GENERAL INFO

Located on the eastern edge of the Congo Basin, Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers a window into one of Central Africa’s most biodiverse forest ecosystems, home to numerous large mammals and endemic bird species. The Park welcomes visitors seeking to explore a landscape of exceptional ecological richness.

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Please note that the information provided below is for general guidance only and does not constitute security or travel advice. Visitors are responsible for obtaining up-to-date information from official sources and making their own travel and safety arrangements. 

BY ROAD

Tshivanga is about 1.5 hours by car from the center of Bukavu, the fourth largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and capital of South Kivu province.

Bukavu is accessible by road from Goma, in North Kivu province, via the road that runs along Lake Kivu. Allow 5 to 6 hours for the journey on a difficult track.

You can also get there from Rwanda by crossing the border at Cyangugu, also known as Kamembe (Ruzizi I or Ruzizi II border posts). The journey from Kigali takes about 5 to 6 hours by car.

From Burundi, you have two options: cross the town of Uvira and the Ngomo escarpments, or go via Rwanda (Ruwa border, then Ruzizi I or II). Allow around 6 hours for the journey between Bujumbura and Bukavu via Uvira and Ngomo, and around 3 hours via Rwanda.

BY PLANE

The nearest international airports are in the DRC in Goma in North Kivu province, in Bujumbura in Burundi, and in Kigali and Kamembe in Rwanda.

Bukavu can also be reached by plane from Goma, using the domestic airport in Kavumu, which is 25 kilometers north of the city.

Helicopters from Goma International Airport or Kavumu Domestic Airport can also land in Tshivanga, providing a convenient and quick option for reaching this destination. This mode of air transport allows you to fly over the region's magnificent landscapes while reducing travel time. It is an excellent alternative for those who wish to enjoy panoramic views while traveling to Tshivanga.

BY BOAT

Several operators run daily trips between Goma and Bukavu. Tickets for speedboats (3 hours) cost an average of $50, and larger, slower boats (6 hours) cost between $8 and $25. You can buy tickets at the port in Goma and/or Bukavu. It is advisable to get tickets at least one day in advance.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park follows strict operational protocols to support safe and well-managed visits for both visitors and wildlife. Areas accessible to visitors are reviewed daily by field teams and the Park’s coordination unit.

In exceptional circumstances (security, extreme weather conditions, or other emergencies), certain activities may be temporarily suspended. In this case, confirmed reservations will be kept and rescheduled at no penalty as soon as conditions allow for normal operations to resume.

For most nationalities, a visa is required to enter the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors are responsible for checking visa requirements applicable to their nationality and making all necessary visa arrangements prior to travel.

For more information, please contact your travel agency or the nearest embassy.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park offers visitors a tourist visa (US$100) that facilitates entry into the Democratic Republic of Congo for a stay of 14 days.

To obtain it:

  1. Download and fill the visitor form;
  2. Download and fill the visa application form;
  3. Send the two completed forms directly to reservations@visitkahuzibiega.org with a copy of your passport;
  4. We will send you a letter of invitation;
  5. Upon arrival at the Rwandan-Congolese border, show your invitation letter and pay US$100 in cash.

The special CEPGL (Economic Community of the Great Lakes Countries) travel permit is not sufficient to visit the Park.

All visitors must be vaccinated against yellow fever, measles, polio, and COVID-19 before entering the Park.

Other conditions may apply, so please check your country's travel advice and pay particular attention to vaccinations and customs formalities.

The climate in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is generally tropical, with variations depending on altitude. Here are some key features:

  • Temperatures: Temperatures vary between 15°C and 30°C, with cooler temperatures in higher areas.
  • Rainfall: The Park receives heavy rainfall, especially between March and May, as well as in September and October. The annual average is around 1619 mm but is not distributed evenly throughout the year (Kahuzi-Biega Management Plan 2009-2019). Humidity is generally high throughout the year.
  • Seasons: There are two main seasons – a short dry season between January and February and a long dry season from June to August, interspersed with two rainy seasons (short between March and May, and long between September and December). Conditions can vary, which influences the Park's flora and fauna.

The best time to see gorillas is from mid-December to mid-June, when food is plentiful, especially their favorite lianas, leaves, and fruits. The dry season is also a good time to visit.

The entire country is in the GMT+1 and GMT+2 time zones, with no daylight-saving time.

The telephone code is +243.

The official language of the Democratic Republic of Congo is French. Other national languages are Swahili and Mashi. Many other local languages are spoken throughout the country, making it one of the most multilingual countries in Africa.

Independent since 1960, the Democratic Republic of Congo is a semi-presidential republic with an estimated population of 109 million spread over 2,345,410 square kilometers.

Christianity is the predominant religion, but traditional beliefs are also widespread and other religions such as Islam are practiced.

Dress code

Bukavu is a modern city where international-style clothing is commonly worn.

For gorilla trekking, it is recommended to wear long pants and a long-sleeved top to protect yourself from the dense vegetation. However, when climbing mountains, shorts and short-sleeved tops may also be appropriate depending on the trail and your comfort level.

When visiting villages around the Park, it is important to respect local traditions. Women are advised to cover their knees and shoulders – long shorts or skirts with long-sleeved T-shirts are appropriate attire.

Currency

It is preferable to make payments at the border in US dollars.

In the Park, we accept Congolese francs (CDF), US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), payment via Mobile Money, or electronic funds transfers (EFT) made in advance, accompanied by verifiable proof of payment.

Please note that US dollar bills must be in denominations of at least $5, dated 2017 or later, and in good condition. Bills that are torn, worn, or damaged will not be accepted.

You will find a list of essential items to bring with you on the RESOURCES > DOCUMENTS page. Please note that this list may vary depending on the services offered by your tour operator.

Malaria is present throughout the Congolese territory, including in the Park. Visitors are advised to take preventive medication recommended and prescribed by a doctor. It is also recommended to use insect repellent regularly.

Long sleeves and pants help limit mosquito bites and scratches from dense vegetation. Wearing neutral-colored clothing also increases the chances of seeing wild animals.

Cultural note: When visiting surrounding villages, women are advised to wear clothing that covers the knees and shoulders out of respect for local customs.