Kahuzi Beiga Lowland National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park: The 6,000 km2 Kahuzi Biega National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after two extinct volcanoes that dominate its skyline, Mount Biega’s highest peak at 2,900m and Mount Kahuzi highest peak at 3,300m, which constitute the two of the Mutimba range. Divided into two unequal sections linked by a narrow strip of forest, the park’s eastern portion covers habitat of largely montane primary forest between 1,800m and 3,300m in elevation, while the much larger western section of the Park sees elevation drop to between 600m and 1,500m and habitat for low, forested mountain punctuated by deep river valley leading west towards the Lualaba River.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is the only place in the whole world where you can track the critically endangered eastern lowland gorillas; the park is home to about 300 lowland Grauer’s Gorillas.
Through Uganda, you can get into the Eastern part of D.R.Congo via Goma to Kahuzi Biege National Park
From Rwanda, you can enter the Eastern part of D.R.Congo via Bukavu to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is unique for its eastern lowland gorillas. This unique gorilla species in the past had a population amounting to about 15000 gorillas but due to political unrest, human encroachment, and others, the numbers are slowly dwindling to so far about half this population. This tremendous decline has put the lowland gorillas on the list of endangered primates of the world.
To do gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you need to purchase a gorilla permit through the Virunga Tourism office. You may also make use of the assistance of an accredited tour operator like Encounter Africa Safaris to help secure the gorilla permits on your behalf.
During gorilla trekking, maximum 8 tourists after briefing are led by a ranger guide into the forest to search for the gorillas. Every tourist is requested to follow the instructions given by the ranger guides at a briefing in order not to fall out with the gorillas. Gorillas are sensitive primates, especially with unfamiliar faces in their vicinity.
Note that sometimes the political atmosphere around the Eastern part of D.R.Congo is unstable so do follow the guidelines of this particular gorilla trek in order not to disturb the peace of the forest at that moment. Ensure you are always up to date with the current affairs of the Eastern part of Congo.
When Is The Best Time To Do Lowland Gorilla Trekking In D.R. Congo?
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park to see the Eastern Low land gorillas is all year round all factors are kept constant. The gorillas occupy a particular location for some time until a genuine reason is proved for the members to move.
The dry season of this forest is normally June to September, and December to early February when there is reduced precipitation in the wilderness. The gorillas and other inhabitants are full of life and maybe quicker to spot. Even trails leading to different locations in the wilderness are more quicker to navigate.
When taking photographs of the gorillas and other forest dwellers, the dry season provides a better environment to take quality photos. This however is the peak tourism season so demand for gorilla permits is high yet supply is limited.
This is why you must book the gorilla permit for the Lowland gorillas in advance at least with a deposit as a way of confirming your desire to do the gorilla trek this season.
The wet season is May to May and November is associated with the low season but it may be an opportunity for you to take an unprepared solo gorilla trek. There are fewer people booked to do the gorilla trek so expect less obstruction from fellow tourists as you watch the gorillas. You have all the 60 minutes allowed with the lowland gorillas to yourself.
How safe is Kahuzi Biega Nations Part for a Gorilla Trek?
Kahuzi Biega National Park is situated in a politically unstable area of Eastern D.R.Congo but not all the time. The rebel activities in this area are affecting even the conservation bodies of this area which is why few gorilla families are habituated.
But this should not stop you from engaging in gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Just keep up to date with the current affairs of this area. Being just meters away from the gentle primate giants yet fierce on the outside the eastern lowland gorillas are remarkable.
For personal security, do not walk in the forest without an escorting ranger guide just to be safe.
How Much Time Does Gorilla Trekking In Kahuzi Biega Forest Take?
The time frame for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park depends on factors prevailing in the forest. From the starting point of the search, the ranger guide follows the trail leading to where the gorillas were last seen the previous day. Even the clues of the possible way about of the gorilla family given by the early patrolling team are used.
To find the gorillas, some of the determinants include food supply source, in case of a fight with another gorilla family, weather conditions of the day, pace of fellow tourists, and others. All tourists are requested to have some level of patience before finding the gorillas to still keep all hopes high.
Try to focus your mind on other interesting features in the forest like other primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, grey-cheeked mangabey, red-tailed monkeys, blue monkeys, black and white colobus, and others. There are stunning landforms in the forest and different fully-grown natural trees that are rarely seen elsewhere.
Finally, when you get to see the lowland gorillas, ensure you follow the instructions given at the briefing because gorillas are very sensitive primates especially when it comes to intruders. Only one hour is allowed with the lowland gorillas when you locate them.
Are Eastern Lowland gorillas dangerous?
No, gorillas are not dangerous despite their furred bodies and huge body sizes. They are calm primates and serene. Before opening the gorilla family to the public, it is first habituated to a process where a wild gorilla family is followed by researchers for over 2 years until proven ready for public visits. These gorillas’ nature is untampered with during this process.
Only one hour is allowed with the gorillas to reduce the chances of agitating the lowland gorillas and also allow them to carry out their day-to-day activities like grooming, feeding, disciplining, and much more.
The gorillas can also charge when agitated by hooting, pulling grass around them, and much more. This doesn’t mean that whenever you witness such behaviors, you must reach out. Wait for the ranger guide to establish the root cause of the matter. Sometimes the gorillas are having fun, having a family feud, being attacked by another gorilla’s family, and much more. Follow instructions given by the ranger guide as a way to show loyalty to the gorillas.
How Much Is Gorilla Trekking In Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is packaged according to luxury, mid-range, and basic however, the gorilla permit price is the collective cost. At the moment, the gorilla trekking cost for the lowland gorillas is $450 per person. This gorilla permit cost covers park entrance fees, the hour with the gorillas, ranger guide fees, and others.
Some additional items to consider as part of the cost of the gorilla trekking package of Kahuzi Biega National Park include transport, accommodation, number of people traveling, the day on safari, additional activities to combine with gorilla trekking, and others.
When you contact us at Encounter Africa Safaris, about the gorilla trekking adventure to Kahuzi Biega National Park, our tour consultants are ready to work with you to plan this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We aim to give value for money and help you make everlasting African Safari holiday memories.
Why Do Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Doing Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is an opportunity where you may visit both lowland and mountain gorillas in the eastern part of D.R.Congo. mountain gorillas of D.R.Congo are residents of Virunga National Park and all these parks are situated in the eastern part of this country.
Making the difference out of this experience is what makes it a special trip that is between the lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas. That chance to be just meters away from a few lowland gorillas is special as many adventure seekers have this event on their bucket list.
Purchasing the gorilla permit is one way to contribute to the conservation of the gorillas. These primates are endangered and more funds are still needed to continue with this work. A portion of the annual funds collected from the sale of gorilla permits is given to the local community to support their projects. This is one way of encouraging them to engage in protecting these primates and their habitats. Note that D.R.Congo is one of the countries where primates are hunted for wild meat.
When you hire a porter to carry your gorilla trekking gear, you contribute to their livelihood. This is one of the ways to continue sensitizing the community about the importance of the gorillas in their midst. Conservation cannot be effective without the local community involvement.
What is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
15 years and over is the age limit for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The first glance at the huge size of the gorillas may stimulate some adrenaline but you must be in a position to stay calm. A child below 15 years old may not withstand this causing suspension.
Since the time of locating the gorillas is quite hard to determine some patience is necessary which a child below 15 years may not be in a position to bear.
The jungle has some harsh surfaces that a child below 15 years may not be in a position to bear.
Does Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Require Fitness?
Yes, although the topography of Kahuzi Biega National Park is not steep and these are lowland gorillas, to walk successfully in this natural forest, you need to be fit. It is quite hard to determine the time when you hope to find the gorillas but you need to keep moving.
Sometimes the gorillas move deep into the forest especially when food is exhausted from their usual location. This requires persistence just in case you have to move further than usual.
How Sure Can I Be To See the Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Be sure to see the gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park as long as this area is stable. The gorilla families occupy a particular area for some time until food is proved insufficient for the entire group. This is why the ranger guides leading tourists normally follow the trail leading to where the gorilla family was last seen the previous day.
Each day a team of ranger guides patrols the forest earlier to monitor the possible way about of the gorilla family. These are some of the clues that ranger guides leading tourists use to trace the lowland gorillas.
As a tourist, you are requested to help with tracing the lowland gorillas using the clues they live behind like footprints, fresh dung, freshly chewed foliage, and much more. follow the guidelines of gorilla trekking as taught during the briefing so as not to push the gorillas into the deeper forest.
Rules Of Gorilla Trekking In Kahuzi Biega National Park
Eating or smoking before the lowland gorillas is forbidden. Do this at least 200 meters away from them so that they are not enticed to pull what you are eating from you. They are wild animals that must search for their food.
Only children 15 and above are allowed to do gorilla trekking because of the nature of the gorilla trekking environment. The time of locating the lowland gorillas is unknown because of their movement.
Spitting on the soil or vegetation may spread germs to the mountain gorillas so it is forbidden. Lowland gorillas can easily catch human infectious diseases like COVID-19, cough, flu, and cholera.
In case you have a communicable infection volunteer to stay behind and protect the lowland gorillas from such infectious diseases. The extent to which this disease may spread and kill the mountain gorillas is unknown.
Wearing a clean mask before the Lowland gorillas is one of the preventive measures adopted to prevent spreading covid-19 virus to the mountain gorillas and other germs.
Keep a gap of at least 8 meters from the gorillas when you locate them to prevent the spreading of any infection.
Loud noise is forbidden in the forest because this may scare the Lowland gorillas. They are very sensitive to unfamiliar noise in their presence.
Even using flash photography is prohibited because the lowland gorillas may go into hiding because of unfamiliar light.
Contact us to purchase your gorilla permit and help organize your safari today.
Eastern Lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorilla) are the largest of all the gorilla subspecies with an adult male weighing over 210 kilograms. Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to the largest population of eastern lowland gorillas. Like all gorilla sub-species, the eastern lowland gorilla is a peaceful primate. It will not attack or become aggressive without provocation. Even when provoked, they will first attempt to warn off intruders by barking or beating the chest. Like other gorilla sub-species, the Grauer’s gorilla spends its day mostly on the ground. This is mainly because of their considerable weight and being less prone to predators. During their time on the ground, members of the group can be observed playing, grooming, resting and feeding on leaves, shrubs or stems. Nests are built mostly on the ground or on top of tress using leaves and shrubs. It is only the young ones that build their nests on top of short trees.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking CongoCompared to mountain gorilla groups, eastern lowland gorilla families contain fewer individuals. Each group is led by a dominant silverback who dictates what is to be done and where to go. Young males and females tend to leave the group on reaching maturity. The female will leave to join a lone male or another group. Young males do not always leave their original group. They can decide to stay and wait to succeed their father or move away to start their own family by grabbing females from other groups. It has been observed that females tend to change groups more often than males.
What are the similarities and differences between eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas? To begin with similarities. Both subspecies have males that are larger in size compare to the females. Both species have black coats which is quite different from the brownish coats observed with western gorillas. Mountain gorilla coats are slightly thicker because they live in colder habitats. How about the differences? The silver lining on male eastern lowland gorillas can extend to the lower body including the thighs which is something not observed in mountain gorillas. The eastern lowland gorilla also has a larger and wider skull compared to the mountain gorilla. Grauer’s gorillas are more mobile due to the vast nature of their habitat. Although considered endangered, Eastern lowland gorillas outnumber mountain gorillas. About 7000 are believed to still be rooming the wilds of Africa while only 1000 mountain gorillas were counted in the 2014 gorilla census.
It is important to note that there are more habituated mountain gorilla groups than any of the gorilla subspecies. Uganda alone has over 15 habituated mountain gorilla families which is more than all habituated eastern lowland gorilla groups combined. This is primarily because mountain gorillas live in easy to reach areas allowing scientists to study them more closely. Other gorilla sub-species live in vast and remote African wilderness. As we will see later on, tracking mountain gorillas is more expensive. A gorilla permit can cost up to $1500 in Rwanda and yet eastern Lowland gorilla permits cost only $400. This implies that the cost of a gorilla tour in Congo is cheaper compared to other destinations.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is one of the many activities one can choose to do while on a Congo Safari. The sheer size of eastern lowland gorillas leaves tourists and those who love primates yearning Eastern Lowland gorilla trekkingfor an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. The best place to track eastern lowland gorillas is in Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primates can also be found in Maiko National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve and regions in the Itombwe Mountains. About 3 habituated gorilla groups are open to tourism in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park is remote but tourists will be rewarded with amazing scenery and pristine wilderness. The Democratic Republic of Congo is relatively less explored and receives less tourists. This can be an advantage for those who want to experience true unspoiled African wilderness without the crowds.
Plan Your Trip to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Getting There
The park is located close to the Rwandan border and the Western shore of Lake Kivu. The park is located about 30 kilometers from Bukavu town, and getting to the park takes only 1-2hours by road and about 45mins by air from Goma airport. It lies in the eastern province of Democratic Republic of Congo – South Kivu province. The park is located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo just 50 km away from Bukavu town which is one of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s biggest business districts bordering Rwanda’s Rusizi which is also a big business Hub and beach holiday destination on the shores of Lake Kivu.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is accessible within DRC, from Rwanda and Uganda. In DR Congo, it takes safari-goers 1 hour and half to drive from Bukavu to Kahuzi-Biega. In case of those with plans to start from Kigali Rwanda, you can access the park via border crossing at Rusizi or book flights from Kigali Airport Rwanda to Kavumu airport then transfer to Kahuzi-Biega’s offices.
Visitors on Lowland gorilla safari to Kahuzi-Biega can reach the park by road which is 40kms, about 1 and half hours’ drive from Bukavu. From Kigali, it is approximately 6-7 hours’ drive if you take the route through Cyangugu city. By air, you can fly up to Kamembe Airport hen drive 1 hour and half to Kahuzi-Biega via Bukavu Town.
When is the Best Time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park holiday safari is perfectly enjoyed during the dry season or drier months of the year. That is in late May, June, July, August, September to early October or late December, January, February. These are the most preferable months if you plan to be in Kahuzi-Biega for Lowland gorilla trekking or volcano hiking/climbing.
The Best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park is within the month of January to February and end of May through up to October, during these months, the ground is drier unlike in November and March and April when heavier rains are usually experienced. However, the dry season doesn’t mean that the park won’t experience rains; this is a tropical rain forest so it is better to be prepared and expect it to rain at any time. To have excellent view of Kahuzi-Biega National Park’s diverse wildlife, the dry season is incredibly the best time. This begins from late May to early October or December to February and these are enjoyable while on Grauer’s gorilla trekking safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Apart from visiting the gorillas, what else can visitors do at Kahuzi Biega?
The tourist can also enjoy;
The ascent of Mount Kahuzi which culminates at 3038 meters above sea level
A hike, which goes from the headquarters to the top of Mount Bugulumiza 2.4 km
A visit to the Lwiro Primate Rehabilitation Center and the three levels of Chibati Falls
The community-based tourist visit the royal court of Kabare
Is It Safe to Go Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega?
Gorillas have been accustomed to human presence at Kahuzi Biega since 1971. Kahuzi Biega is among the first park in the world to organize gorilla visits.
How are the gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park different from others in the sub-region?
Which Gorillas Are Found in Kahuzi Biega?
The gorilla subspecies found in Kahuzi Biega is the Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla berengei Graueri). It has a physical form that is different from other subspecies found in Mount Virunga, the Mountain Gorillas, (Rwanda Volcano Park and Virunga National Park in Goma), (Gorilla berengei Berengei). Kahuzi Biega’s gorilla has an elongated head, it is less hairy, and it does not accept more than one mature evil in a family.
Safety and best time to travel to Congo Kahuzi-Biega
When you think of visiting DRC, safety is a key factor that concerns not only holidaymakers but also tour operators. However, Kahuzi-Biega National Park has for long enjoyed relative peace unlike Virunga National Park that whose tourism activities have been suspended several times. On the other hand, it is challenging to recommend the best time to travel to Kahuzi-Biega National Park given its location in rain-forested area. But the drier months are said to be a little the most ideal and you can plan your tour holiday from late May to early October or January to February. It is possible to organize a tour even during the rainy months though what disorganizes is the heavy rains yet also it is a period when there is plenty for primates like Grauer’s gorillas to feed on. To some holidaymakers, these are the best months of the year because you spend less time to move to look for a gorilla family since gorillas don’t move to search for what to eat in distant areas.
Access to Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Prior setting off to Kahuzi-Biega National Park, you must have a Congo Visa and an invitation from the park to be permitted in. Not to encounter challenges in arranging your holiday, the best is to deal with a reliable ground tour operator in DR Congo. The ideal route for you to have access to Kahuzi-Biega takes you from Kigali Rwanda through Cyangugu town where you can connect to Bukavu Town. By air, fly from Kigali airport in Rwanda to Goma airport in the DR Congo. By water, take a speed boat from Goma up to Bukavu.
5-Day Kahuzi Biega Congo Gorilla Trekking & Chimp Safari in Rwanda
$ 2500
per personHow is lowland gorilla trekking organized in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Before embarking on the gorilla trekking adventure, visitors have to take part in a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre. The park Guides and Rangers will share information about the rules and regulations that govern the lowland trekking, facts about the gorillas, their families, the terrain and what not to do while with the primates. This briefing helps visitors to go into the forest with an idea of what to expect and how to act while with the gorillas.
The Guides will lead trekkers into the wilderness for between one to four hours. Lowland gorillas are very mobile and tend to move further into the forests during certain periods of the year. Expect to find all of them in one place. The silverback is always on the lookout for any intruders and will be watching your movements to check if the group is under any form of threat. If the silverback senses that there is no danger, he will allow trekkers all the time to be in their midst. You are only allowed one hour with the gorillas. The one hour allows you time to complete your observations as well as get wonderful photos to show your friends and family. Tracking eastern lowland gorillas is rare and only a few register for it. You would be among only a few to do so.
Accommodation during Eastern Lowland gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Hotel Begonias Bukavu: This 4-star hotel is found within the Bukavu area and next to Kahuzi Biega National Park. It is surrounded by a beautiful green courtyard and has a large swimming pool to ensure that guests can relax after tracking the gorillas early in the day. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and room service as well as a well-stocked restaurant serving international cuisines. Internet connection is assured through wireless internet services in all rooms. There is also a children’s play area for guests who might be planning to travel with the kids.
Lake Side Hotel Bukavu: This 4-star hotel is located on the shores of Lake Kivu but very close to Kahuzi Biega National Park. It offers spa, dining rooms, a bar and a large swimming pool. Their rooms are spacious, self-contained and furnished a working table, television screens and sofas.
Coco Lodge Bukavu: This mid-range lodge has 8 well furnished, self-contained rooms close to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Apart from self-contained rooms, other amenities offered by the lodge include a private bar, a central lounge and restaurant.
L’Orchids Safari Club: This hotel offers both budget and luxury rooms although all guests get to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Lake Kivu. L’Orchids Safari Club is a favorite accommodation facility for tourists who are planning to go for eastern lowland gorilla tracking and Visiting the nearby Virunga National Park. Apart from exploring the amazing Kahuzi Biega National Park, there are other activities that one can register for while at the hotel such as bird watching, nature and forest walks. In fact, the hotel helps organize whitewater rafting at the nearby River Luhoho. Other services and amenities include swimming, a shopping center, helicopter hiring among others.
Exodus Hotel Bukavu: With free Wi-Fi and decent rooms, Exodus Hotel in Bukavu is one hotel to consider while planning to do lowland gorilla trekking in Congo. The Hotel has multilingual staff who are ready to serve you and ensure that your safari in Kahuzi Biega is memorable. It may not be categorized as a luxury hotel but it has everything you need to have a memorable safari in Eastern Congo. There is a restaurant, a bar and children’s play area as well as large balconies with giant television screens for your relaxation. All rooms are self-contained and have their own bathrooms, toilets and hot showers.
Note to Tourists: It is important to get the most current security information about Eastern Congo before you can begin planning our eastern lowland gorilla tracking adventure. Your Tour Operator is also in better position to advise you about accommodation facilities and other travel related issues.
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