Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park

Kahuzi-Biega National park is the prime destination for anyone looking to incite their wanderlust with a Congo gorilla trekking safari. The park is home to lowland eastern gorillas, also known as the Grauer’s gorillas that can only be found in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Unlike its counterparts Rwanda and Uganda that offer mountain gorilla trekking safaris, The Congo gorilla tracking is unique as it offers you the opportunity to see both the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas.

The Congo destination is one that remains concealed to the world. Be that as it may, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains one of the most biologically diverse places in flora, fauna and culture. A gorilla safari to Congo allows you the opportunity to trek the 400 members of the 9 eastern lowland gorilla families groups. Currently two families are open for trekking as the rest are still undergoing habituation. A Congo gorilla trekking permit costs just $400 making it a more affordable destination than any other gorilla destination.

Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega national park begins with a briefing by the park rangers and guides at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre. The talk will briefly cover the history, topography and a few facts about the family you are to visit. The guide will also encompass how to conduct oneself when you encounter gorillas shortly before you embark on the trek. The journey starts thereof as you pursue the trails into the jungle. This can take up to an hour before you encounter the gorillas as they are always moving.

Usually you may sight the young gorillas first as they scour around the leaves with innocence. When you see the baby gorilla, be sure that the enormous Alpha (male gorilla) is near and within no time will approach you to ensure you are no threat to its territory. This is where the gorilla trekking guidelines and regulations come into play. After the silverback verifies that you’re not a threat, then the magical activity of watching the great apes starts lasting up to an hour long. After you would have just had the best adventure of a lifetime. You can experience it even better as you capture that great shot of the gorillas to show your friends and family back home so that they too get the urge to set out for their own Congo safari.