Is it Safe to Track Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park? Travelers intending to track lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park usually have many questions. One of the frequently asked questions is, “Is it safe to track gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?”. Yes, it is safe to track the gorillas in the Kahuzi Biega National Park since the ranger guides and security guards monitor the area.
However, you should always check the travel advisory platforms to get updated information about any destination. As of today, we have had tourists track lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. We have not received any bad news like terrorist attacks or animal attacks in Kahuzi Biega National Park. This implies that it is safe to track gorillas in Congo’s Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Kahuzi Biega National Park was gazette in 1970 to protect lowland gorillas from extinction. It was named after two mountains that are within the park. These include Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. The first gorilla trekking in this park was done in 1973. However, political instabilities put the activity on halt for quite some time. Later on, the park was protected and declared safe for tourism. Thousands of tourists from different parts of the country visit Kahuzi Biega National Park for gorilla trekking. Generally, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a safe destination for gorilla trekking.
How much is a gorilla permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
If you must see lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you must book a gorilla trekking permit. This is a legal document that allows you to participate in this thrilling activity. A gorilla permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park is 400 USD for foreign non-residents, 200 USD for the rest of the African residents, and 20 USD for the Congolese residents.
Distinguishing features of lowland gorillas
- Lowland gorillas live in lowland tropical forests
- Lowland gorillas are smaller than mountain gorillas
- They don’t have thick fur compared to mountain gorilla
- Their skull is wide and large
- They move more distances compared to mountain gorillas
Accommodation options in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Tourists visiting Kahuzi Biega National Park for lowland gorilla trekking and other tours usually stay in Bukavu. Bukavu is a major town at the border of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Lake Kivu side. There are many hotels ranging from budget to midrange to luxury. Some of these accommodation facilities include Mount Kahuzi Hotel, Elizabeth Hotel, Lakeside Hotel, Orchids Safari Lodge, and many others.
Lowland gorilla trekking rules and regulations in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Travelers engage in gorilla trekking, there are trekking rules and regulations that travelers on their safari should know, and some of these include;
- Travelers are supposed to acquire a gorilla trekking permit that is valid on the day of tracking
- Feeding gorillas in the park is not allowed
- A group of 8 people is allowed to visit one gorilla family each day
- Maintain a distance of 7 meters from the gorillas
- Gorilla trekking starts at 8:00 am
- Do not litter, and the park
- Avoid contact with the gorillas
What to pack for a gorilla trekking safari in Congo?
To ensure a successful gorilla trekking safari in the Kahuzi Biega National Park, you must have the right packing list. Below are some of the items to add to the list;
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Water bottle to keep you hydrated
- Energy-giving snacks
- Rain Jackets in case the weather changes
- Insect repellants
Why is gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park not popular?
Lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is not as popular as mountain gorilla trekking in other parks like Virunga National Park or Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for several reasons.
Security Concerns: Kahuzi Biega National Park is located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, an area that has experienced political instability and security challenges. This has deterred some tourists from visiting the park due to safety concerns.
Accessibility: The park’s remote location and limited infrastructure make it more challenging to access compared to other gorilla trekking destinations. The lack of well-developed roads and transportation options can discourage potential visitors.
Conservation Efforts: Kahuzi Biega National Park has faced issues related to the conservation and protection of its wildlife, including lowland gorillas. Concerns about the park’s management and the well-being of the gorilla population may impact its popularity as a tourist destination.
Limited Awareness: Compared to well-known gorilla trekking destinations like Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda or Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Kahuzi Biega National Park has received less international attention and promotion. Limited awareness among travelers contributes to its lower popularity.
Perception of Experience: Some travelers may have the perception that the experience of lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is not as rewarding or unique as trekking mountain gorillas in other parks. This perception can influence their decision to choose alternative destinations.
Infrastructure and Services: The park’s facilities for tourists, such as accommodation options, visitor centers, and amenities, may be less developed compared to more popular gorilla trekking destinations. The lack of infrastructure and services can impact the overall visitor experience.
Despite these challenges, Kahuzi Biega National Park offers a unique opportunity to see endangered lowland gorillas in their natural habitat and supports vital conservation efforts. With improvements in security, infrastructure, conservation practices, and increased awareness, the park has the potential to attract more visitors and raise its profile as a gorilla trekking destination in the future.
How to access Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Kahuzi Beige National Park is usually accessed via Rwanda-Kigali. Travelers land at the Kigali International Airport and then are transferred to Bukavu. This transfer takes 4 to 5 hours.
What is the best time to track gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Kahuzi Biega National Park is open for tourism throughout the year. However, dry seasons (June to September and December to February) are the best times to visit the park. During these times, there are fewer thickets, and the entire experience is less challenging. Does this mean that rainy seasons are not the best? No, these come with a budget-friendly environment. More so, this time of the year has fewer tourists, making every activity more personalized. You get more time with safari guides and rangers. Generally, any time can be the best time to track gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
