Mount Kahuzi is a dormant volcano situated in Kahuzi Beiga national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. The name of the park was derived from a combination of two volcanoes that is Mount Kahuzi and Mount Beiga.
Mount Kahuzi stands on an elevation of 3317 meters making it the highest peak of Mitumba range, the vegetation is characterized by tree Heathers, Afromontane vegetation, transitional rainforests and low wetland rainforests. The slopes of Mount Kahuzi are home to the endangered lowland gorillas and harbors the highest population in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mount Kahuzi last erupted at the end of the Pleistocene period, the Kahuzi climbing mouse endemic to Democratic Republic of Congo has been found in the slopes of Mount Kahuzi. This unique species of mice is threatens by habitat loss.
Climbing mount Kahuzi takes about 7 hours, 4 hours of climbing and 3 hours of descending. The climb to the peak is fascinating as you come across mountain gorillas and other species of primates like owl faced monkeys, red tailed monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, olive baboons, golden monkeys plus several species of birds.
Mount Kahuzi can be hiked throughout the year however, he best period is from January to February and June to August when there is less rainfall and the hiking trails are in good condition. Travelers must come with water proof hiking boots, rain coats, jackets, long sleeved clothes, sun glasses, sun screen, insect repellent, hat and so much more.
Gorilla trekking
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is the most commonly done activity at Kahuzi Beiga national park, there are three habituated families that a group of only eight tourists is allowed to trek on a daily basis. Tourists planning to trek mountain gorillas should book their permits in advance and also come along with their camping gear.
Birding
Kauzi Beiga national park is home to 349 species of birds recorded with 42 being endemic birds. Some of this birds can be seen around mount Kahuzi for example; 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 among others.
