About Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo: Lowland gorillas may be encountered and seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and they are one of the gorilla subspecies, along with mountain gorillas and cross-river gorillas. There are two kinds of lowland gorillas: eastern lowland gorillas and western lowland gorillas. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is home to three gorilla subspecies: eastern lowland gorillas, mountain gorillas, and western lowland gorillas.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s gorillas may be seen in two national parks: Kahuzi Biega for eastern lowland gorilla trekking and Virunga for mountain gorilla trekking. The gorilla experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is highly real, since these national parks are in pristine areas with little disturbance and are at their most natural condition.
The Kahuzi Biega national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is where you may go gorilla trekking. The Kahuzi Biega national park is located in the Bukavu area, near Lake Kivu, and is a 30-minute drive from the Rusizi border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Guests hoping for a one-of-a-kind primate safari in Congo are guaranteed to find it once they book this journey.
Trekking eastern lowland gorillas is less popular than trekking mountain gorillas because they are frequently seen in captivity in zoos across the world and these lowland gorilla habitats are generally not available for tourist visits due to underdevelopment and instability in the region. These locations, on the other hand, are quite lovely, with a diverse range of vegetation and wildlife.
About Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo.
Trekking eastern lowland gorillas in the DR Congo’s Kahuzi Biega national park is possible at any time of year. The permit for this trip costs $400 USD per person and allows people to spend time with lowland gorillas in their natural environment.
The trekking begins with a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Center just outside the park, where guests are equipped with the knowledge they will need while in the park, and you will also be able to hire any equipment you may need for this Congo safari, such as porters and hiking sticks, before following the ranger guides into the forest.
Trekking eastern lowland gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park is less physically taxing than trekking mountain gorillas because lowland gorillas, as the name implies, prefer the lowlands. You may have longer treks with fewer hikes before you reach the day’s lowland gorilla family.
You may spend the delightful hour observing the lowland gorilla family go about their day after meeting them. The dominant silverback male gorilla may be identified by the grey hair on his lower back and the respect shown by the other members of the group. Enjoy watching the female gorillas care for their infants.
What you should know before trekking eastern lowland gorillas in Congo.
The lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas have a similar behavioural style; however they differ mostly in appearance. After the previous census, the world’s eastern lowland gorilla population was estimated to be around 5,000 individuals, with a large number of gorillas discovered in the Kahuzi Biega national park.
Eastern Lowland gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega national park reside in lowland settings, therefore their travels are faster and further than those of mountain gorillas, who dwell in hilly areas and travel shorter distances but to higher heights.
Eastern Lowland gorillas are also omnivores, as they eat largely plants and their components, as well as tiny insects on occasion. The lowland gorillas have less fur on their body and are lower in stature than mountain gorillas.
Where to stay when doing Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo.
When visiting the Democratic Republic of the Congo for lowland gorilla trekking, travelers may choose from a variety of accommodations. The Kahuzi Biega is located in the Bukavu region, which has some development and where you may find a hotel within your budget.
For a low-cost alternative, consider the Hotel Elizabeth or the Exodus hotel Bukavu; for a mid-range choice, consider the Panorama hotel, the Hotel Begonias Bukavu, or the Lake Side hotel Bukavu; and for a luxury option, consider the Orchid Safari lodge.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park can be combined with mountain gorilla trekking safari in Virunga national park or a Mount Nyiragongo hike. All this is possible depending on your budget for a Congo safari tour to the Democratic Republic of Congo.