Gorilla Habituation in Kahuzi Biega National Park Bukavu
The Eastern gorillas of East and Central Africa are further divided into two subspecies that are; the Mountain gorillas occupying the higher altitude areas of Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic Of Congo and the Eastern lowland gorillas occupying the low land areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly Kahuzi- Biega National Park. Therefore, when on a search for a gorilla habituation experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you will find yourself in Kahuzi-Biega National Park taking part in a newly introduced activity in this park famously known as the lowland gorilla habituation.
Lowland Gorilla Habituation in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Lowland Gorilla habituation is the process by which lowland gorillas are gradually exposed to human presence such that they become accustomed to it. Just like Bwindi’s mountain gorilla habituation, the lowland gorilla habituation process is carried out for a period of about 2 to 5 years before that gorilla family is open for trekking. This lowland gorilla habituation process is carried out by a group of 4 tourists accompanying a group of scientists, conservationists, researchers and rangers guides. This group hikes through the forest in search of a semi-habituated gorilla family and once they find it, they are allowed to spend some time with them watching them go about their day-to-day activities and as well take part in the practices planned for these primates so as to get them used to human presence. After a certain period of time when the researchers feel that a gorilla family is ready for trekking, pre-test visits are conducted on this gorilla family for a period of about 6 to 8 months where by park staff and guides are allowed to visit the gorilla family in groups of 8. Once this activity comes out successfully, the particular gorilla family is then opened for trekking by tourists. Unlike lowland gorilla trekking where the trekkers are allowed 1 hour in the presence of these critically endangered species after locating them, lowland gorilla habituation allows tourists up to 4 hours in the presence of these gorillas.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park has 12 gorilla families and out of these, 2 families are under habituation that is, the Chimanuka and Mugaruka family. Each of these gorilla families was named after the dominant silverback heading it.
How to book a gorilla habituation permit in Congo
Lowland gorilla habituation permits can be booked directly with Kahuzi-Biega National Park or through a trusted tour operator. Each permit allows only one tourist of age 15 years and above to access the gorilla family being habituated. Book a gorilla habituation permit to Kahuzi-Biega National Park 1 month before the date of the gorilla habituation safari.
Cost of lowland gorilla habituation
Lowland gorilla habituation in Kahuzi-Biega is open to tourists at a cost of 600 USD per person and this price is constant in all seasons.
What is the best time to go for gorilla habituation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Lowland gorilla habituation in Kahuzi-Biega National Park takes place throughout the year. This is because Congo has a tropical climate that experiences temperatures ranging between 20 t0 25 degrees Celsius all year round. However, the best time to visit Kahuzi-Biega National Park for a gorilla habituation experience is during the 2 dry seasons, that is, June to August and December to February. However, due to vegetation cover in this area, expect rainfall at any time of the year.
These 2 dry seasons though are accompanied by hiked prices for accommodation and transport, making the safari quite costly. Therefore, if you are interested in a gorilla habituation experience and have a tight budget, try overlooking all the challenges that come with the rains such as slippery trails, thicker vegetation cover and getting hit by rain while taking part in this activity and get a gorilla habituation permit to Congo in the wet season, that is from March to May and September to November. During these times it’s easier to obtain a gorilla habituation permit and you can easily get discounted accommodation and transport. In addition, the wet season is great for photography since the rain clears the air of dust, hence enabling clearer shots of the gorillas.
Regardless of the time of year you choose to take part in lowland gorilla habituation in Kahuzi-Biega, it is always a magnificent and memorable experience.
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