Though travelers can go for lowland gorilla trekking adventures in Kahuzi-Biega National Park throughout the year, the best time is during the dry seasons. The dry seasons in Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo typically occur in the months of June to September and from December to February. During these months, the chances of rainfall are relatively lower hence leaving the gorilla trails drier and less slippery compared to the wet seasons. The skies are clearer during the dry seasons, thus enhancing visibility while hiking through the jungle. Also, the vegetation in the dry season is less dense making it less challenging to encounter the gorillas.
The gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park are categorized into two, the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. The latter are also known as the Grauer’s gorillas and are some of the critically endangered species in the world. There are at least 400 eastern lowland gorillas in the wild, and their adult males can weigh even up to 210 kilograms. The eastern lowland gorillas are different from the mountain gorillas because the former survive in warmer and lowland conditions and have less thick fur. There are at least 250 eastern lowland gorillas and 9 gorilla families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. There are only 3 habituated gorilla families available for trekking in the park.
About Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega National Park spans around 6,000 square kilometers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo close to the western banks of Lake Kivu which is adjacent to Rwanda. Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970 to conserve the eastern lowland gorillas and other primate species in addition to the unique flora that comprise the thick tropical rainforest. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is composed of two extinct volcanoes, Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega where the eastern lowland gorillas dwell on their lower slopes.
The lush vegetation of Kahuzi-Biega National Park is composed of montane forests, equatorial rainforests, bamboo, and Congolian lowland forests, etc. These are ecosystems to a myriad of wildlife species, including at least 136 mammals and 349 bird species. Mammals also include bush elephants, chimps, hippos, leopards, bush buffalos, olive baboons, giant forest hogs, owl-faced monkeys, aquatic genets, bush squirrels, and bongos among others. Birds include Rockefeller’s sunbird, yellow-crested helmet shrike, African greenbill, and the Congo peafowl among others.
The remarkable biodiversity, physical features, and unique people in and around Kahuzi-Biega offer a variety of tourist activities for avid travelers. Besides lowland gorilla trekking, you can engage in chimpanzee habituation experiences, camping tours, cultural tours with the Bashi people, birdwatching tours, mountain hiking tours forest hikes, etc. Besides, Kahuzi-Biega has the advantage of accepting more visitors for gorilla trekking in comparison to other national parks. This is because the gorilla permits are readily available throughout the year, unlike other parks which are highly competitive and require extremely advanced bookings.
Lowland gorilla trekking adventure in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Lowland gorilla trekking adventures typically commence at around 7:30 am with a briefing led by the park warden at the park headquarters. Hikers are placed in a distinct group along with others, and each group is assigned a different gorilla family to trek. The group is guided by an experienced tracker and armed ranger to ensure that they follow specific trails inside the forest. The hike could take 3-6 hours until you encounter your gorilla family. Once a gorilla family is encountered, you are allowed strictly an hour in their presence. Observe their unique behaviors and take as many pictures as possible before you embark on your return hike to the park headquarters.
Cost of lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
For anyone desiring a guided lowland gorilla trekking adventure in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a permit is a prerequisite. The permits are issued by the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) costing USD 400 per person for foreign non-residents, USD 200 for East African citizens, and USD 20 for citizens. You can only book your permits through a registered tour operator to cater for this in addition to a comprehensive tour package that will also include accommodation, meals, and transportation.
What to pack for lowland gorilla trekking tour in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- Lightweight long-sleeved shirt or blouse
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Sturdy comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots with good traction
- Sun protection items (Wide-brimmed hat, sun cream, sunglasses)
- Insect repellent
- Small backpack
- Snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Hiking poles
- Basic first aid kid with personal medication
- Gloves and scarf
