Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is by far an amazing primate experience that offers you great opportunity to get up-close to the Eastern Lowland gorillas. These are some of the unique creatures in the wild and rare sub-species of Eastern gorilla. They are inhabited in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Maiko National Park in DRC.
Presently, trekking to see Eastern lowland gorillas is possible in jungles of Kahuzi-Biega National Park. This park takes its name from Kahuzi and Biega Volcano, these are 2 dormant volcanoes that exist in this protected area. This protected area shelters over 250 Eastern Lowland gorillas making it one of the best places to engage in gorilla trek in Africa.
Eastern lowland gorillas differ from mountain gorillas because they have large hands, massive, short muzzle and grow 4-5 feet tall with weight of 440 pounds approximately 200kgs. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is an extensive protected area occupying over 6000sq.kms of land area. It is managed by Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation.
On gorilla trekking tour, the gorilla families to expect to explore in Kahuzi-Biega include Mugaruka, Chimanuka among others. Each of these gorilla families can be trekked by 8 visitors and the park guide takes you through a search to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas.
When to go for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is open to visitors all year-round. But the best time to enjoy amazing trek to see lowland gorillas is during the dry season either during long dry season or short dry spell.
The long dry months here start in June, July, August, September and short dry months include December, January, February.
Is Kahuzi Biega National Park safe for lowland gorilla trekking?
Yes, gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega is safe but first, ensure that you are certain about the current security or safety of the area before embarking on actual trip. Most importantly, all groups of tourists trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas are accompanied by armed park guides. Get more details or security alerts from DRC embassies/missions or through your booking agent, if you plan to visit Kahuzi-Biega for gorilla trekking.
Rules and regulations to follow during gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
Always maintain a social distancing of 7m from lowland gorillas, only one hour is allowed for you to have a face to face encounter with gorillas, no flashlight camera should be used for taking pictures of lowland gorillas, you should be above 15 years to track lowland gorillas, never go to trek lowland gorillas if you are ill.
Cost of the Eastern lowland gorilla permits for Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Visitors interested in Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega pay US Dollars 450 per person. These can be purchased through a reliable tour operator or park authorities at least 3-4 months in advance before actual date of trekking.
Accommodation in and around Kahuzi Biega National Park
The available accommodation choices in and around Kahuzi-Biega include budget, safari lodges, campsites, holiday inns and guest houses. In Bukavu, you can consider staying in L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge, Exodus Bukavu hotel or camp at the park.
Packing list for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
The check-list of items you should have on gorilla trekking tour in Kahuzi-Biega include sun hat, waterproof daypack, waterproof hiking boots, insect repellents, garden gloves, light rain jacket, long sleeved shirts or T-shirt, good cameras and extra batteries or lenses, gorilla permit, visa, yellow fever certificate and others.
Accessing Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a gorilla trip
From Bukavu Town, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a 40km drive, approximately 1 and half hours’ drive. You drive through Kavumu Airport route, turn left at the intersection in Miti town go straight to Tschivanga Tourist Centre.
By air, fly to Kavumu Airport or Miti or fly from Kigali International Airport to Rusizi border or Kamembe Airport then cross to Bukavu town in D.R. Congo.
