Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is a primate sanctuary situated in the town of Bukavu, South eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rehabilitation center for primates is very close to the popular Kahuzi Biega national park, about 10 kilometers away and is home to chimpanzees that have been protected and rescued from illegal wildlife activities including animal trafficking, hunting, poaching and other illegal activities on wildlife.
This is a great spot for viewing chimpanzees as it is home to about 92 chimpanzees alongside over 108 monkeys of different species.
Apart from the monkeys and chimpanzees, the sanctuary also shelters animal species like parrots and turtles and a wide range of bird species. The different species of monkeys that are sheltered at the sanctuary include vervet, blue, golden, Manga bey, Mona, owl faced, red tailed and Grey cheeked mangabey monkeys.
Spending time with the orphaned chimpanzees and other primate species with a combination of gorilla trekking in Kahuzi or Virunga is such a lifetime experience and worth every penny spent on Congo safari tours. The sanctuary also gives travelers and visitors a great chance to engage in volunteer tourism activities including conservation work at the sanctuary, encountering a one-on-one with these human-like species and other interesting activities.
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary was recognized officially in 2002 aiming at rehabilitating and orphaning chimpanzees rescued from poaching and other illegal activities like animal trafficking in both of Congo’s popular tourist destinations include Kahuzi Biega national park and Virunga national park. The sanctuary has since registered success in its vision and attracts about 3000 visitors throughout the year.
The tremendous activity done at the Lwiro Chimpanzee sanctuary can not be successfully executed alone as there is a great team working hand in hand to take care of the chimpanzees. The team is made up of about 46 workers including veterinary doctors that have been a backbone as far as the well-being of these primates is concerned.
They treat and ensure the rescued chimpanzees are taken care of. The doctors work alongside the caretakers who ensure that the chimpanzees receive all the six balanced diet meals supposed to be taken per day.
While visitors are encountering and spending great time with the orphaned chimpanzees, they can also dive into other fun and exciting activities at the sanctuary including rehabilitation, learning more about these primate species, rescuing, conservation and reintroduction of other wild animals at the sanctuary.
HOW TO GET TO LWIRO CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY.
Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary’s proximity to Kahuzi Biega national park, a popular tourism destination in the country that is just 10 kilometers away, makes it easier for visitors and travelers to access the sanctuary. Aside from the road means of transport through Bukavu town which is about 50 kilometers away, flight means are also available from Kavuma Airport. It is about 5 kilometers from the Airport to the sanctuary.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LWIRO CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY.
Popular tourism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo like gorilla trekking in the country’s most visited tourism destinations including Kahuzi Biega national park and Virunga national park are easily done smoothly and effectively during the peak season and that’s the dry period of the year.
Normally, travelers and visitors dive into the sanctuary after the gorilla trekking tours in these spots due its proximity. The drier months of June, July, August, September and January throughout February is the best time to visit the sanctuary.
During this period, the weather is mild and absolutely favorable, and the routes to the sanctuary are dry and accessible while providing clear wildlife views. This however doesn’t take away the fact that Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is an all-year-round tourism destination and can be visited throughout the whole year.
