Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo (Kahuzi Biega National Park)

In order to find the largest primate on the planet, Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo transports you to some of Africa’s most isolated regions.

Large apes known as gorillas inhabit lowland regions, swamps, and woodlands in East, West, and Central Africa. The western and eastern gorillas are the two species of gorillas. There are two further divisions within each species.

There are two types of Western gorillas:

Western lowland gorillas and Cross River gorillas. The mountain gorilla and the Eastern lowland gorilla, which are unique to Kahuzi Biega National Park, are the two subspecies of eastern gorillas. In Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Angola, Central African Republic, and Cameroon, Western lowland gorillas are more prevalent (in zoos) and widely dispersed.

 Only the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda are home to mountain gorillas. The biggest known population and density of western lowland gorillas is found in Congo Brazzaville’s Odzala National Park. It is difficult for experts to determine their precise population because the majority of them reside in incredibly distant settings.

Based on estimates made in the 1980s, it was first believed that there were still roughly 100,000 western lowland gorillas in the wild. However, researchers and conservationists are equally pleased about the recent discovery of an estimated 125,000 individuals in a secluded swampy area north of Congo Brazzaville.

Similar to mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas are quiet, placid primates that can growl, bark, or scream when necessary emerges. Without being provoked, gorillas never attack or become hostile. Sometimes, but not often, the males will fight over the ladies. A range of noises and body language are used by gorillas to communicate.

Throughout the day, they groom, climb, swing from treetops, and playfully chase one another. Fruit, leaves, stalks, and shrubs make up their food. Groups of mountain gorillas typically have 20–30 individuals or more, which is more than Eastern lowland groups.

 The dominant silverback leads the groups in which both subspecies reside. The other males in the group have the option of leaving to find partners or remaining as bachelors in the group until they eventually succeed the dominant silverback. Typically, females leave to join a single male moment they’re old enough to join the group of their choice.

It is common for females to switch groups over the course of their lives. Gorillas spend most of their time on the ground due to their size and weight. Both species use leaves, shrubs, and tree branches to construct nests on the ground where they can rest at the beginning and end of each day. Females and juveniles may construct their nests atop trees.

 There are numerous differences between lowland and mountain gorillas. Their coats are browner, and the silver on the male’s back may spread to the thighs and lower body. The Eastern lowland gorillas cranium is wider and larger than the mountain gorilla’s, despite its smaller stature.

 Because their habitats cover a lot of ground, Eastern Lowland gorillas are more mobile than mountain gorillas. Males are typically much larger than females in both subspecies. In the wild, Eastern Lowland Gorillas have been observed utilizing a range of tools, demonstrating their exceptional intelligence.

Before determining whether to cross to the other end, researchers have seen them examine the depth of rivers and marshes. In Eastern lowland gorillas in captivity have demonstrated a remarkable capacity for sign language acquisition. They can start exhibiting different behaviors and habits than those found in the wild.

Eastern Lowland gorillas are listed as species that require special protection by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and are regarded as severely endangered. They are murdered for meat or captured in conflicts between rebel factions since they reside in areas that are frequently unstable.

Humans seeking to build farmlands, new communities, grazing land expansion, mining, and logging are destroying their habitats. Whole families have been known to perish from diseases like Ebola. But there is still hope for the lowland gorillas.

 To guarantee their existence, researchers and conservationists are putting in endless effort. The world one group that has taken the lead in generating money and awareness of the need for more thorough monitoring and conservation of lowland gorillas is the Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Trekking with Eastern Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Even though there are still a lot of lowland gorillas in the wild, it is considerably simpler to track mountain gorillas. It takes more work to acclimate lowland gorillas because of their extensive range.

There are more lowland gorillas and better viewing opportunities in Congo Brazzaville and the Central African Republic. Nevertheless, a large number of lowland gorilla strongholds in these two nations are located in extremely isolated regions that are frequently unstable and lack adequate infrastructure for tourists.

Tracking Gorillas in the Lowlands

The most practical location for tracking lowland The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to gorillas. Although DR Congo is also a violent nation, it has recently experienced relative peace thanks to the world’s largest UN peacekeeping force.

Either the Western lowland gorillas at Maiko National Park or the Eastern lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park are available for visitors to track. Eastern lowland gorillas can only be tracked in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to approximately 400 Eastern lowland gorillas in nine groups. It is possible to track three of the nine habituated groups. The park is situated close to Lake Kivu and Bukavu in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Named for Mount Biega and Mount Kahuzi, One of the biggest wildlife parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Kahuzi-Biega National Park. These giant apes have the ideal environment in Kahuzi-Biega National Park’s terrain.

There are numerous differences between mountain and eastern lowland gorillas. Their coats are browner, and the silver on the male’s back may spread to the thighs and lower body. The Eastern lowland gorillas cranium is wider and larger than the mountain gorilla’s, despite its smaller stature. Because their habitats cover a lot of ground, Eastern Lowland gorillas are more mobile than mountain gorillas.

Males are typically much larger than females in both subspecies. In the wild, Eastern Lowland Gorillas have been observed utilizing a range of tools, demonstrating their exceptional intelligence.

Before determining whether to cross to the other end, researchers have seen them examine the depth of rivers and marshes. Eastern lowland gorillas in captivity have demonstrated a great aptitude for learning sign language. They can start exhibiting different behaviors and habits than those found in the wild.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) List of species that require particular protection includes Eastern Lowland gorillas, who are regarded as severely endangered.

They are murdered for meat or captured in conflicts between rebel factions since they reside in areas that are frequently unstable. Humans seeking to build farmlands, new communities, grazing land expansion, mining, and logging are destroying their habitats.

Whole families have been known to perish from diseases like Ebola. But there is still hope for the lowland gorillas. To guarantee their existence, researchers and conservationists are putting in endless effort. The WWF, or World Wildlife Fund, is One group has taken the initiative to raise money and awareness for the need to monitor and conserve lowland gorillas more closely.

Trekking with Eastern Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Even though there are still a lot of lowland gorillas in the wild, it is considerably simpler to track mountain gorillas. It takes more work to acclimate lowland gorillas because of their extensive range.

There are more lowland gorillas and better viewing opportunities in Congo Brazzaville and the Central African Republic. Nevertheless, a large number of lowland gorilla strongholds in these two nations are located in extremely isolated regions that are frequently unstable and lack adequate infrastructure for tourists.

The easiest location to follow lowland gorillas is in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Although DR Congo is also a violent nation, it has recently experienced relative peace thanks to the world’s largest UN peacekeeping force.

 Either the Western lowland gorillas at Maiko National Park or the Eastern lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park are available for visitors to track. Eastern lowland gorillas can only be tracked in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park is home to approximately 400 Eastern lowland gorillas in nine groups. It is possible to track three of the nine habituated groups. The park is situated close to Lake Kivu and Bukavu in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, which bears the names of Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, is among the biggest game parks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These giant apes have the ideal environment in Kahuzi-Biega National Park’s terrain.

How is the gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega’s Eastern Lowlands?

Lowland gorilla tracking is generally reserved for people who have a very specific interest in primates or who want to have an experience that is completely different from the norm something genuinely unique. Aside from viewing the gorillas, the joy is discovering places that few people have been to before and being in awe of the incredible biodiversity.

A briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Center, located outside the park gate, is the first step in tracking Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega. The park guide will review the rules and guidelines pertaining to trekking for lowland gorillas while educating tourists about the gorilla families and their habitat.

Following the briefing, guests are guided down designated paths to locate the gorilla troop. It could take an hour or two to locate Eastern Lowland gorillas because they are constantly moving. Before the dominant silverback shows up to see if the family is in danger, visitors will most likely notice the kids having fun.

He will let Trekker view the family if everything is alright. Since you are only permitted to spend an hour with the gorilla group, this will be the ideal opportunity to watch how they behave and capture some amazing pictures.

What is the difference between a mountain gorilla safari and Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking?

It should be noted that tracking mountain gorillas is only possible in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There are roughly 1000 mountain gorillas in the world. Less than 5,000 Eastern lowland gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri) are left in the world due to a dramatic decline in population.

The high numbers mentioned are compensated by the western lowland subspecies because mountain gorillas live in comparatively tranquil and accessible places, tracking them is more structured in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Compared to lowland gorilla families, mountain gorilla families are more accustomed. There are 14 habituated mountain gorilla families in Uganda alone, more than all lowland habituated families combined groups merged.

Finding eastern lowland gorillas is less successful than finding mountain gorillas. This is due to the fact that lowland gorillas must travel great distances in search of food because they depart from large areas. They move more quickly, and it takes a little more effort to keep up with them.

The cost of tracking mountain gorillas is higher. In Rwanda, a mountain gorilla permit can cost up to $1500. At $400, gorilla permits in the Eastern Lowlands are more reasonably priced.

Similar guidelines must be adhered to when tracking both gorilla species. When observing lowland gorillas, visitors must maintain an 8-meter distance in order to avoid spreading infections that could kill the entire family.

The quantity of individuals permitted to Only four Eastern lowland gorillas can be tracked in a single session. When it comes to mountain gorillas, eight persons are permitted every day. It is intended to reduce the likelihood of disease transmission and prevent the gorilla family from being stressed by a sizable, disorderly crowd.

Visitors should bring appropriate clothing (long pants, rain coats) and sturdy shoes for going through mud, forests, and challenging terrain for both gorilla trekking trips. A tourist would need to bring a camera, food, and drinking water.

Accommodations in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Bukavu’s Coco Lodge:

Is a reasonably priced lodge with eight tastefully decorated rooms with an African theme that is close to the park. They provide independent rooms furnished with televisions, a restaurant, a private bar, a VIP lounge, and two lounges with fireplaces.

L’Orchids Safari Club:

Provides both luxury and affordability. Some of the less expensive rooms start at $90. In addition to Lake Kivu, visitors are rewarded with stunning scenery and active fauna. When on an Eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari, this guesthouse is regarded as one of the best to reserve.

Other activities available to visitors include nature treks through the park, tea plantations, and the deep rain forest, as well as bird watching. The River Luhoho even offers white water rafting. The Club’s amenities include large rooms, well-appointed bathrooms, a lounge, dining options, helicopter rentals, a shopping center, and, aside from the pool, swimming on the Lakes beaches.

Lake Side Hotel Bukavu:

Is a four-star hotel close to Kahuzi Biega National Park and Lake Kivu’s baths. They feature well-furnished dining rooms, a restaurant, a bar with coffee and drinks, a swimming pool, a spa, and roomy resting chambers with private bathrooms.

Begonias Hotel Bukavu: This four-star hotel is situated in Bukavu, close to Kahuzi Biega National Park, and has a lovely, verdant courtyard. After gorilla trekking, you can unwind in its spacious swimming pool. There is a 24-hour front desk, room service, and well-appointed, roomy, and air-conditioned rooms. They even have a restaurant with Chinese, African, and American food, WiFi, a children’s play area, and balcony accommodations with fantastic views.

 Exodus  Hotel Bukavu:

The Exodus Hotel Bukavu is situated in Bukavu and provides affordable accomodation options. The hotel’s dedicated multilingual staff is committed to providing you with the best possible service. Large flat-screen TVs are available in the hotel’s balconies. A children’s play area, a restaurant, a bar, and free WiFi are all available.

Note:

Try to arrange your trip well in advance if you intend to track Eastern lowland gorillas at Kahuzi Biega National Park because of the unstable security situation in Congo, you should seek the advice of a reputable travel operator.

If you decide to go with Naleyo  tours and travels, we will assist you in organizing every aspect of your trip, including booking lodging, transportation, obtaining the necessary permits, and providing instruction.

How does Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking compare to a mountain gorilla safari?

One thing to note is that mountain gorillas can only be tracked in Uganda and Rwanda and the The Democratic Republic of Congo. The overall population of mountain gorillas is about 1000.  The Eastern lowland gorilla ( Gorilla beringei graueri) population has severely dwindled and less than 5000 remain on earth. It is the western lowland subspecies that make up for the high numbers mentioned.  Mountain gorilla tracking in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo is more organized as the gorillas are found in relatively peaceful and accessible areas.

There are more habituated mountain gorilla families than lowland gorilla families. Uganda alone has 14 habituated mountain gorilla families which is more than all lowland habituated groups combined.

The success rate of finding eastern lowland gorillas is low compared to mountain gorillas. This is because lowland gorillas leave in vast areas requiring them to travel long distances looking for food. They move faster and keeping up with them is slightly more strenuous.

Tracking mountain gorillas is a more expensive venture. A mountain gorilla permit can cost up to $1500 in Rwanda. Eastern Lowland gorilla permits are more affordable at $400.

The rules and regulations to be followed while tracking both gorilla species are similar. Visitors are required to keep a distance of about 8 meters when watching lowland gorillas to prevent the transfer of human diseases that could cause the death of the entire family. The number of people allowed to track Eastern lowland gorillas groups is limited to 4 per session. In the case of mountain gorillas, 8 people are allowed in a day. It is designed that way to avoid stressing the gorilla family with a large unruly crowd and limit chances of disease spread.

For both gorilla trekking experiences, visitors need to come with the right clothing (rain jackets, long trousers) and sturdy shoes for walking through mud, forest and difficult terrain. A visitor would need to travel with drinking water, snacks and a camera.

Accommodation during a Lowland gorilla safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Coco Lodge Bukavu:

Is a mid-range lodge of 8 well furnished rooms with African theme decorations located near the park. They offer self contained rooms  equipped with televisions, a restaurant, two lounges with a fireplace, a private bar and VIP lounge.

L’Orchids Safari Club:

Offer both budget and luxury. The starting  price for some of the budget rooms is $90. Visitors are rewarded with beautiful scenery and wildlife animals moving besides Lake kivu. This hotel is considered among the best to book while on a Eastern lowland Gorilla trekking safari through Naleyo tours and travels.

Visitors can take part in other activities like bird watching, nature walks through the dense rain-forest, the park or tea plantations. There is even white water rafting in River Luhoho. Facilities in the Club include spacious rooms,well-furnished bathrooms, a Lounge, restaurant services, helicopter hiring, a shopping center and swimming on the Lakes beaches apart from the pool.

Lake Side Hotel Bukavu:

 Is ranked a 4 star hotel and is located near the showers of Lake Kivu and Kahuzi Biega National Park. They have spacious resting bedrooms with en-suit bathrooms, a swimming pool, spa, a restaurant, well furnished dining rooms and a bar offering drinks/coffee.

Hotel Begonias Bukavu:

Located within Bukavu next to Kahuzi Biega National Park, this 4 star hotel is surrounded by a beautiful lush green courtyard. It has a large swimming pool that is perfect for relaxation after gorilla trekking. You will find well furnished, spacious and air conditioned rooms with a 24 hour front desk and room services. They even have balcony rooms offering great views, a children’s play ground, WiFi and a restaurant offering Chinese, African and American cuisine.

Exodus Hotel Bukavu:

 This offers budget lodging facilities and is located within Bukavu. The hotel has committed multilingual staff who are determined to offer you the best services. The hotel has balconies with a sitting that has large flat screen TVs. There is a restaurant, a bar, Free WiFi and a Children’s play ground.

N.B:

In case you are planning to track Eastern lowland gorillas at the Kahuzi Biega National park, try to plan your trip way in advance. The security situation in Congo is volatile and you need the guidance of a good tour company. If you choose to travel with Naleyo tours and travels, we will help you plan your entire tour by arranging for accommodation, transport, guidance and acquiring the permits.