Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park with Monumental Expeditions and Safaris Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas, are a subspecies of eastern gorillas that inhabit the afro-montane forests of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These magnificent primates can be tracked in the Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks, offering a unique and adventurous safari experience in Africa.

If you are considering a primate safari, a trek to see the Eastern Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the most rewarding wildlife encounters. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris offers guided gorilla trekking tours in this remarkable region.

About Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Eastern lowland gorillas can be found in several protected forests such as Kahuzi-Biega and Maiko National Parks, as well as Usala Forest, Tayna Gorilla Reserve, and the Itombwe Massif. Unfortunately, their population has declined significantly—from 5,000 individuals in 2004 to about 3,800 in 2016. Current estimates suggest their numbers have further decreased, mainly due to poaching for bush meat and habitat loss.

The majority of visitors to Kahuzi-Biega National Park come to observe these endangered gorillas. Though they are smaller than mountain gorillas, Eastern Lowland gorillas are still the largest of the four gorilla subspecies. A 2013 survey recorded only 145 individuals in the park’s upland area, a sharp drop from 600 in 1990.

Threats to these gorillas include poaching (especially of young gorillas), illegal logging, land encroachment, and coltan mining. However, three groups of Grauer’s gorillas in the highlands have been habituated for tourism.

Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi-Biega involves hiking through dense rainforests, marshlands, and hilly terrain, depending on the location of the gorilla group. The trek can take between 30 minutes and 6 hours, and once located, visitors are allowed to spend one hour with the gorillas. During this time, you may observe young gorillas playing, females nursing, and the silverback watching over the group.

The cost of a permit to trek Eastern Lowland gorillas is $400.

Differences Between Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Eastern Lowland gorillas are the largest of the gorilla subspecies. They are distinguished from mountain gorillas by their larger size, shorter hair, and broader hands and teeth. They can grow up to 4 to 5½ feet tall when standing and weigh up to 440 pounds.

Where to Find Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Congo

These gorillas are found in the lowland and montane forests of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, they now inhabit only about 13% of their historical range due to human activity.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bukavu in eastern DRC, is the most reliable location to see Eastern Lowland gorillas. The park covers about 6,000 square kilometers and is named after Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega, two extinct volcanoes found within its boundaries.

Safety of Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega

Trekking in Kahuzi-Biega National Park is considered safe. Visitors are accompanied by armed, trained park rangers to ensure their safety throughout the trek.

Best Time for Lowland Gorilla Trekking

Gorilla trekking is available year-round but is best undertaken during the dry seasons from May to August and November to January. During these periods, trails are easier to navigate, although rainfall is still possible, so appropriate gear like a raincoat and sturdy boots is recommended.

Other Activities in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Guided Nature Walks
The park offers established trails used for border patrols and gorilla tracking that are also perfect for nature walks. Popular trails include the Marais Musisi and the Tshibati Waterfalls trails, where you can see bamboo forests, swamps, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife. These guided walks cost approximately $35.

Mountain Climbing
Mount Kahuzi (3,308 meters) and Mount Biega (2,790 meters) offer excellent hiking experiences. Climbing Mount Kahuzi takes about four hours up and three hours down, while Mount Biega takes about six hours round trip. Mount Bugulumiza (2,400 meters) offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and mountains. Each mountain hike costs $100.

Bird Watching
Birding tours are available in the morning and evening. Species such as the Congo peafowl, African green broadbill, and yellow-crested helmet-shrike can be spotted during woodland and forest treks.

Visit the Lwiro Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre
Located near the park headquarters, this center takes care of orphaned chimpanzees and other primates affected by poaching. Visitors and volunteers can learn more about primate conservation here.

Where to Stay in Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Accommodations include Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Lakeside Hotel Bukavu, Lodge Coco, Orchids Safari Club, Hotel Begonias, and Exodus Bukavu, among others. Monumental Expeditions and Safaris can assist with lodge reservations based on your preferences and budget.

Background on Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Kahuzi-Biega National Park was established in 1970 by Belgian conservationist Adrien Deschryver. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1980s and covers both highland and lowland terrain. The park is home to over 137 mammal species and 350 bird species, including many that are endemic or endangered.

Aside from gorillas, the park is also home to other primates such as the owl-faced monkey, Dent’s mona, blue monkey, and chimpanzees. Other wildlife includes forest elephants, bush pigs, bongos, and various antelopes.

Despite its importance, the park faces several conservation challenges, including:

1. Insecurity and Presence of Militias
   Eastern DRC has experienced unrest, which has affected the park, especially the lowland sector.

2. Human Encroachment
   Tribes such as the Barega, Bashi, and Pygmies live in and around the park, leading to illegal logging and farming.

3. Limited Funding
   Budget constraints have resulted in staff shortages. However, a Trust Fund has been set up to attract donations.

4. Illegal Mining and Oil Exploration
   These activities continue to pose a significant threat to the park’s ecosystem.

The Congolese Institute of Conservation of Nature (ICCN) manages the park in partnership with the national government and conservation organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Getting to Kahuzi-Biega National Park

The most common route is from Kigali, Rwanda. Visitors typically arrive at Kigali International Airport, rest overnight, then travel about seven hours to the Cyangugu border before proceeding to Bukavu in the DRC. From Bukavu, it’s a short journey to the park’s Tshivanga visitor center.

Alternative routes include:

• Via the Uvira border crossing from Burundi

• By boat from Goma on Lake Kivu

• From Uganda, through the Cyanika border and Musanze

Transport to the park is available via bus, taxi, or private vehicle.