A Guide to Trekking Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park
A Guide to Trekking Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park: This article, on the other hand, can be quite useful throughout the planning phase. The world’s gorillas are divided into two species: Western and Eastern gorillas. There are two subspecies of each species. Western gorillas are classified as either Western lowland gorillas or Cross River gorillas.
The Mountain gorilla and the Eastern lowland gorilla are the two subspecies of the Eastern gorilla. Western lowland gorillas are the most abundant of the four subspecies of gorillas.
Over 250,000 western lowland gorillas may be found in Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon’s isolated forests.
Western lowland gorillas are the most often observed in zoos. Cross-river gorillas are the smallest and most vulnerable gorilla subspecies. In the highlands of Cameroon and Nigeria, fewer than 350 people remain. Mountain gorillas are found exclusively in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
About Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Eastern lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorilla) are the biggest gorilla subspecies, with mature males reaching more than 210 kg. The greatest population of eastern lowland gorillas may be found in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
The eastern lowland gorilla, like all gorilla subspecies, is a peaceful animal. It will not attack or become hostile unless provoked. Even when agitated, they would seek to frighten visitors away by barking or thumping their chest. The Grauer’s gorilla, like other gorilla subspecies, spends the most of its time on the ground.
This is mostly because of their large size and lower vulnerability to predators. Members of the group can be seen playing, grooming, relaxing, and munching on leaves, bushes, or stems when on the ground. Nests are generally made on the ground or on the tops of trees out of leaves and bushes. Only the young construct their nests on the tops of small trees.
Eastern lowland gorilla families have fewer members than mountain gorilla groups. Each group is commanded by a dominating silverback who orders what must be done and where they must go. When young males and females attain adulthood, they tend to depart the group.
The female will depart in search of a lone male or another group. Young guys do not usually break away from their initial group. They can stay and wait to succeed their father, or they can go and form their own family by stealing girls from other tribes. Females have been reported to move groups more frequently than men.
What are the similarities and differences between mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas? To begin, consider the similarities. Both subspecies feature males that are greater in size than females. Both species have black coats, as opposed to the brownish coats seen in western gorillas.
Because mountain gorillas live in cooler environments, their coats are significantly thicker. What about the distinctions? The silver line on male eastern lowland gorillas can extend to the lower body, including the thighs, which mountain gorillas do not have. In addition, the eastern lowland gorilla has a broader and wider head than the mountain gorilla. Because of the vastness of their environment, Grauer’s gorillas are more mobile. Despite being listed as endangered, eastern lowland gorillas outnumber mountain gorillas. Around 7000 mountain gorillas are said to be still living in the wilds of Africa, despite the fact that only 1000 were counted in the 2014 gorilla census.
It is vital to remember that mountain gorilla groups outnumber any other gorilla subspecies. In Uganda alone, there are more habituated mountain gorilla families than all habituated eastern lowland gorilla groups combined. This is partly due to the fact that mountain gorillas dwell in easily accessible places, allowing scientists to do more in-depth research on them.
Other gorilla subspecies can be found in Africa’s vast and distant wilderness. Mountain gorilla tracking is costlier, as we will discover later. A gorilla permit in Rwanda may cost up to $1500, although eastern lowland gorilla licenses are just $400. This means that a gorilla trip in Congo is less expensive than in other places.
About Trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is one of the various activities available on a Congo Safari. The sheer size of eastern lowland gorillas makes visitors and primatologists desire for a chance to view them in their native habitat.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park is the greatest area to track eastern lowland gorillas. The primates may also be found in Maiko National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve, and Itombwe Mountains areas.
In Kahuzi Biega National Park, around three habituated gorilla groups are exposed to visitors. Although the park is inaccessible, visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking beauty and pure environment.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is less visited and attracts fewer tourists. This can be advantageous for people seeking to see actual unspoilt African bush away from crowds.
What to expect when trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Visitors must attend a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre before going on their gorilla trekking trip. The park guides and rangers will offer information about the lowland trekking rules and regulations, facts about gorillas, their families, the terrain, and what not to do when among the primates. This seminar prepares tourists to walk into the jungle knowing what to anticipate and how to behave around the gorillas.
The trekkers will be led into the forest for one to four hours by the guides. Lowland gorillas are quite mobile and tend to travel deeper into the forests at different times of the year. Expect to locate them all in one location.
The silverback is constantly on the alert for intruders and will be observing your movements to see whether the group is under threat. If the silverback believes there is no threat, he will let trekkers to remain in their midst at all times.
You are only permitted to spend one hour with the gorillas. The one hour gives you enough time to finish your observations and take beautiful images to present your friends and family. Tracking eastern lowland gorillas is uncommon, and just a few people sign up for it. You would be one of only a handful people to accomplish so.
Where to stay when trekking Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
L’Orchids Safari Club.
This hotel has both economy and luxury accommodations, so all visitors may enjoy the stunning backdrop of Lake Kivu. L’Orchids Safari Club is a popular lodging option for travelers wishing to follow eastern lowland gorillas and visit the adjacent Virunga National Park.
Apart from experiencing the magnificent Kahuzi Biega National Park, guests may sign up for various activities such as bird viewing, nature and forest walks while staying at the hotel. In reality, the hotel assists in the organization of whitewater rafting on the neighboring River Luhoho. Swimming, a retail center, and helicopter rental are among the numerous services and activities available.
Begonias Hotel Bukavu.
This 4-star hotel is located in the Bukavu region, close to the Kahuzi Biega National Park. It is encircled by a lovely green courtyard and has a huge swimming pool where tourists may unwind after tracking gorillas early in the morning.
The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, room service, and a restaurant serving foreign cuisine. Internet access is provided in all rooms via wireless internet services. There is also a children’s play area for guests who may be traveling with children.
Coco Lodge Bukavu.
This mid-priced lodge features 8 well-appointed, self-contained rooms in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Aside from self-contained rooms, the lodge also has a private bar, a central area, and a restaurant.
In Summary; Before you can start organizing our eastern lowland gorilla tracking excursion, you need receive the most up-to-date security information regarding Eastern Congo. Your Tour Operator is also in a better position to assist you on lodging options and other travel-related difficulties.
