Travel information about Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Visit Eastern Lowland & Mountain Gorillas in Democratic Republic of congo
Eastern lowland Gorilla trekking Tours are some of the most adventurous safaris you could ever take in Africa and can only be undertaken in Democratic republic of congo unlike the mountain gorillas can be viewed in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo on the entire continent.
Congo gorilla trekking is done in either Kahuzi Biega National Park or Maiko National Park ( Eastern Lowland Gorillas) & Virunga National Park for the Mountain Gorilla Trekking which is part of the greater Virunga Massif . The Number of mountain gorillas in Virunga is amounting to 400 Species with 8 Gorilla groups that are open for Trekking yet in the kahuzi Biega national Park is the only destination conserving the biggest number of Eastern lowland gorillas amounting to over 400 Species and 9 Groups habituated but one group is open for trekking .
In Congo gorilla trekking is among the popular safari activity to enjoyed by travelers that risk all the warnings on Travel forums to view the mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas in Virunga national Park & Kahuzi biega Respectively .
All the Gorilla trekking permit fee is the same in all the national parks of Congo costing only USD 400 for the internationals and a number of new initiatives are being put in place in congo to help safeguard the country’s environmental future and protect the world’s remaining wild mountain gorillas and Lowland gorillas even the clearly of the new ways of obtaining visas to congo for a memorable gorilla trekking experience .
When visiting Kahuzi Biega the most important activity is the lowland Gorilla Trekking where two families out the 9 Families is available for Trekking by Gorilla Trekkers that visit Congo for once a life time experience.
Lowland Gorilla Trekking is similar to Mountain Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park, So don’t miss the unforgettable Experience of watching the primates in the Jungle.
Just before the entrance to the park is the Tshivanga Visitor Centre. You will be Briefed and guided by park staff of Kahuzi Biega National park that will assist with payment and registration for the best Gorilla Tour Experience. Make sure you take a photo with the large gorilla statue while waiting for trackers locate the gorilla family. Once the location is confirmed you will begin to drive into the park.
On the Day of Gorilla Trekking
The Park guide will give you a short introduction before starting the forest hike. He will cover the history, geography and some facts about the gorilla family you will be visiting. The guide will also provide you with advice on how to behave when with the gorillas while in the jungle.
Following the briefing you begin your journey along narrow jungle paths to meet the gorillas. Masks are worn to prevent gorillas from catching human disease. The length of this hike depends on the location of the gorillas. Some days they can be 20-40 minute walk from the road into the Forest, other days it can take over an hour of walking to reach the Lowland gorillas as they are always on the Move for the search of food.
When you enter the territory of the gorillas you will be welcomed by the enormous male silver back, making sure you are not a threat. After he accepts your presence a magical time observing the gorillas will begin, which is truly a once in a lifetime experience and you will have 1 hour in the forest with the lowland Gorillas.
What to Expect on gorilla trekking
Gorilla tracking can take a varied length of time depending on the group that is tracking, the general location of the gorilla family, the terrain, weather and a few other factors. Sometimes the tracking will take as short as 1 Hour minutes, other times it will take as long as 5 hours.
As you hike through the forest, follow the lead of your guide. As you climb up the steep slopes of the volcanoes, and through the forest, you will need to pull your self up steep paths by grasping onto plant roots, branches, bushes, etc. a walking stick could also come in handy. You will get thirsty, so be sure to carry enough water. The trek through the forest can be tiring but the encounter with the gorillas is worth all the effort.
A gorilla encounter
When you enter into the jungle to search for the lowland gorillas , you will be relieved and happy to find the gorillas in the wild while feeding & playing with the young ones.
The trackers will clear the brush away so you can get a clear view of these magnificent creatures and allow you to take clear photos about these endangered species. It is truly an amazing Gorilla Trekking experience.
If you look a gorilla in the eye, and he begins charging at you, don’t run, stay still and lower your head as a sign of submission and Respect but never beat your chest while with the lowland gorillas.
What to Bring for Lowland Gorilla Trekking:
1. Sturdy boots or shoes for walking in the forest (Wellington Boots can be purchased in Bukavu)
2. Long pants to wear when hiking
3. Rain Jacket
4. Water
5. Camera (no flash photography allowed)
6. Snacks or a Picnic Lunch
Other Destinations for Gorilla Trekking
Bwindi Impenetrable forest national park located in south western Uganda is independent from the virunga conservation areas, its a home to about 13 Gorilla families of which 2 are for gorilla habituation experience. Bwindi national park can easily be accessed from Kigali via Cyanika border if your planning a 3 Days Uganda gorilla safari but can also start from entebbe for visitors planning to enter the country through Uganda.
Volcanoes national Park Rwanda , part of the virunga conservation area, the park is home to 10 gorilla families and offers the most expensive gorilla trekking experience of all the three mountain gorilla trekking adventure due to the increased mountain Gorilla permits which is costing USD 1500 Per person .The park is loved by most travelers or visitors due to the ease accessibility which is about 3 hours drive from Kigali the capital City of Rwanda.
Gorilla Trekking Tours
3 Days Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trek
Book the 3 Days Gorilla Trekking Tour to trek the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in thie natural forest habitat.
7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari
7 Days Congo Gorilla Safari takes you both Mountain and Lowland Gorilla Trekking at Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park.
10 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour
10 Days Congo Gorilla Trekking Tour takes you Gorilla Trekking and chimpanzee tracking in the vast green forest habitats.
Bukavu, Eastern Congo
South Lake Kivu.
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM. Monday to Saturday
Gorilla Trekking in Congo
Kahuzi Biega National Park was created in 1970 and occupying the area of 60000 and the first lowland gorilla trekking was done in 1973 in kahuzi biega and its among the reasons that it ranks high when it comes to eastern lowland gorilla trekking.
In 1975 the park was extended from an area of 60000 to 600000 ha,1980 it was just listed as a heritage centre , 1997 its was listed on the world heritage sites in danger that concerned the Congo government and other conservation organization to try and conserve the lowland gorillas through campaigns and various park activities like 1 Day Gorilla Trek Congo.
In Congo Various Congo Safaris tailored by the list of Congo Safari Companies to include Visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park for Eastern Lowland Gorillas Watch and other Primates, Hike and Community visit.
Gorilla Trekking in Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo is Possible to join it with Kigali Visits. Go Gorilla trekking in congo requires securing the Gorilla Permit, it costs USD 400 and enjoy the visit to various Gorilla Families on the Safari Holiday.
Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo
The eastern lowland gorilla—also known as Grauer’s gorilla—is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies.
Gorilla Trekking guide in kahuzi biega National Park in congo is an encounter with the few remaining eastern Lowland Gorillas, which will reward you a clear comparsion of Mountain & Lowland Gorillas in Africa. However only two Gorilla Families are conserved and Open for Gorilla Trekking by Travelers that wish to adventure into the Jungle. We have realized that Congo Gorilla Safaris is the Leading tour Operator that is offering Lowland Gorilla Safaris & Tours to Congo.
Wishing to trek the Lowland Gorillas in Congo, Select Congo Gorilla Safaris as your travel partner to ensure the memorable Experience to adventure into the Jungle on Guided Safari.
Getting there
Kahuzi Biega National Park is located 30 Kms from Bukavu Town and it takes one and Half Drive to enter into the National Park and its can be accessed by road and by air however travelers have to understand that from kavumu airport and at Miti, take left and keep going straight until you reach the visitor centre. Self Drive East Africa offers Reliable Car rental to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi & DR congo for all transfers at affordable rates.
Park Security
Democratic republic of Congo is known to be a region full of mystery, and we have also come to realize that safety is also the primary concern for the tourists in the recent days and it’s also important to always stay updated on the internal issues which might affect travel in the democratic Republic of Congo.
Since it’s not completely safe in all the parts of the DRC and it’s important to choose a tour operator who is knowledgeable about the local conditions. More than any other economic activity, Kahuzi Biega National Park Guides takes Care of Gorilla Trekkers and Hikers when in the park for Any Activity and never think of self drive Safaris to Congo.
Kahuzi Biega Safari Guide
The packing list includes clothes to wear, Shoes and Items below to enjoy trekking the Gorillas.
Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts (breathable, quick-dry), long trekking pants (convertible pants are ideal), Moisture-wicking underwear, Thick long pants (protect against thorns, nettles, ants), Long-sleeved overshirt or lightweight jacket, Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.
Lightweight camp shoes or sandals, Rain & Sun Protection, High-quality rain jacket (breathable, hooded), Rain pants (especially for forest treks), Wide-brim hat or cap, Insect Protection.
For the Moment Visitors to Kahuzi biega national park should be a ware that there is no lodge or Accommodation that has been developed at the park but all lodges recommended are found in Bukavu town the nearest town located south of lake kivu.But for budget travelers / visitors the park offers camping at the park headquarter in Lwiro. Go gorilla trekking in congo to enjoy the true experience of watching the world’s largest primates called Eastern Lowland Gorilla.
Find the list of Accommodation and lodges that have the best services to offer for Congo Tourists.
When Visiting Congo for Gorilla Safari Holiday, it requires to buy the Gorilla permit which costs USD 400 to enjoy the Gorilla Trekking Experience in the Jungle of Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Wishing to Visit Congo as a Tourist, Enjoy a Gorilla Safari Holiday in Congo by Entering Congo with a Cheap Tourists Visa sold to travelers that Explore Congo as Gorilla Watchers due to the Congo Tourism Potential Features found in the Country.
Don’t Hassle so much to book a Gorilla Safari in Congo, Find the reliable Safari Companies that can help you in organizing Gorilla Trekking Adventure for a life time Memory.
Kahuzi Biega National Park Directory has listed the best recommended Tour Operators that can help you in the Organization of the Gorilla Trekking Experience in Congo, check out on the 5 Days Gorilla Trek Africa in Congo.