Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is situated on the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo next to Lake Kivu in the town of Bakavu. Kahuzi Biega is one of the largest national parks in Congo and was established in 1970 by Belgian wildlife conservationist and photographer Adrien Deschryver. Because of its vast rainforest and unique species of mammals, the park has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since the 1980’s.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking Safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park is the main highlight of a Congo safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This safari takes visitors to the lush forest of Kahuzi-Biega on foot to search for these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. The park is home to over 400 Eastern lowland gorillas residing 9 gorilla families and only 2 such as Chimanuka and Mugahuka gorilla families are lowed for tourism activities. This activity involves walking on foot through the dense tropical rainforests, swamps, and even highlands depending on the search for the group. Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking is a daily activity done in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Congo.
It starts with a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre which is found outside the park entrance at 7:45 am, then you are you will be allocated a gorilla for your trek that day and you will start the walk into the forest to find the gorillas. This walk takes about 1 to 3 hours depending on where the gorillas are allocated. During your Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking safari, you’ll also have a chance to see other wildlife species such as primates like Bosman’s potto, chimpanzees, Dent’s Mona, red-tailed monkeys and the owl-faced monkey, mammals like Alexander’s bush squirrel, Aquatic civet, eastern needle-clawed galago, giant genet, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, Ruwenzori least otter shrew. You’ll also see different colorful bird species for instance Grauer’s broadbill, Grauer’s warbler, Rockefeller’s sunbird, and Shelley’s Crimsonwing. Once you find them you will spend one hour encounter with them as they do with their daily activities such as playing, females nursing the young ones and the dominant silverback looking out for any danger to the family. You should also be able to identify the different individuals, personalities, and group dynamics.
How much is the Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park
The cost of an Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park is $400 per person per trek for foreign non-residents, $ 350 per person for foreign residents for East African residents pay $250 per person and Congolese citizens pay $ 20 per person. These permits are restricted to persons above 15 years to persons 85 years depending on the fitness levels. Obtaining a gorilla permit in Congo can be done directly by booking them through Kahuzi Biega National Park or through a trusted tour operator like Explore Rwanda Tours. Note that, tourists planning to embark on the Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park need to book a gorilla permit well in adventure for about 3 to 4 before their trekking date.
Are there other activities to combine with the Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Yes! there are a variety of rewarding activities that you can coming with your Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park such as;
Birding tour
Birding tour is one of the most popular safaris to comb with Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. During an Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, birdwatching presents a thrilling opportunity. This park is a haven for birds, with over 342 different species documented, and a significant number of over 42 unique to the Albertine Rift. Truly, Kahuzi Biega’s forest is a birdwatcher’s dream. Your birdwatching journey begins with a guide’s briefing, outlining essential guidelines for exploring this ancient forest. While observing birds in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you might spot birds like African Green broadbill, Congo Peafowl, Rockefeller’s Sunbird, Rwenzori Turaco, Helmet Shrike, Yellow Chested Helmet, handsome Francolin, Shelley’s Crimsonwing, trogons, Red-eyed Doves, African Black Swift, Long-crested Eagles, Bush Shrike, Brown Chested Alethe, African Hill Babblers, Ethiopian Crimsonwing, Red-faced Cisticola to mention but a few. Birding experience in Kahuzi Biega National Park is best experienced early morning and late afternoon.
Visit the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
The Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary would also be the best option to combine with Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park. this is a unique sanctuary, a safe place where chimpanzees and other primates, often rescued or orphaned, find refuge. Founded in 2002, it provides a much-needed home for animals unable to survive in the wild, especially crucial in the Democratic Republic of Congo where primate meat is sometimes consumed. Conveniently located near Kahuzi Biega National Park, only about 4 kilometers away, a trip to the sanctuary offers a great chance to see amazing animals. Visitors can see many different kinds of animals, like chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, vervet monkeys, blue monkeys, and even olive baboons. Visitors can do many things, including getting close to the chimpanzees and maybe even helping to feed them. This visit is an excellent chance to learn about these incredible animals and help support their care
Best time to go on eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris in Kahuzi Beige National Park
You can visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park for an eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari all year, but the most pleasant experience usually happens during the drier months. Specifically, consider going in June, July, August, September, December, January, or February. The reason is simple: less rain means the paths you walk on will be easier to navigate. The wet season brings mud and slipperiness, which can make the trek much more challenging.
Where to stay during Eastern lowland trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park- Congo
Accommodations in Virunga National Park range from budget to mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation options here include Orchid Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonais Bukavu, Panorama Hotel, Exodus Hotel, Hotel Elizabeth, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, and Mount Kahuzi Hotel Bukavu among others.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park
Getting to Kahuzi Biega National Park is relatively easy with several options to choose from.
Firstly, you can take a road trip to get to the park. It is located 40km west of Bukavu town, which takes approximately one to one and a half hours by car.
Another option is to drive from Kigali to Rwanda. The journey takes around 6 to 7 hours, and you’ll need to pass through the Cyangugu crossing, then to Goma, and finally to Bukavu town before reaching the park.
Alternatively, you can also use air transport. Visitors can take charter flights from Kigali airport to Kamembe airport, then connect to Bukavu town, and finally to the park headquarters. This option is quicker and can save you time.
