Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park; Gorilla trekking is an interesting activity in Kahuzi Biega national park that involves visitors moving on foot into the tropical rainforest in search of the habituated eastern lowland gorillas and once found spend one hour with them in their natural habitat. The park is located in the eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo close to Bukavu town. Apart from Kahuzi Biega national park, gorilla trekking is also done in Virunga national park in Congo, Volcanoes national park in Rwanda, Bwindi impenetrable national park and Mgahinga gorilla national park in Uganda.
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park
Kahuzi Biega national park is a home of 9 gorilla families and only 5 gorilla families are habituated and open for trekking. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park starts very early in the morning with a briefing about the rules and regulations at the park headquarters. After the briefing you will start trekking in the jungle with an experienced park guide which takes about 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on where the gorillas are located. During trekking you will be able to view different bird species, other primates, view plant and tree species among others. Once the eastern lowland gorillas are found, you will be allowed to spend one hour with them in their environment which gives you an opportunity to learn more about their behaviors, habits, watch them feed, breastfeed, groom young ones, take photos and record the breathtaking moments.
Cost of a gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega national park
A gorilla trekking permit is a card or document that is issued to any visitor above the age of 15 years allowing him or her to visit a habituated eastern lowland gorilla in Kahuzi Biega national park. A gorilla trekking permit in the park costs 400 USD per person for foreign non residents and foreign residents. The park also offers discounted gorilla trekking permits during the low season which cost 200 USD per person.
A gorilla trekking permit in the park can either be booked directly through the park by contacting the offices via email or telephone calls. You can also book a gorilla trekking permit in the park through a trusted tour operator like Achieve Global Safaris whereby you will contact us with the date, month and year when you wish to visit the eastern lowland gorillas. After contacting us we will check for permit availability and if there are permits available, you will be asked to make a deposit for the permits. Once we receive the money, we will purchase the permits on your behalf.
Best time to go for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega national park
Gorilla trekking in the park can be done anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season in the months of June, July, August, September, December, January and February. During the dry season, there is less rainfall in the park therefore gorilla trekking trails and access roads will be passable hence making gorilla trekking easy compared to the wet/ rainy season when the gorilla trekking trails are muddy and slippery which make trekking difficult.
Where to stay during your gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega national park
The park has a number of accommodation facilities where you can stay during your gorilla trekking safari. The accommodations range from budget, midrange and luxury including L’orchids safari club, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Coco lodge, Exodus Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu, Mount Kahuzi Hotel Bukavu among others.
What to wear/ pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega national park
There are a number of items to pack for your gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega national park including
Long sleeved shirt and trouser to protect you from stinging nettles and also keep you warm during gorilla trekking in the morning.
Hiking boots to keep your feed dry and protect your ankles during trekking.
Garden gloves to protect you from germs, nettles and also help you to support yourself on tree branches during trekking.
Waterproof rain jacket to protect you from rainfall as it can rain anytime of the year regardless of the season.
Energy snacks like packed lunch and drinking water to keep you hydrated.
Camera and extra batteries to take photos and record the incredible moments during the one hour in the presence of the eastern lowland gorillas.
Insect repellent to protect you from biting insects like mosquitos and tsetse flies.
Back pack to carry all your gorilla trekking items such as energy snacks, rain jacket, insect repellent, camera among others.
How to get to Kahuzi Biega national park
The park is located in eastern part of Congo and can be accessed by road transport means whereby visitors will fly to Kigali international airport and then connect to the park headquarters via Goma or Rusizi border.
For more information about gorilla trekking in the park, you can contact us at Achieve Global Safaris or visit our website for various gorilla trekking packages.
