Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Congo : Trekking the eastern lowland gorilla in Congo is an exclusive experience that every visitor should experience. Kahuzi Biega National Park hosts the Eastern lowland gorillas whose habitat is limited to the region. Despite their lesser prominence compared with the mountain gorillas, these gorillas are as fascinating. If you would like to read about tracking Eastern Lowland gorillas of the Kahuzi Biega National Park, the article has got you covered.
Gorilla Species and Characteristics
Gorillas are the largest primates in the world. They live in the forests, swamps and lowlands of Africa. There are two main species of gorillas: western gorillas and eastern gorillas. The cross river gorillas and the western lowland gorillas constitute the western gorillas. The eastern gorillas consist of two sub-species: to mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas that form part of our adventure tour to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
The eastern lowland gorillas have a brown coat and slight different physical features compared to their more famous mountain gorillas. They have the reputation of being wise and in some cases their actions are remarkable even that they use tools.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas: A Critical Conservation Focus
Eastern lowland gorilla species is considered critically endangered and requires urgent conservation measures. They live in the unstable areas of Congo, where they face poaching and habitat loss that result from human conflicts.
The park is home of trekking.
The main region for tracking the Eastern lowland gorillas is Kahuzi Biega National Park, which is situated in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. There are suitable terrains for these great apes in this park known as Mount Kahuzi-Biega. It is estimated to host around 400 Eastern lowland gorillas, with three of the nine groups habituated and opened up for tracking.
The Gorilla Trekking Experience
The trekking of the eastern lowland gorillas begins with a short briefing at the Tshivanga visitor center situated outside the park entrance gate. This section tells you about the family rules, laws, and information on the gorilla’s territories. There will be a team of guide experts that will lead you to use the known trails in searching for the gorilla family group.
Finding the eastern lowland gorillas is quite a challenge because these creatures are mobile. They may be found within one or two hours. It is likely that you will meet playful young ones and later on silverback will check for any threats. If everything goes well, you will be permitted to see the gorilla family for one hour, thus allowing you to watch them engage in their daily routines and take unforgettable shots.
Trekking the lowland vs mountain gorillas.
The mountain gorillas that live in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have a total population of about 1000 which is quite stable. However, eastern lowland gorillas are in smaller numbers, estimated at less than 5,000. Their location in peaceful areas makes mountain gorilla tracking is organized and accessible by visitors to parks in Uganda.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is a unique experience, but it requires more effort and is generally considered for those with a special interest in primates. Lowland gorillas cover a wider range, making them more challenging to locate. Tracking mountain gorillas is costlier, with permits in Rwanda costing up to $1,500, while Eastern lowland gorilla permits are more affordable at $400.
Rules and Regulations
Gorillas are very susceptible to disease transmission thus; the visitors of both gorilla’s species are expected to be at least eight metres away. Only four individuals are allowed to track eastern lowland gorilla groups at a time, preventing the stressing of gorillas due to overcrowding.
Preparing for Your Trek
The treks can be difficult so visitors need to be well-prepared with suitable rain jackets and proper walking shoes when they come. One can have a good experience if one will remember to bring drinking water, snacks, and a camera.
Staying at Kahuzi Biega National Park.
The many hotels close to Kahuzi-Biega National Park will fit all kinds of travelers’ budgets. They include the mid-range lodge like coco lodge burukavu, budget hotels and luxury hotels. These options are different, interesting, and are in close proximity to your gorilla tracking safaris.
Planning Your Trip
In Congo, where the security situation is so volatile, book your Eastern lowland gorilla trekking adventure well ahead of time. You hire a good mission Africa safari company like my Africa safari that can find you lodging, transport, and guide as well as get permit for your safety and enjoyable trip.
The Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National park is an exceptional opportunity for the travellers seeking to interact with this critically endangered species. These gorillas are well adapt on the green environment of the park, hence it is a site for wildlife lovers and adventurers. Given proper preparation and coaching you can go into their natural setting and participate in their conservation programs.
