Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo

Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo: Lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are conducted in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The national park, which is located in Bukavu, is one of the primary destinations for tourists on gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo. During most Congo safari tours, gorilla trekking safaris are mostly done in Virunga National Park, for mountain gorilla trekking tours, and Kahuzi Biega national Park for eastern lowland gorilla trekking tours.

How different are Eastern Lowland Gorillas from other Gorilla Species?

The western lowland gorilla is the most common and widely distributed gorilla subspecies. Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Equatorial Guinea all have populations, as do vast sections of Gabon and the Republic of the Congo. The actual number of western lowland gorillas is unknown since they live in some of Africa’s most thick and inaccessible jungles. There are still significant populations, notably in isolated wetlands and the distant marshy woods of the Republic of Congo.

Western lowland gorillas differ from other gorilla subspecies by being significantly smaller in stature, having brown-grey coats, and having reddish chests. They also have broader heads, more prominent forehead ridges, and smaller ears. The western lowland gorilla’s population has declined despite its size.

Poaching and diseases have reduced the gorilla population by more than 60% in the previous 20 to 25 years. Even if all dangers to western lowland gorillas were removed, experts estimate that it would take 75 years for the population to recover.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safaris in DR Congo.

As earlier mentioned, eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are conducted in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Eastern lowland gorillas can only be found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to around 400 Eastern lowland gorillas divided into nine groups. Three of the nine groups have been habituated and are ready to be tracked. The park is located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern region, between Bukavu and Lake Kivu.

Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari in Congo — Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, named after Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, is one of the largest wildlife parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The landscape found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is ideal for these huge apes.

How difficult/easy is Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Generally, trekking lowland gorillas is reserved for people with a strong interest in primates or who want to have an out-of-the-ordinary experience – something genuinely unique. Aside from witnessing gorillas, the benefit is seeing locations that have never been seen by many people before and marvelling at the incredible biodiversity.

The first step in tracking Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega is a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre, which is located outside the park’s entrance. The park guide will go over the rules and procedures for lowland gorilla trekking while giving details about the gorilla families and the landscape they live in with tourists. Following the briefing, tourists are escorted down well-marked trails in search of the gorilla troop.

Eastern Lowland gorillas in Congo are constantly on the move, so tracking them down might take an hour or two. Visitors will most likely notice the children playing before the dominant silverback emerges to see if there is any possible threat to the family. If everything is in order, he will enable Trekker to keep an eye on the family. You will only get one hour with the gorilla troop, which will be ideal for observing their behavior and photographing them.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Congo VS Mountain Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Congo.

When compared to mountain gorillas, the success rate of discovering eastern lowland gorillas is minimal. This is due to the fact that lowland gorillas leave in large regions, causing them to traverse huge distances in search of food. They move faster, and keeping up with them is a little more difficult.

It should be noted that mountain gorillas can only be monitored in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mountain gorillas have a population of around 1000 individuals. The population of Eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla Beringei Graueri) has plummeted to less than 5000 individuals. The western lowland subspecies are responsible for the great numbers stated. Mountain gorilla tracking is more structured in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the gorillas are situated in generally tranquil and accessible places.

How much does it cost to track Eastern lowland gorillas in Congo?

Eastern lowland gorilla trekking permits in Congo cost $400 per person. This is the same for mountain gorilla trekking permits in Virunga National Park. The Democratic Republic of Congo has got the lowest fee for gorilla trekking permits compared to Uganda which charges $700 for gorilla permits and $1500 for gorilla permits in Rwanda.

Rules and Regulations to follow during eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo.

The standards and requirements for tracking both gorilla species are comparable;

Visitors are required to keep a distance of roughly 8 meters when seeing lowland gorillas in order to prevent the spread of human illnesses that may kill the entire family.
The number of individuals authorized to follow groups of Eastern lowland gorillas is limited to four each session. In the case of mountain gorillas, just 8 individuals are permitted each day. It is constructed in this manner to minimize straining the gorilla family with a huge disorderly crowd and to reduce the possibility of illness spread.
Visitors doing eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are advised to remain calm at all times especially while in the midst of the gorillas.
Since tracking eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park can take long hours (about 4-6 hours), visitors are advised to pack lunch and some snacks before setting off from your lodge for your lowland gorilla trekking experience in the park.

What to pack for your lowland gorilla trekking safari in Congo?

Visitors must bring appropriate gear (rain coats, long pants) and sturdy shoes for going through mud, woodland, and challenging terrain for both gorilla trekking trips. A visitor would need to bring water, lunch, and a camera.

Where to stay during your eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari in Congo?

Accommodation facilities during lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Kahuzi Biega national park include; Coco Lodge Bukavu, L’orchids Safari Club, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, and Exodus Hotel Bukavu among others.

All in all, if you want to follow Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, organize your journey well in advance. The security situation in Congo is dangerous, so you’ll need the assistance of a reputable tour organization. If you choose to travel with Explore Rwanda Tours, we will assist you in planning your complete journey by arranging for lodging, transportation, guide, and permit acquisition.