Compared to other gorilla destinations, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) features both the mountain gorillas and the eastern lowland gorillas. The country has several protected areas where gorillas can be found. Some of these national parks have been opened to gorilla tourism while others are still remain unexplored.
Today, gorilla safaris have become a few most sought after wildlife experiences by most travelers who go on a safari in Africa. The two different gorilla species are inhabited within different national parks
- the mountain gorillas in the popular Virunga National Park
- the Eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park and Maiko National Park
Remarkably, you can incorporate the two national parks into a single Congo Gorilla Safari and as well, you can explore others primate species for instance golden monkeys, chimpanzees and others. Here are the places to visit for gorilla watching safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo;
Virunga National Park
The Virunga National Park is incredibly one of the best national parks in Africa when it comes to gorilla trekking safaris. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts for about a third of all the rare mountain gorillas that thrive on earth today. This park lies suitably in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and it is undeniably a host to varied great apes including among others the endangered mountain gorillas, chimpanzees and golden monkeys. It was founded in 1925 making it one of the oldest national parks and its establishment was mainly to offer refuge to rare mountain gorillas and other wildlife species. As time went on, this park extended to cover some parts of the north to include the Rwindi plains, Lake Edward and Rwenzori Mountain ranges. Its boundaries took shape within the first 35 years and it was during that time that poaching practices also decreased and sustainable tourism increased. Currently, this park is one of the most significant gorilla destinations and while on gorilla safari, some of the habituated groups for you to track include Mapuwa, Humba, Rugendo, Bageni, Munyaga, Nyakamwe and Kabirizi.
Kahuzi Biega National Park
Kahuzi Biega National Park lies suitably in Bukavu town in the eastern DR Congo. It is situated near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. It was established in 1970 by the Belgian photographer and conservationist Andrien Deschryver. It is named after the two volcanoes-Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega. Kahuzi Biega National Park lies about 6000 square kilometers making it one of the most extensive conservation area in the DR Congo. This park lies within the hilly and lowland terrain and provides refuge to the rare eastern lowland gorillas. It attained its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1980 and boasts of its diverse floral and faunal species. While on gorilla safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park, you will explore its two habituated gorilla families that include Mpungwe and Mankoto.
What is the cost of gorilla permits in the DR Congo?
In order for you to take part in gorilla adventures in the DRC, you must have a permit at hand as this is what will allow you to trek one of the habituated gorilla families in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park. Permits in the DR Congo cost $400 per person and you can reserve one through the conservation reservation offices. You can email info@visitvirunga.org. For those who are interested in exploring Kahuzi Biega National Park, contact@kahuzibieganationalpark.org
In conclusion, depending on what your travel need are, the DRC comprises of two destinations where you can track gorillas each inhabits different category. For any plans to track mountain gorillas, the Virunga National Park should be a must for you to explore and if you are interested in eastern lowland gorillas then Kahuzi Biega National Park should be a must to visit. Besides Kahuzi Biega National Park, Maiko National Park also inhabits the eastern lowland gorillas.
