Where to see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Africa
Where to see the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Africa, this page provides information for people seeking to trek and observe Eastern Lowland gorillas in DR Congo, detailing how Gorilla Trekking in Africa may help realize this aspiration. The eastern lowland gorilla, or Grauer’s gorilla, is a critically endangered subspecies of eastern gorilla native to the hilly forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically within Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Information regarding where to see eastern Lowland gorillas kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970, with the inaugural Lowland Gorilla trekking occurring in 1973. It is well regarded for Lowland gorilla trekking and was designated to safeguard the Grauer’s gorilla species, the largest gorilla species in the world. The Eastern Lowland gorilla, commonly referred to as Grauer’s gorilla, is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. Trekking for Eastern Lowland gorillas occurs at Kahuzi Biega National Park, situated in Congo, 30 kilometers from Bukavu, accessible by both road and air. The park was designated in 1970, and the inaugural lowland gorilla trekking occurred in 1973. This sort of trek is only conducted here, elevating the park’s status in lowland gorilla trekking. The park contains 12 gorilla families, of which only 2 are habituated and accessible for visitor trekking. The families are designated Chimanuka and Mugaruka, both named after a prominent silverback. Chimanuka is renowned for attracting several people, as it comprises one of the largest gorilla families globally, consisting of around 36 members.
Methods for organizing and reserving Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Locations to observe Eastern Lowland Gorillas. For organizing and booking Gorilla Trekking in Congo, Gorilla Trekking in Africa is the premier destination management company. Gorilla Trekking in Africa operates offices in Uganda that manage the provision of services, including Kahuzi-Biega National Park gorilla permits, hotels, and transportation to and from either Kigali or Uganda. Gorilla Trekking in Africa has a fleet of vehicles stationed in Kigali and Uganda, providing transportation to Kahuzi Biega National Park for gorilla trekking and thereafter returning for your international flight home. All our vehicles situated in Uganda and Kigali are 4×4 vans or jeeps operated by highly experienced safari driver guides with expertise in Congo and Rwanda. They are familiar with all pathways and roads to and from Kigali, ensuring a sense of safety and comfort when you reserve a Safari Trip to Congo from Kigali with Gorilla Trekking in Africa.
What is the cost to observe Lowland gorillas in Congo?
A gorilla permit is required to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Gorilla Trekking in Africa offers pertinent information regarding gorilla permit bookings for Congo to facilitate effective planning of your gorilla safari. Booking your gorilla permit is effortless when you select one of our Congo gorilla tours. We will verify availability and reserve all services on your behalf, including gorilla permits. Typically, one must acquire a gorilla permit several months prior. We recommend planning at least 5 months in advance of your visit, as there are only 2 groups available for trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. When reserving a gorilla trip, ensure that you pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to facilitate its acquisition on your behalf.
The cost of a Lowland Gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Congo, is as follows:
- Non-residents – $400
- Residents of East Africa – USD 200
- Citizens of Congo – USD 20
What is the procedure for acquiring Gorilla Trekking Permits in Congo?
Locations to observe Eastern Lowland Gorillas. Upon contacting us and confirming your trip by remitting payment for the permits, we will procure your permits from the Virunga National Park headquarters in Congo and send you a scanned receipt to validate your trek on the stated day in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Upon confirmation of your permissions, you will proceed to book your overseas flights, after which you may remit the remaining payment for all your services.
Additional attractions and activities in Congo.
Chimpanzee Trekking and Habituation
Chimpanzee tracking and habituation are the second most sought-after activities in Virunga National Park. Chimpanzee tracking offers a one-hour encounter, while habituation provides an entire day with the chimpanzees. Both excursions commence in the morning, accompanied by trackers and researchers, as participants traverse the Virunga forest in search of chimpanzees. Observers will have the opportunity to study their habits, feeding, and natural behaviors. Those engaged in the habituation trek will spend the entire day with the chimpanzees until they nest for the night. Similarly, for the gorilla trekking permits associated with chimpanzee tracking and habituation activities, it is essential to secure your permit at least three months in advance to avoid missing out.
Nature walks in the Virunga Forest
Virunga National Park is one of Africa’s oldest tropical rainforests, characterized by exceptionally dense vegetation. A nature walk through this forest during your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali provides an opportunity to explore the stunning Virunga landscape, learn about diverse tree species, observe birds, and, with keen observation, spot mammals and reptiles.
Nyiragongo Volcano Expedition
Hiking Nyiragongo Volcano constitutes a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, achievable within Virunga National Park during your mountain gorilla safari in DR Congo from Kigali. Nyiragongo, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, stands at an elevation of 3,470 m (11,380 ft). Although the duration of its eruptive activity remains largely unknown, it has erupted at least 34 times since 1882, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2002.
Birdwatching
The Virunga Forest, renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, encompasses a variety of habitats and landscapes, including forests, swamps, and grasslands. This diversity has attracted numerous bird species, making bird watching an essential activity during your visit to Virunga National Park on a mountain gorilla safari from Kigali, DR Congo. Over 706 bird species have been documented, providing ample opportunities for observation during a birding trip. Contact us here and we will arrange this safari for you appropriately.
Mountain Gorilla Trekking
Mountain gorilla trekking occurs in Virunga National Park, and participation is assured upon obtaining a permit. However, due to the limited number of gorilla families available for trekking, permits are highly competitive and scarce, particularly during peak seasons in June, July, August, September, December, and February. Gorilla trekking permits may sell out up to four months in advance; therefore, travelers are advised to secure their permits 3-4 months prior to their intended visit.
What is the best time for gorilla trekking in Congo?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park, situated in the tropics, is predominantly enveloped in tropical rainforest vegetation, rendering it susceptible to unpredictable rainfall at any time. Nonetheless, optimal visiting months coincide with the dry season, occurring in December, January, February, June, July, August, and September. During these months, the trails are more traversable due to reduced moisture, and the vegetation is less dense, facilitating clearer sightings of gorillas. Other rather wet months are March, April, May, October, and November. Most people refrain from visiting gorillas during these periods due to the dense vegetation and treacherous routes, which complicate trekking.
Accommodation options at Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
This encompasses affordable, mid-range, and luxury options. Budget accommodations comprise Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus Bukavu, and Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, with rates ranging from $90 to $100 per night per individual. Mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu, among others, with rates spanning from $100 to $200 per night per individual. Luxury options at L’Orchids Safari Club include rates ranging from $200 to $400 per night per individual. Please inform us of your preferred option, and we will check availability and make the necessary arrangements for your booking.
What is the procedure for accessing Congo for gorilla trekking?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is situated in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You will fly to Kigali International Airport and subsequently connect to Gisenyi town. From Gisenyi, you will cross the Rwanda-Congo border into Goma town in the Democratic Republic of Congo, then drive to the park headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park, where the gorilla trek will commence. The journey from Gisenyi to the park headquarters takes approximately two hours.
Reasons to Reserve Gorilla Trekking in Congo with Gorilla Trekking in Africa
Gorilla Trekking in Africa offers exceptional and professional tour and travel services in Uganda, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Since then, Gorilla Trekking in Africa has established itself as a premier travel operator for Uganda and Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Africa boasts a proficient office and field personnel that addresses all your demands and concerns. We are full members of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) and collaborate closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Our website is a premier and trustworthy resource for initiating your DR Congo mountain gorilla safari preparations from Kigali, as we provide the most accurate and current information available. Gorilla Trekking in Africa is owned and operated by Ugandans, ensuring that you engage with a team that offers expertise in their field. Inquire here on locations to observe the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.