for travelers to hike safely. Also in this season, the animal viewing is clear.