How long do you stay with eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga Democratic Republic of Congo?

How long do you stay with eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga Democratic Republic of Congo? On a safari to Kahuzi Beiga National Park, visitors to the park can spend a maximum of 1 hour with the eastern Lowland gorillas, this is to minimize the impact of tourism on the gorillas and their habitat as well as to ensure the safety of both the visitors and gorillas.

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About Kahuzi Biega National Park

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is a unique and vital safari destination, located in the Mitumba Mountains, with peaks reaching to 3,300 meters and covers a vast area of tropical rainforest, montane forest and bamboo forest. Kahuzi Beiga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 recognizing its exceptional natural and cultural value, located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, covering an area of approximately 6,000 square kilometers. Kahuzi Beiga National Park lies within the Albertine Rift, a region of exceptional biodiversity, with many species adapted to the unique conditions. The park’s terrain is characterized by steep mountains, deep valleys and scenic vistas, making it a visually stunning safari destination. Kahuzi Beiga National Park is part of the larger Virunga Mountains conservation area, which spans across the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park is a fascinating safari destination, known as a home to the endangered Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), the park is the home to many endemic species found nowhere else on earth, such as the Eastern Lowland Gorilla, Congo Peafowl and Ruwenzori turaco,  not only the gorillas the park is a home of other primate species like the chimpanzees, baboons, Mona monkeys, Blue monkeys, and other animal species like elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, Giant forest hogs, Bush pigs, duikers and among many others without forgetting the incredible colorful and beautiful bird species that are over 1000 bird species like the Congo peafowl, African Grey Parrot, Great Blue Turaco, Ruwenzori Turaco Red-throated Alethe, Kivu Ground Thrush, White bellied Robin-Chat, Lagden’s Bush Shrike, Grauer’s Swamp Warbler, Purple-headed Starling, Black-winged Oriole and among many others.

On an African safari, Kahuzi Beiga National Park is one of the last strongholds for the Eastern Lowlands Gorillas, with approximately 200-250 individuals habituated for tourism and research. Visiting these incredible creatures requires guided tours and strict adherence to the park regulations to ensure their safety and well-being. The park is a home to several indigenous communities including the Batwa and Bambuti people who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries that can be visited on a safari in the park.

Gorilla trekking expectations, rules and regulation during safari.

This article brings you a general outline of what to expect during a gorilla trek in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. During gorilla trekking, you are reminded to maintain a safe distance (at least 7 meters/23 feet) from the gorillas, avoid touching or feeding them, and follow park rules and guidelines to ensure a responsible and enjoyable safari experience.

1. Pre-trek briefing. Before the eastern lowland trekking starts, you will be briefed at the park headquarters which takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is a crucial orientation session conducted by the park guides and rangers before embarking on a gorilla trek in Kahuzi Beiga National Park. This briefing typically covers essential information to ensure a safe and responsible safari experience for both visitors and gorillas. The pre-trek briefing ensures that the visitors are well-prepared, informed and respectful of the gorillas and their habitat, making the experience enjoyable and safe for all.

2. Trekking to the gorillas, after the briefing you will start trekking in the forest which takes a period of hours depending on the group’s location and movement. This is a thrilling experience that involves hiking through the lush rainforest to reach the gorilla’s habitat. These treks can range from 1 to 3 hours while covering 2 to 6 kilometers (1.2 to 3.7 miles) depending on the gorilla group’s location and movement.

You are reminded that the trek involves hiking through dense rainforests, crossing rivers and climbing steep slopes, with elevation gains of up to 1,000 meters (33,00 feet). Here the experienced guides and the rangers lead the trek, providing insights into the forest ecosystem, pointing out the interesting plants and animals and ensuring safety. Guides use their expertise and knowledge of the gorillas’ behaviors to track and locate the group.

Along the way looking for the gorillas, the trekkers can encounter and spot other animal species like monkeys, antelopes and others minus forgetting the bird species which adds to the excitement to the trekkers. And once the gorillas are located, the guide will signal for the group to approach quietly and calmly. Here the visitors will observe the gorillas from a safe distance (7 meters/23 feet).

3. Observing the gorillas, when you allocate the gorillas you will be given a period of one hour to be in the presence of the gorillas while observing their behaviors like witnessing them feeding on leaves, shoots and fruits, Social interactions like grooming and playing, resting and relaxing in their habitat. You will take photos and record the videos without the flash or disturbance to capture memories, the experienced guides provide insights into the gorillas’ behavior, habitat, and conservation status. You will ensure respectful viewing by maintaining a safe distance, avoiding contact and refraining from touching or feeding the gorillas. Observe the gorillas’’ habitat including the lush vegetation, trees and landscape. You will gain knowledge about the gorillas’ habitat and the conservation efforts and among many others. This is the highlight of the adventure while observing the gorillas from a safe distance of 7 meters for a maximum of 1 hour. Observing the eastern lowland gorillas is a humbling and awe-inspiring safari experience allowing you to connect with nature and support conservation efforts.

4. Post-trek debriefing, after the experience you will be transferred back to the starting point to get the gorilla trekking certificates for taking part in the gorilla trekking that takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This is the crucial session led by the park rangers or guides about the reviews and the trekking experience that is discussing the day’s events, highlights and challenges. The post-trek debriefing is an important part of gorilla trekking experience, enhancing trekkers’ understanding and appreciation of the eastern lowland gorillas and their habitats.

Cost of eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Tourists who are willing to do lowland gorilla trekking at Kahuzi Beiga National Park are advised on the cost of the safari activity is its 450 USD per person for international non-residents, 250 USD for East African residents and 25 USD for Congolese Nationals. However, the prices may vary depending on the season and the availability so it’s always best to check with the park directly for the most up-to-date pricing information. Additionally, to a certain extent there can be some discounts during the low season which be as low as 200 USD per person.

How to get the eastern lowland gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

To obtain eastern lowland Gorilla trekking permits in Kahuzi Beiga National Park it’s through the following ways;

1. Contact the park directly, you can reach out Kahuzi Beiga National Park authorities or the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) tourism board to inquire about the permit availability and the requirements needed.

2. Book through a licensed tour operator, you can partner with a reputable tour operator who will handle the permit application process and ensure compliance with the park regulations, this is the quick way to get the permit as it saves you time through the entire process. The reputable tour operator as well organizes your transport, accommodation, meals and many others. Submit required documents, provide necessary documents like passport copy, and proof of payment (permit fee). You are reminded that the permits are limited to only 4 visitors per group per day, and you are requested to book in advance that is at least 3 to 6 months is recommended to ensure availability.

The gorilla permits are non-refundable and non-transferable, you are requested to have all the necessary visas and travel documents for the DRC. And gorilla trekking age limit for the Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park is 15 years and above.

Best time to do eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

The entire year is best to do eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, though the dry season is the most recommended time to do gorilla trekking between the months of Mid-May to Mid-October,  December to March this period offers the best trekking conditions with the dry terrain, clear skies, comfortable temperatures.

However, on the other side, eastern lowland gorilla trekking can be done in the rainy season which is from Mid-December and March to Mid-May, though there can be rainfall, and trekking conditions are difficult. But kindly note that there can be fewer tourists in the forest, reduced prices on the gorilla permit and accommodation. You are reminded to carry your strong hiking shoes/boots and waterproof jackets during gorilla trekking in the rainy season which can be effective as well.

How to get to Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park can be easily reached as its only 40 kilometers from Bakuvu town. And the park can be accessed in different ways that is both by road and air transport.

By Road transport. The simple way to reach Kahuzi Beiga National Park is through South-western Rwanda, here you can fly into Kigali and take a drive through Nyungwe forest to the border of Rwanda and to DRC in Bukavu and Rusizi and spend a night, then the next day cross to the Congo side. This can take you 6 hours through good road conditions while using a 4x4 safari car.

By Air transport. This is the easiest way to get to Kahuzi Beiga National Park, you can fly to Goma (GOM) The nearest airport is Goma International Airport, located about 100km(62 miles) from the park.

Another option is to fly to Bukavu (BKY) this is another option is Bukavu Airport, about 250 km (155 miles) from the park.

What to pack for an eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable and successful Eastern Lowland gorilla trekking safari experience in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

1. Clothing.

Comfortable hiking boots.

Waterproof jackets and pants.

Breathable, moisture-wicking clothing.

Warm hats and gloves depending on the season.

Waterproof backpack.

2. Personnel items.

Water bottle or hydration pack.

Sunscreen and lip balm.

Insect repellent.

First-aid kit.

Prescription medications.

Cameras and extra batteries.

Binoculars.

3. Trekking gear.

Trekking poles.

Headlamp or flash flight.

By packing these essentials, you will be well-prepared for an unforgettable eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari experience in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Where to stay in Kahuzi Beiga National Park.

Kahuzi Beiga National Park offers various accommodation options that are located near the city Bukavu. The accommodation options are arranged into Budget, Mid-range and luxury; that is Lwiro Village Guesthouse it has simple rooms with shared facilities and close to the park entrance, Kivu lodges this is a mid-range lodge with comfortable rooms and stunning views of Lake Kivu, Café de la Paix this is a budget friendly hotel in the nearby town of Bukavu, Orchids safari lodge this is a luxury lodge with the en-suite rooms restaurant and bar Cove d’Or it’s a mid-range hotel in Bukavu with comfortable rooms and restaurant, Panorama Hotel it’s a budget hotel in Bukavu with the basic rooms and restaurant. Lac Kivu Lodge is a luxury with ensuite rooms, restaurant and beautiful views of Lake Kivu.  Tented camps offer more immersive safari experience, consider staying in tented camps within camps.

Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season (June to September) consider booking your safari with a reputable tour operator to arrange your accommodation and eastern lowland gorilla trekking itinerary. Contact us for more information.