Sustainable Gorilla Trekking Tours
Gorilla Trekking Tours & Safaris
Are you in Huye for some work or vacation and you are interested in visiting DR Congo, lets take you Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo from Huye. To plan a lowland gorilla trekking trip in DR Congo from Huye, Rwanda, here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Travel to Bukavu (DR Congo)
- From Huye (Rwanda):
- Drive or take a bus: Travel to Rusizi (formerly Cyangugu), which is about a 4-5 hour drive from Huye.
- Cross the border: From Rusizi, cross into Bukavu, DR Congo, via the Ruzizi border crossing. Ensure you have a valid DR Congo visa, which can be obtained either beforehand or at the border, depending on the latest regulations.
2. Kahuzi-Biéga National Park (Lowland Gorilla Trekking)
- Location: Kahuzi-Biéga National Park, located near Bukavu, is home to the eastern lowland gorillas (Grauer’s gorillas).
- Trekking permits: You’ll need a permit to trek for lowland gorillas. The cost is $400 per person.
- Trek logistics: The park offers guided treks into the forest to find the gorillas, and the experience is slightly different from mountain gorilla trekking, with less steep terrain but equally dense forests.
3. Accommodation in Bukavu
- Bukavu has various lodges and hotels to choose from. Some notable ones include Orchids Safari Club, Coco Lodge, and Panorama Hotel, which cater to tourists visiting the park.
4. Other Activities in Kahuzi-Biéga
- Nature walks: The park offers additional hikes, including visits to scenic waterfalls and chances to see other wildlife like colobus monkeys, birds, and various plant species.
5. Return to Rwanda
- After the trek, return to Bukavu and cross back into Rwanda via the Ruzizi border.
- From Rusizi, you can take a bus or drive back to Huye, completing your round-trip.
Things to consider:
- Visa requirements: Ensure you have a visa for both DR Congo and Rwanda if necessary.
- Health precautions: Be aware of yellow fever vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Transport: Arrange transport in advance for ease of crossing borders and getting to the park.
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
What are the Chances of seeing Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega NP? 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 gazetted 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 silverback, Chimanuka is famous for many visitors given it consist of one of the largest gorilla family in the world with over 36 gorilla individuals.
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 book for you accordingly.
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 in Kahuzi Biega National Park permit price is as follows;
Non Residents – USD400
East African Residents – USD200
National Citizens of Congo – USD20
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is a daily activity, 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.
Where to stay in during Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo from Huye.
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 DR Congo from Huye Through 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 Lowland Gorilla Trekking in DR Congo from Huye.