Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park : Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a unique and exciting nature experience that allows visitors to see this extraordinary apes up close in their natural habitat. Gorilla trekking in the park is the main attraction that boast the tourism activity in the park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a home to over 250 Eastern lowland gorillas making it the best place to trek them. The Eastern lowland gorillas in the park are habituated to human presence, allowing visitors to observe them in their natural habitat. Visitors to the park can participate in gorilla adventures and exploration, which makes involves trekking through the lush forest to search for the habituated gorilla families.
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is available throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September and December to February. Visitors are advised to use a trustworthy tour operator for their safety and comfort and to check the security situation in the region before planning a visit. Achieve Global safari offers one of the best lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Trekking these beautiful and nice looking apes takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on the route and the allocated habituated gorilla family and it requires one to have a reasonable level of fitness.
Kahuzi- Biega national park is located in the eastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo and it covers an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site gazetted in 1790 with the aim to protect the habitat of the eastern lowland gorilla, which is one of the largest primates on the planet. The park is named after two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, which are located within the park’s borders. The park is also home to other wildlife species, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, colobus monkeys, and over 330 bird species
Apart from the Eastern lowland gorilla trekking, other activities that visitors can enjoy in the Park include bird watching, nature walks, and cultural tours to visit the nearby Pygmy communities. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a remarkable nature experience that allows visitors to connect with nature and wildlife and contribute to the conservation of these beautiful apes.
Others activities to do in the park besides the Eastern lowland gorilla trekking
Bird watching
Bird watching in the Kahuzi-Biega National Park is a delightful experience for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park is a home of over 300 species of birds including several endemic and rare bird species. Visitors in the park can participate in guided bird watching tours with experienced guides who are experienced about the park bird’s species. during your Congo bird watching tour in the park , you will have a chance to spot a variety of bird species such as cinnamon-chested bee-eater, black-billed Turaco, Rockefeller’s sunbird, variable sunbird, baglafecht weaver, blue-headed coucal, African golden oriole, petit’s cuckoo shrike, equatorial akalat, mountain thrush babbler, red-throated alethe, cattle egret, black-headed heron, yellowbill, levaillant’s cuckoo, tullberg’s woodpecker, green wood-hoopoe, olive long-tailed cuckoo, yellow-rumped tinkerbird, mountain buzzard, grey woodpecker among others.
Hiking tours
Hiking tours in the park are must done safari adventure experience for every visitor in the park, hiking safaris in the park are done on mount Kahuzi and mount Biega. Hiking tours in the park offer visitors the opportunity to explore the park’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage. Hiking Mount Kahuzi or Mount Biega takes about 4 hours to reach the summit and 3 hours to descend the mountain.
Hiking tour activity starts just like any other activity conducted in the park, early in the morning at different park stations where hikers must gather to learn about the rules and regulations of the hiking activity from the park wardens. During the hike, armed ranger guides lead you throughout the hike while protecting you from dangerous wild animals and rebels since most of the armed rebels hide in the forested areas. Other hiking tours in the park include nature walks through the park’s rainforest. Visits to waterfalls and rivers, and cultural tours to nearby Pygmy villages.
Cultural excursion
Cultural encounters in Kahuzi-Biega National Park offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the cultural heritage and traditions of the local communities surrounding the park. The park is also surrounded by several local communities, including the Pygmy communities, who have lived in the region for centuries and have a rich cultural heritage. Cultural excursions in Kahuzi-Biega National Park offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the traditional way of life, customs, and beliefs of the local communities. Visitors can participate in guided tours with experienced guides who are knowledgeable about the local culture and traditions. The cultural excursions in the park involve visits to Pygmy villages, participating in traditional dance performances, this offers an opportunity to visitors to learn about local crafts and food. Visitors also learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the local communities. Cultural excursions in Kahuzi Biega National Park provide a unique opportunity to connect with the local communities.
The cost of the gorilla permit in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in the park costs USD 400 per person. Congo Gorilla treks usually start early in the morning, and visitors are grouped into groups of eight people and visitors should be prepared to hike through dense forests and steep terrain. Once the gorillas are located, visitors are allowed to spend only one hour observing them in their natural habitat .Visitors are required to follow the park’s rules and regulations during the trek, including maintaining a safe distance from the gorillas and not using flash photography.
Accommodation safari in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
the Park offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from basic campsites to comfortable lodges, such accommodation options in Kahuzi-Biega National Park includes Tchegera Island Camp, Kahuzi Biega Lodge ,Lwiro Primates ,Campsites, Bukavu Hotels, Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Lodge Coco, Hotel Begonias, Orchids Safari Club, and Exodus Bukavu among others.