(Budget 2023) Congo Gorilla Trekking Guide Virunga-Kahuzi Biega
(Budget 2023) Congo Gorilla Trekking Guide about Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biga National Park are reliable, affordable to all travelers. (Budget 2023) Congo Gorilla Trekking Guide give information on Gorilla Trekking in the DR Congo.
Welcome to the ultimate Congo Gorilla trek Guide, listing the most updated gorilla trekking safari guide to Congo, starting with gorilla trekking permit, best time to visit for gorilla trekking , how are mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas critically endangered species in Africa, gorilla groups for trekkers, where to stay, what to pack for gorilla trekking trip.
When a traveler is planning to see the gorillas, three countries to enjoy gorilla trekking ( Uganda, Rwanda and Dr congo) as its well known that all gorilla trekking safaris to Africa will lead you to either Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park & Kahuzi Biega National Park for Special for Eastern Lowland gorillas.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) mountain gorillas are found in the Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in eastern DRC.
The 7800 km² Virunga National Park is home to about 200 of gorillas (National Geographic), living mostly in the southern areas of the park. The national park is managed by the Congolese National Park Authorities, together with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) and its partner the Africa Conservation Fund.
After a decline in numbers about seven years ago, due to brutal attacks in which at least 10 gorillas were killed, the gorilla population has recovered somewhat. The population is more stable now, largely thanks to the brave efforts of rangers risking their lives in Virunga National Park.
Where to go for Gorilla Trekking
In democratic republic of congo there are mainly two destinations known for Gorilla Trekking safari tour with the most lovely gorilla parks being Virunga national Park for the mountain gorillas , Kahuzi biega national park for the eastern lowland gorillas ,the natural environment of these mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) is dense rain forest, and more specifically the moist tropical and subtropical forests of the Albertine Rift
Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park
The eastern lowland gorilla—also known as Grauer’s gorilla—is the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. It is distinguished from other gorillas by its stocky body, large hands and short muzzle. Despite its size, eastern lowland gorillas subsist mainly on fruit and other herbaceous materials, just like other gorilla subspecies. The eastern lowland gorilla makes its home in lowland tropical rain forests in the eastern DRC (Kahuzi Biega National Park).
This subspecies may now occupy only 13% of its historical range. There were nearly 17,000 eastern lowland gorillas in the mid-1990s but scientists estimate that the population has declined by more than 50% since then. An accurate accounting of the animals has been impossible for many years because of violence in the region.
Where to see Mountain Gorillas in Africa
Mountain gorilla trekking takes place in three East African countries – Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo. Though it is done on a wider scale in Uganda and Rwanda, mainly due to the strategic location of these two countries and their political stability, the DRC is currently trying to recondition its tourism sector.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been affected by conflict, especially in the eastern part of the country, so before traveling there, travellers are advised to check the situation. This conflict has also greatly affected the number of gorillas due to habitat destruction and poaching. However, for the past three years, there has been an appearance of peace and Virunga National Park is open for tourism. This year, the park has attracted a good number of tourists who go trekking with gorillas and hike up Mt. Nyiragongo.
Gorilla trekking in the DRC involves hiking deep into the mountain jungles to observe a gorilla family in the wild. Visitors will be led by guides and national park rangers who keep records of the gorillas for conservation purposes and help protect them from poachers. They can determine the general area where a gorilla family will be and are skilled in tracking them.
Your mountain gorilla trekking adventure in the DRC will begin early in the morning and you will be driven up to the gorilla trekking starting point at Bukima – a ranger’s station in the mountains of the Virunga National Park, outside the city of Goma. The small agrarian villages you’ll pass, and the people who run to the road to wave at you, will give you a glimpse of a different way of life.
The length of the trek is entirely dependent on the gorillas — sometimes the guides can track them down in less than two hours, other times it takes much longer. Mountain gorillas are nomadic, traveling the jungle in families and staying in an area just long enough to clear it of food. They also don’t follow a clear path, and you’ll realise when tracking them that they like to meander.
On your first sighting, you may see mothers holding their babies, juvenile gorillas playing, or dominant silverbacks keeping an eye out for their family.