Difference between Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla Trekking

Are you interested in trekking the lowland gorilla specie, and do you want to know the difference between Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla Trekking? The main difference between lowland and mountain gorillas is that lowland gorillas have lighter and shorter hair whereas Mountain gorillas are darkly colored with much thicker longer fur. The fur of mountain gorillas is longer and shaggier compared to the fur of lowland gorillas which is much shorter and softer. Mountain gorillas live in montane forests at the higher end of the elevation range of the mountain, while eastern lowland gorillas live in submontane forests at the lower end.

The main difference between Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla Trekking, it is more strenuous and challenging to trek Mountain Gorillas than lowland gorillas.

Lowland gorillas can be found in Kahuzi Biega National Park in Congo where Mountain gorillas are found in Virunga National Park in Congo, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in Uganda.

Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo was created in 1970 and the first Lowland Gorilla trekking was done in 1973, when it come to Lowland gorilla trekking it ranks high, it was gazzeted to conserve the Grauer’s gorilla species the world’s largest gorilla species. The Eastern Lowland gorillas also known as Grauer’s gorillas is the largest of the largest of the four gorilla subspecies, trekking Eastern Lowland gorillas is done in Kahuzi Biega National park located in Congo 30kms from Bukavu town the can be accessed by road and air. The park was gazetted in 1970 and the first lowland gorilla trekking was done in 1973, this type of trekking is only done here and this makes the park rank high when it comes to the lowland gorilla trekking. The Park has 12 gorilla families 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 silver back, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consist of one of the largest gorilla family in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals. Difference between lowland and mountain gorillas

Why is Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo Considered Not Safe

DR Congo has for the past years been hit by various unprecedented disasters that is civil and rebel wars, Ebola disease among others which has stopped many tourists from visiting DR Congo for gorilla trekking in either national park given these are the same places that harbor the dangerous rebel groups and diseases. However, of recent DR Congo is getting back to better days and most areas and national parks are now open for tourism business and activities given the fact the DR Congo government, local authorities, National and International security and health bodies have worked hand in hand to bring back peace to DR Congo. Now Congo is good for gorilla trekking and tourists have already started opting to visit DR Congo instead of Uganda and Rwanda given the fact the price of gorilla trekking permit in Congo is cheaper than that of Uganda and Rwanda.

Eco Adventure Safaris has as well already booked gorilla trekking safaris to Congo and we can as well book for you to visit DR Congo for gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo for Lowland gorilla trekking. We have tour packages available that you can choose from ranging from budget, mid-range to luxury, these can as well be customized to best match your needs, send us an email and we will give you more information about the difference between Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla Trekking.

How much is gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo?

Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo, like gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda, you will need a gorilla permit for you to be allowed to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. Eco Adventure Safaris provides relevant gorilla permit booking information for Congo to enable you plan your gorilla safari well. You don’t have to hassle booking your gorilla permit if you choose from our Congo gorilla tours. We will check for your availability of gorilla permits for your requested dates, book and purchase them for you once you have made payment and book all services on your behalf. Usually you have to obtain a gorilla permit several months in advance. We always advise at least 1 month in advance or prior to your visit given they are only 2 groups available for trek in Kahuzi Biega National park. While booking a gorilla tour, always pay your gorilla permit fee in advance to enable us acquire it for you.

Lowland Gorilla trekking permit price in Congo Kahuzi Biega National park are as follows;

Non Residents – USD400

East African Residents – USD200

National Citizens of Congo – USD20

Gorilla trekking is a daily activity done in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo, As Eco Adventure Safaris we do provide all-inclusive gorilla tour packages for all the visitors with no hidden costs. The most essential and priority cost is the gorilla permit price that you will incur to secure your trek in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo. All our tour packages range from budget safaris to Luxury safaris and you can opt to do any as we tailor your trip together according to your interest. We do have Gorilla tour packages that start in Kigali for the DR Congo mountain gorilla safari from Kigali. For a 3 Day Trip to Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo from Kigali costs USD1700 per person in a group of two inclusive of Gorilla permits and as a budget option, transportation, accommodation, Meals, guide services are inclusive as well.

What is the best time to visit Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo for Gorilla Trekking?

Congo is located in the tropics and with this it experiences tropical climate and weather throughout the year, both Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo experience the same weather, with this both national Parks are prone to receiving uncertain rains any time of the day or week, good months to visit Congo for gorilla trekking are dry season months which occurs in the months of December, January, February, June, July, August and September during these months it always easy to walk through the trails which are drier compared to the wet months then as well the vegetation is not fully grown and this makes sighting of gorillas easy and more clear. Other months which are slightly wet that is March, April, May, 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. Difference between lowland and mountain gorillas

Where to stay in Congo for Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo.

Lodges in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo range from budget, mid-range to luxury. Budget options include Hotel Begonias Bukavu, Exodus bukavu, Lake Side Hotel Bukavu among others fares range from 90-100 dollars a night per person, mid-range options include Coco Lodge Bukavu among others fares range from 100-200 dollars a night per person and then Luxury options include L’Orchids Safari Club fares range from 200-400 dollars a night per person. You let us know the best option that works for you and we will for availability and book you according.

How to get to Kahuzi Biega National Park for gorilla trekking?

Gorilla trekking in Congo is done in Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo and Virunga National Park which are both located in the Eastern Part of Congo. You will fly to Kigali International Airport then connect to Gisenyi town; from Gisenyi town you will cross the Rwanda-Congo boarder to Goma town in DR Congo then drive towards the park headquarters of Kahuzi Biega National Park and Virunga National Park from where you will do start the gorilla trek from, it is approximately a 2 hours drive from Gisenyi town to reach the park headquarters.

Why book Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park with Eco Adventure Safaris

Eco Adventure Safaris is experienced in organizing amazing gorilla safari experiences to Congo. We are also highly rated and reviewed on Trip Advisor. We combine gorilla trekking safaris with eco-friendly and unforgettable high-end adventure and wildlife safaris that help preserve biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities, these include chimpanzee trekking, Big 5 safaris and game viewing, Mountain Hiking, Boat cruises excursions and Cultural encounters to give you a memorable and best African Safari experience including popular and great African safari destinations Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Namibia. Feel free to contact us about the difference between Mountain Gorilla and Lowland Gorilla Trekking.