Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking In Kahuzi Biega National Park

Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking takes you to the forested lowlands to trek the Eastern Lowland Gorillas of Kahuzi Biega National Park in Bukavu town, in the Eastern Part of Democratic Republic Of Congo, close by the Rwandan Border . The Unique Eastern Lowland gorillas are a subspecies  of  gorillas which are only found in the Democratic Republic Of Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park of the whole World.

Kahuzi Biega National Park, named after two dormant Volcanoes of Mount Kahuzi  and Mount Biega within the park, is a home to over 400 Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo. The park protects 9 Eastern Lowland gorilla families/groups, out of which three have been habituated and open for gorilla trekking experience. Kahuzi Biega National Park, though rated among the largest parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo is composed of both lowland and mountainous landscapes. The Eastern lowland Gorillas inhabit the lowland areas, which makes them more accessible compared to Mountain Gorillas in  Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park & Virunga National Park.

Facts About Eastern Lowland Gorillas In Kahuzi Biega National Park

Eastern lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo: Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination with Eastern lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park.

Apart from mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas are calm and quiet apes – despite the fact that they can bark, roar or scream whenever they need to. All gorillas neither attack nor become aggressive, except when attacked.

Like humans, Gorillas also communicate with each others using their body language, sounds, and signs. Their daily chores include grooming, climbing, swinging on tree branches and playfully chasing each other, and their diet comprises of leaves, stems, fruit and shrubs.

The Eastern lowland Gorilla live in groups that are lead by dominant silverbacks. Alpha Male(eastern lowland )Gorillas seldom fight for female gorillas, while rest of the males in the group can live as bachelors, or depart to find their own or  hopefully overtaking from the dominant silverback.

Whereas, females eastern lowland gorillas always seek for lone males or another group of their preference to join. All Female (Eastern Lowland) Gorillas are known for changing family groups their entire life.

Due to their significant weight/size, the Eastern gorillas  live mostly on the ground,  build nests using leaves, shrubs and tree branches, while Juveniles and females may build their nests on top of trees.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Experience

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking, demands a gorilla permit, for any trekker to part take in the amazing Eastern lowland Gorilla trekking Experience in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Each Eastern gorilla trekking permit costs $400 per person per day to trek only one gorilla family. You can acquire the gorilla permits directly from the park headquarters, or have it booked  by a trusted and reliable tour operator. All gorilla trekking enthusiasts are advised to have their permits booked early, prior to the tracking date.

Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega begins by 7:00am with briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre which is found outside Kahuzi Biega National Park entrance. The park wardens and guides will provide the rule and regulations regarding lowland gorilla trekking that must be followed by the visitors, which includes the facts about the gorilla families and the terrain they live in as well.

After here, trekkers will then set off through  the established trails to look for the assigned gorilla groups. Eastern Lowland gorillas are always mobile and finding them may take approximately 2-5 hours, depending on how far they may have moved. Upon finding them, Visitors will be allowed to stay  and interact with the gorillas for at most 1 hour, as they maintain a distance of 10m apart. The time allows you to observe the behavior of the gorillas, as well as taking beautiful photos.

When is the Best Time To Visit/Trek Eastern Lowland Gorillas?

Kahuzi Biega National Park remains open for Visiting/trekking the Eastern gorillas all year round, although the best time  to go gorilla trekking is during the dry season from may to August & November to January, when the trails are dry & navigable.  While during the wet months, the roads are generally slippery which makes it challenging to pass through. Travelers are however, reminded that the park can receive rainfall at anytime of the day, because of the dens forest, despite the weather, which then calls for prior preparation  with appropriate gear.

How to Get Kahuzi Biega National Park For Gorilla Trekking?

Eastern Lowland gorilla trekkers, can easily access Kahuzi Biega national Park from Rwanda. Travelers first land in Kigali International airport, the hit the wide open road for  via Rusizi border into the Park, for at least 7 hours of breathing taking scenery, enroute. While from Uganda, travelers can cross to via Cyanika border into Rwanda, then to Bukavu via Risizi border(very long distance driving) . While for flight enthusiasts, flights from Kigali International Airport to Goma Airport can be arranged, which is then followed by 6-7 hours drive to Bukavu.

Where To Stay In Kahuzi Biega National Park?

There anumber of accommodations within and around Kahuzi Biega National Park, where clients can opt to spend overnights when in Bukavu. These hotels  depends on the travelers choice to choose from either budget, to mid-range and Luxury which includes: Coco Lodge Bukavu- comfy lodge,
L’Orchids Safari Club for budget and luxury, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu-comfy ( 4 star hotel), Hotel Begonias Bukavu,  and Exodus Hotel Bukavu for budget