Just in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo, lies Kabuzi Biega National Park, a park that is renowned for providing habitat to the species of the Eastern Lowland Gorillas. It is located near Bukavu town near the Western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwandan border.
Getting there.
Visitors to Democratic Republic of Congo usually land in Rwanda at Kigali International airport. From Kigali, arrange all the transportation with a local tour operator – Driver guide will transfer you up to Goma border, from Goma border the transportation is offered by the Virunga foundation up to Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Activities in the Park
Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Meeting face to face with the Eastern Lowland Gorillas in Kahuzi Beiga National Park is a lifetime experience that is hard to forget.
Before the trekking, travelers are first briefed about Dos and Don’ts while in the Jungle or in presence of the Gorillas. After that, the trek to the Jungle starts via trails that winds through lush vegetation, valleys and rolling hills.
While in the Jungle, you are exposed to other Wildlife species. Time taken and distance moved in the Jungle usually depends on where these apes spent their last night.
After locating them, you are allowed to interact with them for only one hour. You are only allowed to see them feeding, laughing, playing and more from a distance, no close contact unless a Gorilla moves closer to you but do not touch on it without permission.
After one hour, the journey starts back to the starting point or your place of stay. To let you know, its advised that you come with packed food and water for drinking after strenuous treks.
Hiking.
Most visitors pack for Kahuzi Biega National Park mainly to do the Lowland Gorilla trekking, but hiking is another grand way to delve into its amazing sceneries.
This expedition grants the opportunity to behold other Wildlife species in the Park including primates like Owl faced monkeys, different bird species and more.
Visit the Lwiro Sanctuary
Lwiro was established in 2002 to provide care and rehabilitation for orphaned primates to ensure their survival in the wild. It is placed on the grounds of the Congolese Government Scientific Research Centre, which is located in an old Belgian colonial building.
It cares for 49 chimpanzees and over 60 monkeys. Other activities offered include education programs for local people, children, military and tourists.
The old Belgian research centre nestled on the grounds also has some fascinating exhibits.It is Located close to the park headquarters and a visit to the sanctuary can be easily combined with a Gorilla trek in a day trip from Bukavu.
Ask your tour operator or park staff to arrange a visit to the sanctuary. Entrance for foreigners is $25, which goes directly towards the costs of managing the sanctuary.
Idjwi Island
Approximated to 340 sq km in size and 70 km in length, Idjwi is the second largest inland island in Africa. It’s hidden within Lake Kivu and can be seen clearly from both the Rwandan and Congolese mainlands.
