Lowland gorillas in Congo
Lowland gorillas in Congo : Lowland gorillas can be found and visited in the Democratic republic of Congo and these are one of the sub species of the gorillas along with the mountain gorillas, cross river gorillas. There are two types of lowland gorillas and these are the eastern lowland gorillas and the western lowland gorillas. The Democratic republic of Congo is a home to three of these gorilla sub species and these are the Eastern lowland gorillas, the mountain gorillas and the western lowland gorillas.
The gorillas in the Democratic republic of Congo can be visited in these national parks, the Kahuzi Biega national park for lowland gorilla trekking experience and the Virunga national park for the mountain gorilla trekking experience. The gorilla experience in the Democratic republic of Congo is a very authentic one as these national parks are in pristine areas with less interference and in their most natural state.
Lowland gorilla trekking in the Democratic republic of Congo is done in the Kahuzi Biega national park. The Kahuzi Biega national park is located in the Bukavu district bordering the Lake Kivu and a 30-minute drive away from the Rwanda- DR Congo land border known as the Rusizi border. The guests looking for a unique primate safari in Congo are sure to achieve this once they are booked up for this trekking.
Trekking the lowland gorillas is not as popular as trekking the mountain gorillas as these are often seen in captivity in zoos all over the world and these lowland gorilla homes are often not available for tourist visit because of the under development and the insecurity often witnessed in the area. These places however are quite beautiful with an array of flora and fauna.
Trekking lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park
Trekking lowland gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega national park of the DR Congo is available for booking anytime of the year. A permit for this experience goes for 400 USD per person and this gives guests a chance to spend time with the lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.
The trekking starts 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 the equipment you may need for this Congo safari such as porters, hiking sticks and thereafter follow the ranger guides into the forest.
Trekking the lowland gorillas is not as physically demanding as trekking the mountain gorillas as the lowland gorillas just like their name suggests prefer the lowlands. You may have more lengthy walks with less hikes until you meet the lowland gorilla family of the day.
Once you meet the lowland gorilla family, you may spend the magical hour watching them go about their day. You will be able to identify the dominant silverback male gorilla by the grey hair on the lower back and the respect offered by other members of the group. Enjoy the female gorillas nurture their young ones as well.
Behavior of the lowland gorillas;
The lowland gorillas have a close behavioral pattern with the mountain gorillas however they differ mostly physically. The eastern lowland gorilla population after the last census was estimated at about 5,000 individuals left in the world and a great number of these are found in the Kahuzi Biega national park.
The lowland gorillas tend to live in lowland areas and with this, their movements are faster and at a greater distance as compared to the mountain gorillas that live in mountainous lands and move shorter distances but to higher elevations.
The lowland gorillas are also omnivores as they feed mostly on plants and their parts and also small insects occasionally. The lowland gorillas have less fur on their bodies and they are also smaller in size as compared to the mountain gorillas.
Where to stay on a lowland gorilla trekking experience in DR Congo;
There are a number of hotels that guests can opt to stay at when in the Democratic republic of Congo for a lowland gorilla trekking experience. The Kahuzi Biega is located in the Bukavu district which has some development and you can get a hotel of your preferred budget.
For a budget accommodation option, you can check out the Hotel Elizabeth, the Exodus hotel Bukavu, for the midrange option, you can opt to stay at the Panorama hotel, the Hotel Begonias Bukavu or the Lake Side hotel Bukavu and for the luxury option you can opt to stay at the Orchid Safari lodge.
Get in touch with us and let us book your visit to the lowland gorillas. We have a great safari package for hiking the Mount Nyiragongo and topping it up with the lowland gorilla trek.
