What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
What to Expect During Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The only experience of gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park will make you have eye-to-eye with the giant eastern lowland gorillas in the natural setting of the dense forest. This part and relatively less visited park presents a different experience of seeing this largest primate from the other parks which are more crowded. Below is how you will spend your time during the gorilla trekking experience in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
- Preparation and Briefing
Arrival at the Park
Evaluating the accesses, the majority of the visitors reach the site after at least being through Kigali-Rwanda, to Bukavu, DR Congo about 6-7 hrs by road. The other option is to enter the DRC by air, although options are more limited and facilities are not as well established.
Registration and Briefing
Upon getting to the park headquarters, there will be admission where you will be required to sign some papers. This is continued by the briefing of the park rangers from the screen presenting the latest information. As a part of the briefing session, you will receive information on how the treks are done; rules and regulations concerning physical touch to these gentle giants; safety measures during treks; and the conservation of these species among others. The briefing usually does not take more than 30-45 minutes and is very important for safety and conduct when with the gorillas.
- The Trekking Experience
Setting Off
After the briefing, the participants will start the trek with a team consisting of experienced guides and trackers. The group sizes are relatively small and this lessens the effects it has on the animals and makes the visit more enjoyable. Porters are available to be hired and they can help with the carrying of personal belongings as well as his or her assistance in trekking.
Navigating the Terrain
This is quite strenuous, acquiring transport and then having to walk through thick tropical jungle, and bamboo forest and having to steep up and down slopes on rough terrains. Actually, whether it is one or five hours it is all up to the place that the gorilla family in question is on that given day. One can spend between 1 to 4 hours on the hike before a trek to the gorillas. There are lots of tarzan trails, and even thickets that only enhance the journey but a good preparation and reasonable physical fitness is needed for a great journey.
Tracking the Gorillas
These trackers of the park always move early in the morning with the intention of identifying the gorilla families. They inform your guides who in turn guide you to the place. It would be accompanied by a guide who would give brief details about the park’s wildlife as you go around the park.
- Encounter with the Gorillas
First Sighting
Sighting the gorillas for the first time is something that really cannot be put into words. The guides will beckon to you and gesture at you to creep up silently towards the animals. It is an unforgettable feeling to be in the presence of those big calm and extraordinary animals, which live in the wild.
Observing the Gorillas
This means that physiologically you will be spending approximately an hour with the gorilla family. At this time you can watch their behaviors, interaction with other people, and their daily schedule. These are the eastern lowland gorillas: they are big and if I may say distinctly friendly. Observing their expedition that involves the silverback, juveniles and even the infants makes one feel like an admirer.
Photography and Interaction
As part of the rules to be followed, the use of cameras is allowed, although the use of flash is not in any circumstance allowed since it will surprise the gorillas. Your guides are there to make sure you get the best shots possible while always keeping an eye on the safety of the gorillas and Yourself. It is suggested that the best proximity is around seven meters or about twenty-three feet. One must always adhere to the guides’ instructions to avoid any accidents to both the tourists and the gorillas.
- As for the conclusion, the characters return back to the Park Headquarters, that had been a major setting in the story.
Completing the Trek
After one hour of staring at the gorillas, the visitors are allowed to start their descent to the park headquarters. Although it normally takes six to eight hours, the return journey can also differ in length depending on the location of the gorillas. This section of the hike is more relaxing and individuals who perform this task can consider and appreciate the natural aesthetic value of the park.
Debriefing and Certificates
At the end of the day, you will have a debriefing with more information about the project and a chance to raise the issues you may have observed. You will also be issued with the certificate of participation in recognition to the fact that you have gone for the trek and contributed towards the conservation of the gorillas.
- Extra Activities in Kahuzi Biega National park
Hiking
Kahuzi-Biega National Park has this wonderful opportunity for hikers to climb top peaks for example that of Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. Such hikes offer amazing views of the land surrounding this park as well as help notice the park’s various biomes.
Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center
Including; Within this park, there is an Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center that acts as a center for rescued primates. Through a visit to the center one is able to learn more about the continuous processes of conservation and some of the difficulties in the protection of these animals.
Bird Watching
The park supports a bulky and diverse bird life hence recommended for bird-watching enthusiasts. There are several forest and alpine birds differentiated in species all over the park.
Community Visits
Interact with the local people within the vicinity of the park and this will help in understanding their way of life. Such interactions hence give one a touch on the social aspect of conservation and the need to uphold the locals.
Practical Tips for Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega
What to Wear
– Sturdy Hiking Boots: Used in crossing the rocky terrains fundamental to the savanna biome.
– Long-Sleeved Shirts and Trousers: As armor to shield the skin from being scratched and from insect stings.
– Rain Gear: There are many rainy days even when the season is referred to as the dry season.
– Gloves: As used in both gripping of vegetation and protection of hands.
What to Bring
– Insect Repellent: To drive away mosquitoes and other insects.
– Sunscreen and Hat: Because of the sun use:
– Water and Snacks: For plenty of water and energy because of the challenging task on the trek.
– Camera: To get amazing shots with the gorillas without disturbing the zoo inhabitants, no using flash.
Conclusion
Trekking for the eastern lowland gorillas in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a memorable experience that allows one to get close to mountain gorillas. The park itself is relatively cut off and attracts fewer visitors overall than those destinations where one can also go gorilla trekking. In such a given activity, you are helping the conservation of these marvelous invents as well as supporting those people who live in this region and are directly involved in the protection of these creatures.
