Birding in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Tucked within the lush rainforests of eastern Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a paradise for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. While the park is renowned for its Eastern Lowland Gorillas, it also harbors one of Africa’s richest bird populations. Its diverse landscapes — from dense tropical forest to high-altitude volcanic slopes — create a haven for hundreds of unique and often endemic bird species. Birding here is more than an activity; it’s an immersion into one of the continent’s most vibrant ecosystems.
The Park’s Location and Habitat
Kahuzi-Biega National Park lies along the western shore of Lake Kivu, near Bukavu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Spanning over 6,000 square kilometers, the park derives its name from Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, two extinct volcanoes whose fertile slopes support dense vegetation.
The park’s elevation ranges from 600 to 3,300 meters, creating both lowland and montane habitats. This variation in altitude makes Kahuzi-Biega a hotspot for avian diversity — from lowland forest species to high-altitude endemics found nowhere else.
Bird Diversity in Kahuzi-Biega
With more than 350 recorded bird species, Kahuzi-Biega is one of Central Africa’s premier birding destinations. It is listed as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International, thanks to its rare and endemic species that depend on the Albertine Rift ecosystem.
Endemic and Rare Birds
The park shelters many Albertine Rift endemics, including some of the most sought-after species for serious birders:
- Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) – Africa’s only endemic peafowl and the park’s most iconic bird. Its deep calls echo through the forest at dawn and dusk.
- Yellow-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops alberti) – a striking bird with a yellow crest and black plumage, often seen in small flocks.
- Ruwenzori Turaco (Gallirex johnstoni) – famous for its vivid green, crimson, and blue feathers that shimmer in the forest light.
- Grauer’s Broadbill (Pseudocalyptomena graueri) – an extremely rare species found only in the Albertine Rift forests.
- Ruwenzori Batis, Dusky Crimsonwing, and Stripe-breasted Tit – among other highland specialties.
Forest and Riverine Birds
The park’s thick forests and numerous rivers attract hornbills, barbets, bee-eaters, kingfishers, and sunbirds. Common sightings include:
- White-bellied Robin-Chat
- Black Bee-eater
- White-headed Wood Hoopoe
- African Emerald Cuckoo
- Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill
- Olive Sunbird
These species thrive in the forest canopy and along clearings where flowering plants attract insects and nectar feeders.
Birding Experience in the Park
Birding in Kahuzi-Biega is an immersive experience. The songs of turacos, cuckoos, and sunbirds create a natural orchestra, while the dense canopy offers a mysterious yet rewarding challenge for spotting. The best areas for birding include:
Tshivanga Visitor Center and Surrounding Forests
This area, near the park headquarters, is easily accessible and rich in birdlife. Trails wind through lowland rainforest where Congo Peafowl and hornbills are often heard or seen.
Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega Trails
As you ascend the volcanic slopes, montane bird species become more frequent. The higher elevation brings sightings of Ruwenzori Turaco, Mountain Masked Apalis, and Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird.
Lwiro Research Station Area
Located near the park boundary, this area provides an excellent opportunity for combining birding with primate and butterfly observation.
Best Time for Birdwatching
Birding in Kahuzi-Biega is rewarding year-round, but the dry seasons — from June to September and December to February — offer the best conditions. Trails are easier to walk, visibility improves, and many birds are active during these months.
During the wet seasons (March–May and October–November), migratory birds arrive from Europe and northern Africa, enriching the bird list even further. The lush greenery and frequent songs make this period ideal for bird photography.
What to Bring for Birding
For a successful birding adventure, pack essentials such as:
- Binoculars (8×42 or higher)
- A good camera with a zoom lens
- Bird field guide (East Africa or Congo Basin edition)
- Waterproof hiking boots and light rain jacket
- Notebook or birding app for species logging
- Local guide with bird identification experience
Hiring an experienced local ranger or birding guide enhances your chances of spotting rare and endemic species hidden within the dense rainforest.
Conservation and Protection
Kahuzi-Biega is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its role in conserving rare wildlife, including gorillas and birds. Conservation efforts led by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and various NGOs aim to protect the park from illegal logging and poaching. Bird tourism provides an eco-friendly way to support these efforts, offering local communities sustainable income through guiding and hospitality.
Each birding visit helps fund ranger patrols and community development, making every traveler a partner in conservation.
Combining Birding with Gorilla Trekking
Most visitors combine birdwatching with the park’s highlight — Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking. After a morning birding session, travelers can set off into the forest to meet these majestic primates. This combination delivers an unmatched wildlife experience, blending the sounds of the forest with one of the most moving encounters in nature.
Plan Your Birding Safari with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS
Birding in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a journey through one of Africa’s last great rainforests, alive with color, sound, and rare species found nowhere else. Whether you are a casual birder or an avid ornithologist, the park offers moments of discovery that linger long after you leave.
At GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, we organize tailor-made Congo Birding Safaris, combining birdwatching with gorilla trekking and cultural exploration. Our expert guides and rangers help you identify species, navigate trails, and experience the park’s full beauty safely and comfortably.
Inquire and book your Kahuzi-Biega Birding Safari today with GORILLATREKKINGEXPEDITIONS, and discover why Congo is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations for bird lovers.