Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo is done in the Kahuzi Biega National Park where a section of eastern lowland gorillas is inhabited. This park is an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site in the world and offers refuge to about 250 endangered Eastern Lowland gorillas.
The park derives its name from the two dominant volcanoes ‘Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega’ and it expands to about 6000 square kilometers. In the DRC, the Eastern Lowland gorillas only live in Kahuzi Biega and Maiko National Park, and this protected area is run by the Congolese Wildlife Authority and Wildlife Conservation Society after it was re-opened in 2015.
Kahuzi Biega National Park consists of 2 habituated groups that have been set for eastern lowland gorilla trekking although more groups are undergoing the habituation process. For visitor experiences, the gorilla groups to explore in this park include the Chimanuka gorilla group that comprises 19 individuals, and secondly, the Mugaruka gorilla family that is led by Mugaruka silverback.
Safety in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Before you set off to Kahuzi Biega National Park for eastern lowland gorilla trekking, first you need to be certain if it is safe. However, on a gorilla trek, visitors are accompanied by equipped park ranger guides who take care of visitors on gorilla trekking tour or even when you wish to take part in any safari activities within the park. Please check more about Congo’s security at the DRC Embassies or check out for security alerts to keep you updated on the current security situation of DR Congo.
Where to stay at Kahuzi Biega National Park
There are many accommodation options for your overnight stay in Kahuzi Biega National Park; they range from budget, safari lodges, campsites, holiday inns, and guest houses. In Bukavu, there is L’Orchids Safari Club, a luxury accommodation which is set along the scenic Lake Kivu, Coco Lodge-a mid-range facility with a double bed, Exodus Bukavu hotel for the budget visitors. Camping services are provided at the park headquarters.
Guidelines for eastern lowland gorilla trekking
The set guidelines to observe while you are enjoying your gorilla safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The same rules and regulations that are applied for mountain gorilla trekking also apply in eastern lowland gorilla trekking.
Most importantly, only one hour is given to visitors to observe, explore the daily behaviors of these incredible wild creatures as you will also be maintaining a distance of about 5 to 7 meters, only eight visitors are allowed to track one gorilla group each day and your health is also vital if you are planning for a safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
For more information about the rules and regulations or any park-related information please check the park Website: Kahuzi Biega. This will also help you book your gorilla permits or find the park tariffs and any assistance for tourist visa applications.
Eastern lowland gorilla permits
Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking permits in Congo cost $400 per person. You can as well get a gorilla permit once you visit the park but it is important that you book your permit in advance to avoid disappointments. The permits include entry fees into the park, the park ranger/guides who will be accompanying visitors during the trek.
Packing list for eastern lowland gorilla trekking
When packing for eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo, start with essentials first especially the waterproof daypack, waterproof hiking boots, garden gloves, light rain jacket, long-sleeved shirts or T-shirts, good cameras and extra batteries or lenses, a walking stick which you can purchase at the park.
Best time to go for eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo
Kahuzi Biega National Park can be visited all year round but most importantly you need to take note of specific seasons when it comes to gorilla trekking or hiking experiences. In most cases, the wet season tends to affect visitors’ experiences but still, visitors can visit the park and track the gorillas and this happens mostly during the low season in the month of March to May and October to November.
During the wet season, the cost for gorilla permits also reduces and the lodges around the park also can decrease their prices. It is challenging tracking gorillas during the wet season since the habitat can be slippery and muddy makin hiking through the terrains a bit hard. However, visitors have been seen traveling during this season and you too can travel and achieve your dreams. During this season, the rain showers can be there but the sun can easily come out and your trek can still continue.
The park also has two dry seasons that you easily travel to track these spectacular creatures. The dry season is a peak season as well and it is the most preferred season for most visitors who are interested in gorilla tracking. The dry season falls between the month of January and February, and from June to September.
GETTING TO KAHUNZI BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
The Park is a 40km drive from Bukavu Town which represents one and half hours on road. It can be reached by air and water; by air, you can fly to Kavumu Airport or Miti, then take your left and keep moving straight till you arrive at the visitor center (Tschivanga).
Alternatively, you can fly from Kigali International Airport to the Rusizi border or Kamembe Airport then cross to DRC into Bukavu town. If you are interested in using water transport means, you can take a ferry ride from Goma to Bukavu passed Idjwi Island on Lake Kivu.
The boat ride takes almost three hours for faster boats and the public boats take about four to five hours. There are charges that you will need to pay, for a shared boat; it is between $50 and $70 while the slow boats cost $35.
