How many gorilla families are in Kahuzi Biega National Park
How many gorilla families are in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo was established in 1790 and was gazetted to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species the world’s largest gorilla species. The Eastern Lowland gorilla also known as Grauer’s gorillas is the largest of the largest of the four-gorilla subspecies. Kahuzi Biega National Park is the only national park in Congo, where eastern lowland gorilla trekking safaris are done. However, the situation around Kahuzi Biega National Park is quite unstable due to political instability in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. There are several rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, illegal lumbering, mining, poaching, and many more activities. These hinder the conservation of the eastern lowland gorillas and so even the number of gorilla families habituated is still low. Currently, there 5 gorilla families confirmed, and out of these only 2 gorilla families are habituated and they are open for visitors to trek. The families are called Chimanuka and Mugaruka both named after a dominant silverback, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors
Mpungwe gorilla family
The Mpungwe gorillas, a group of 21 individuals, form the biggest family of eastern lowland gorillas that people regularly visit in Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Because of this, the Mpungwe family is a very popular choice for anyone interested in seeing these amazing animals on a trek.
Chimanuka gorilla family
The Chimanuka gorilla group, a prominent family in Kahuzi Biega National Park, holds the distinction of being the second-largest group that has become accustomed to human presence. This family is made up of 19 gorillas, all led by the powerful silverback named Chimanuka, whose name is the same name as the family’s. Many visitors who have gone on the special experience of trekking to see eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park have said that the Chimanuka family is a particularly delightful group, known for their entertaining personalities.
Mugahuka gorilla family
Mugahuka, the single silverback, heads his own gorilla family, having split from the larger Chimanuka group due to a disagreement. After Chimanuka, the leader of the group, won the dispute and the rest stayed, Mugahuka left and started his own. This makes the Mugahuka family one of the easiest eastern lowland gorilla groups to visit in Kahuzi Biega National Park, offering a shorter trek and therefore a good option for people looking for a less demanding gorilla tracking experience.
Nganwe gorilla family
The Nganwe gorilla family is a collection of ten eastern lowland gorillas living within Kahuzi Biega National Park. This particular gorilla family is currently not open for tourist treks because they are still becoming accustomed to human presence.
Bonnani gorilla family
The Bonnani gorilla family is one of several families that have recently been made accessible to tourists in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This particular group can be visited on an eastern lowland gorilla trekking adventure. The family comprises five members, making it one of the smaller gorilla groups found in the park.
How much is Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo?
You are planning a trip to see Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, Congo? just like in Congo, like Uganda and Rwanda, you’ll need a special permit to go on a gorilla trek. Explore Rwanda Tours can help you with all their details. We can check if permits are available for the dates you want, book them for you, and take care of everything else. It’s a good idea to plan ahead, so try to book your permit at least 1 to 3 months before you go. We recommended paying for your permit in advance, so we can secure it for you. Since there are only two groups allowed to trek in the park, it’s best to get your permit sorted out early to avoid missing out.
The cost of the Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park is $400 per person per trek for foreign non-residents foreign residents for East African residents pay $350 per person and for East African citizens pay $ 250 per person. These permits are restricted to persons above 15 years to persons 85 years depending on the fitness levels.
Embarking on Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Congo is a daily adventure. Explore Rwanda Tours offers a complete gorilla tour package, ensuring you know exactly what you’re paying, with no surprise fees. The most important item, you’ll need to consider is the gorilla permit, which allows you to see these amazing creatures. We have a variety of tour options, from budget-friendly to luxurious, and we’ll work with you to create the perfect trip that matches your preferences. We even provide gorilla tour packages that start from Kigali for those interested in the democratic Republic of Congo mountain gorilla safari. A typical 3-day safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park from Kigali.
Packing list for a gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
A safari to Kahuzi Biega National Park requires perfect preparation and planning for a remarkable and memorable safari adventure. We recommend that acquire all the important items or equipment before coming to Congo. Some of this essential packing list includes travel documents such as a passport, gorilla permit, and travel insurance. Other essentials include bottled drinking water, enough snacks, Mosquito Repellent, long-sleeved shirts and pants, a hat and sunglasses, a walking stick, a first aid kit, a camera and binoculars, a sleeping bag and sheets, a notebook and a pen among others.
What of the best time to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Gorilla trekking safaris in Biega National Park can be done every time of the year, but the best time to go for a gorilla trekking safari in Biega National Park is during the dry season. which runs from December to February and then June to September. during this time, the path is easier to walk on, and the gorillas are more visible because the plants aren’t as dense. You might want to avoid the wetter months of March to October and November most travelers avoid visiting gorillas during these months because the vegetation is fully grown and trails are much slippery making the trekking much harder.
Where to stay in Congo for Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo.
Lodges in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo range from budget to mid-range to luxury. Some of the accommodation options here include L’Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge Bukavu, Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu and Exodus Bukavu among others.
How to reach Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Reaching Kahuzi-Biega National Park is straightforward since there are multiple ways to get there.
One way is to drive since the park is a roughly hour-long car ride, about 40 kilometers west of Bukavu.
You could also drive from Kigali, Rwanda; This safari lasts approximately six or seven hours, involving passage through Cyangugu, then onward to Goma, and finally to Bukavu before you arrive at the park.
Finally, air travel is a possibility. Private flights from Kigali to Kamembe, followed by a trip to Bukavu town, and then onto the park headquarters are available. This alternative saves considerable time compared to driving.
