See Gorillas in Congo..
Gorilla Trekking in D.R. Congo
Congo is the only tourist destination where a person can have both lowland and
mountain gorilla trekking tours, in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and Virunga National Park respectively. Virunga National Park occupies about 8,090 square kilometers in the Albertine Rift Region, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Virunga’s ecosystem is
endowed with a range of habitats, comprising savannahs, swamps, waterways, and forests among others. The vegetation in these habitats is composed of grasslands, montane forests, and marsh among others. Roaming in this vegetation are the endangered mountain gorillas, with at least 350 individuals. Eight families here are habituated for gorilla trekking tours throughout the year. Besides these gentle giants, there are bush elephants, bush buffaloes, golden monkeys, chimps, and numerous bird species such as Rwenzori batis, Angolan swallows, olive pigeons, and others.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park sits on a total land area of about 60,000 square kilometers and it is situated in a lowland rainforest, in eastern Congo, particularly in the southern Kivu Province. Khuzi-Biega is composed of montane forests, bamboo forests, and wet equatorial forests among others. These are composed of numerous habitats, including peat, bog, volcanoes, and others. Kahuzi-Biega National Park is inhabited by the eastern
lowland gorillas that are numbered at least 250 individuals. There are nine gorilla groups and three of them have been habituated for gorilla trekking tours throughout the year. Besides eastern lowland gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega has a myriad of bird and mammal species which include chimps, leopards, hippos, bush buffaloes,
and olive baboons among others.
Besides gorilla trekking with the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas, there are other tourist activities that visitors can enjoy in these two national parks. These include chimpanzee habituation experience in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, camping, and hiking on the volcanic mountains, and cultural tours for an encounter with the Bashi people near Virunga National Park. Birding is also done to spot the Rwenzori turaco, eastern mountain greenbul, and Congo peafowl among others. Forest
walks are also available to spot trees, medicinal plants, and other flora and fauna; sightseeing; wildlife viewing, and others.
What is the cost of gorilla permits in D. R. Congo?
The cost of gorilla permits in either Virunga National Park or Kahuzi-Biega National Park varies and sometimes depends on whether it is peak season or not. This fee also covers the park entrance and ranger guides as well. The cost of gorilla trekking permits in D. R. Congo range from region to nationality. Foreign non-resident permits go for USD 400 a person, foreign residents and East African citizens pay USD 200, and nationals pay USD 20 for each person. These prices are constant for both Kahuzi-Biega and Virunga National Parks.
Best time to trek gorillas in D. R. Congo
Trekking gorillas in Congo’s Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks can be done throughout the year depending on your preference for weather conditions. The gorilla permits to both Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks are available for booking throughout the year. However, for more comfortable gorilla tours the dry seasons are the best times to visit these two sites for gorilla trekking. This is during June to September and December to February. During the dry seasons, chances of showers are very minimal in comparison to the wet seasons, thus tourists can enjoy uninterrupted trekking adventures in the lush rainforests. The trails and roads are also drier and not as muddy as those of the wet season hence making trekking and navigation less challenging. The forest vegetation is also comparably less dense thus making it less difficult to find the gorillas.
On the other hand, you might prefer the wet season, when the trails and roads are more muddy and slippery to move through or navigate. These offer more thrills as you encounter even more dense and vibrant vegetation cover in the forest.
What to Pack for Gorilla Trekking.
Gorilla trekking is an open-air activity done during the daytime, you will need clothes that are lightweight and long-sleeved. These include shirts, trousers, and pants that can cover your legs and arms to ensure that you avoid being bitten by disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes. These clothes also help in protection against direct sun rays on your skin.
· The clothes should be generally made out of dull colors to avoid attracting attention by blending in with the forest.
· A wide-brimmed hat, a pair of sunglasses, and sunscreen are handy to protect your eyes, ears, face, and skin from ultraviolet sunrays.
· Either a raincoat or rain jacket is required since gorilla trekking in Congo is conducted in tropical rainforests, where rainfall is quite unpredictable and thus can shower anytime, even in the dry seasons.
· Either a pair of sturdy comfortable shoes or hiking boots that can withstand the rough terrain you will encounter is important.
· Carry a lunch box with snacks and drinking water since gorilla trekking tours are physically demanding thus the need to replenish your energy and stay hydrated.
· Insect repellents are essential since the activity is done in a tropical rainforest that generally harbors mosquitoes and other bugs.
· Gloves and a scarf are needed to keep your hands and neck from losing too much body heat due to very cool to cold temperature conditions in the national parks.
· A basic first aid kit in addition to your medication is necessary just in case of any medical emergencies.
· Trekking pole just in case the park is unable to provide one for you.
· A small bag to carry some of the essential items while trekking in the forest.
· Money for some emergencies or tipping people and also for porters who will help in carrying some of your items while trekking.