Mount Kahuzi is a dormant volcano located in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The park gets its name from two volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which dominate the landscape of this protected area.
Mount Kahuzi rises to an elevation of 3,317 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in the Mitumba mountain range. The vegetation on the mountain changes with altitude and includes tree heathers, Afromontane plants, transitional rainforests, and low wetland rainforests. The slopes of Mount Kahuzi are an important habitat for endangered eastern lowland gorillas and support the largest population of these gorillas in the country.
Mount Kahuzi last erupted at the end of the Pleistocene period. A unique animal known as the Kahuzi climbing mouse, which is endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has been recorded on the slopes of the mountain. This rare species is threatened by habitat loss due to human activity.
Climbing Mount Kahuzi takes about seven hours in total. The ascent usually takes around four hours, while the descent takes about three hours. The hike offers chances to see eastern lowland gorillas and other primates such as owl faced monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, and golden monkeys. Several bird species can also be spotted along the trail.
Mount Kahuzi can be hiked throughout the year. However, the best time to hike is from January to February and from June to August, when rainfall is low and the trails are easier to use. Visitors should carry proper hiking equipment including waterproof hiking boots, rain jackets, long sleeved clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is the main activity in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. There are three habituated gorilla families, and only eight tourists are allowed to visit each family per day. Gorilla trekking permits should be booked in advance. Visitors should also come prepared with suitable trekking gear.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park has 349 recorded bird species, with 42 endemic species. Birds commonly seen around Mount Kahuzi include black bellied turaco, Elliot’s woodpecker, martial eagle, African golden oriole, cinnamon chested bee eater, grey cheeked hornbill, handsome francolin, black cuckoo, white tipped crested flycatcher, equatorial akalat, black faced rufous warbler, and northern fiscal.
