If trekking gorillas through the jungle mist, and traversing a country with not one but three wildlife parks, is your idea of the perfect honeymoon then look no further than Congo.

Attend briefing at Kibati, get your surgical mask and begin the hike with a ranger guide. The beauty about Gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park is that you don’t have to walk for so long before you can find them; anywhere between 1 and 3 hours of walking will lead you to the Gorillas and you will be allowed up to about 1 hour with them.

Kahuzi Biega is also an ideal honeymoon destination in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Park lies within a close proximity to the town of Bukavu in the eastern province of Democratic Republic of Congo, near the western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwanda border.

The Park is set in both mountainous and lowland terrains, and the most enjoyable activity in the park is also gorilla trekking as it is in Virunga though the only difference here is that trekkers will be trekking the eastern lowland gorillas ahead of mountain gorillas. The eastern lowland gorillas are not by far different to the mountain gorillas but there are ‘’of course’’ various characters that differentiate the two types of gorillas.

Therefore, it is always a great feeling if at all you not only trek the mountain gorillas in Virunga but also go on to trek the lowland gorillas in Kahuzi – Biega for great memorable escapades. It will therefore be a great opportunity to couples who will choose to take their honeymoon safari in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as they will be able to trek both the endangered mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas, of which Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country where these two gorilla types can be trekked at ago.

After all this fatigue of trekking, join Tchegera Island for relaxation and refreshing. To access Tchegera Island, you must purchase a permit and secure round boat transfer. You have to show that proof before setting off to the island and the charges are per person. So, transportation to Tchegera Island is only by boat but you have to find your way to Goma first.

Tchegera Island is found on the northern shore of Lake Kivu which is shared between Rwanda and Congo. It is one of the best, yet least known destinations in Congo and offers perfect relaxation and exclusion.

While there, you can choose to lay back and relax on the beach or check out other parts of the Island using a Kayak or Paddle board, all available at Tchegera island tented camp. Bird viewing on the island is great and the most common birds there include heron, cormorants, African eagles and gulls.

Enjoy the amazing views of the red-lit sky by the lave glow from Nyiragongo and Nyamulagira volcanoes and with that reflecting on the lake’s surface, it becomes totally magical! The day light offers captivating views of the lake and the four Volcanoes in a picturesque setting.

Tchegera Island Tented Camp is the only accommodation to take on while at this island run by Virunga national park authorities so prior booking is very much advised.

All in all, the Island is a great spot to unwind and escape the bustle and hustle of Goma town, recover from your Gorilla trekking in Virunga or Nyiragongo hike and a perfect choice for your honeymoon holiday in Congo!

The post Gorilla Safari Honeymoon in Congo – Virunga & Tchegera first appeared on Congo Parks.

The road from Goma to Rumangabo is only about 46 km but it can take to almost 2 hours’ drive to access the lodge, due to its very poor state.

There are however very many peripheral activities to do while at this fantastic, among them include; trekking of the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, visiting the gorilla orphans at Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage (in Virunga), chimpanzee tracking, visiting the widows’ workshop, cultural encounters and birding, among many others.

Advance booking for both the gorilla permits and the lodge itself is highly advisable because this lodge is currently the only secure and authorized facility to offer accommodation to the Virunga National Park visitors. This means that the lodge is on a very high demand annually and if you delay to submit in your bookings earlier, you may end up in disappointments.

The lodge itself is very nice and situated in beautiful setting overlooking the plain below and the national park. The main building is a large central, thatched public space that includes a bar, dining room, office and shop. Then scattered around there are a number of large rooms that sit independently of each other and are all quite private. The rooms are spacious and equipped with top notch facilities. The shower is really good with plenty of pressure and in case you need warm water, it’s all available.

The main room has a large king-sized bed with a sitting area and a big fire place which is lit in the evening and will warm the room nicely. There is a decent veranda with chairs and tables, perfect for chilling as you observe the serene surroundings of the lodge accompanied with some soft drinks. All this is situated within the trees and during daylight hours there are always blue monkeys around eating the surprisingly large fruits that are plentiful on the large fig trees.

Mikeno Lodge has the best service ever and the food is exceptionally delicious. The lodge’s bar serves wine from South Africa and local beer as well which is really amazing. When you arrive earlier at the lodge, you will also be able to appreciate the beautiful surroundings of the lodge.

Booking your stay at Mikeno Lodge, you will have a variety of activities to engage in such as trekking the mountain gorillas, birding, visiting the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Centre (the world’s only mountain gorilla orphanage), community visits, and many others. Hence, planning for a gorilla excursion in Virunga, Mikeno Lodge is your perfect accommodation to book and you will not regret your stay there!

The post Book Comfortable and Beautiful Mikeno Lodge first appeared on Congo Parks.

These Lowland Gorilla species are rarely seen where by in the Central part of Africa are only found in Democratic Republic of Congo, these lowland Gorilla species are further divided into Eastern and Western lowland Gorillas but Democratic Republic of Congo is only hosting the Eastern Lowland Gorilla species.

When I talk about Democratic Republic of Congo fresh travelers to Africa may ask that where is it located. But the answer is here, this country is located in the Central part of Africa bordering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the East, Central African Republic and South Sudan in the North, Congo Brazzaville in the West, Angola and Zambia in the South, it is characterized with tropical rain forests, Bamboo forests, Savannah grasslands and Woodlands, plus Swampy areas.

The best way of reaching Democratic Republic of Congo is by landing in Rwanda at Kigali airport and cross via Bukavu border since Congo has poor air transport means, landing in at Kigali airport you will be transferred by driver from Eco Tours Congo up to Bukavu border, clear with officials at the customs and then transferred by Kahuzi Biega team using their stable safari jeeps up to your hotel of residence.

After lowland gorilla trekking safari, you can combine it with the mountain gorillas in the Virunga National Park and it is much easy to use one visa if your trip does not exceed a week. From Bukavu you will board the speed boat and transfer to Goma and upon arrival the guide from Virunga Foundation will be ready waiting for you and transfer you the Goma Serena Hotel for overnight stay.

Today, you will head to Virunga Foundation offices for your permits clearance and after embark the safari vehicle and transfer to Rumangabo – Mikeno Lodge one of the luxury lodges in the park and then those on mid-range or budget holidays will transfer to Bukima Tented Camp or Kibumba Tented Camp.

Requirements for issuance of entry permission at the Congo border include a Congo tourist Visa, Valid passport reading your names plus a valid yellow fever vaccination card, process of getting a Congo tourist visa is somehow tricky but you can easily get it when you apply for it through Eco Tours Congo since they have partnership with the Virunga Foundation in offering best services to every traveler visiting the Virunga National Park.

Even all other transportation services from Goma border up to your place of residence in Congo will be booked by them. This Congo Tourist Visa is always applied for in a minimum period of two weeks before you’re traveling dates since its processing takes a period of one full week.

Democratic Republic of Congo has its two major national parks named Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park with Virunga National Park being ranked as the oldest National Park in Africa formerly called Albert National Park, these rarely seen Eastern Lowland Gorilla Species in Democratic Republic of Congo are only found in Kahuzi Biega National Park, this protected area is near Bukavu town in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo near the Western bank of Lake Kivu and Rwanda border, it is also characterized with tropical rain forest, bamboo forests and swampy areas where these shy endangered apes reside, rest and feed from.

Trekking these apes in the jungles of Kahuzi Biega National Park you are required to first buy a permit which issues permission for the activity and this permit costs $400 USD per person which is cheaper when compared with Rwanda and Uganda.

As usual trekking these apes in the jungle a group of 06 people are allowed per gorilla family after a briefing about the dos and don’ts while in the presence of these apes which is usually done by the park officials.

You are assigned a park ranger guide to lead you through the jungle as for them are well informed of where these apes spent their last night, after locating presence of these apes a period of one hour only is allowed to be in their presence while seeing them playing with their ones, laughing, feeding plus taking photos of them for memories, after that you are required to vacate that place such that room is created for these apes to continue with their day-to-day activities.

Trekking in the jungle you are able to sight different features which include big tree species, insects like butter flies, primates like monkeys, Reptiles like snakes and different bird species.

For successful trekking do not forget to bring yourself strong impenetrable hiking shoes since the jungle is characterized with mud in some trails, thorn and hooks, other requirements to pack include insect repellents, sun glasses and caps, long sleeved shirts and trouser, shocking, Waterproof jackets and bags to protect yourself from biting insects, sunshine, thorn scratches and rain fall water respectively.

The post Lowland Gorilla Trekking in Democratic Republic of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

History of the orphanage

In early 2009, Chief Warden Emmanuel de Merode and park rangers regained control of Virunga, following the arrest of rebel leader Laurent Nkunda. Shortly after, park staff began raising awareness about the two young orphan mountain gorillas that were in their care. Orphans Ndeze and Ndakasi had been forced by the circumstances of war to live in tiny compound in the capital city of Goma. Unlike their natural environment, Goma was heavily polluted, noisy, and largely built on a lava flow devoid of vegetation.

With the southern sector once again secure, a team set out to raise money to build a care facility at park headquarters in Rumangabo. The site chosen for the facility was perfect: lush forest, teaming with wildlife, expansive and safe. As 2009 drew to a close, park staff kicked off an intense online campaign, and in a matter of two months, raised $211,000.

The World Heritage Organization matched every dollar donated by caring individuals around the world. The Murry Foundation and Howard G. Buffett Foundation also provided critical funding. The “Senkwekwe Centre” was soon built and the orphans living in Goma were promptly transferred to their new home. The centre is named after the dominant Silver Back of the Rugendo group, who was murdered in 2007, along with three other members of his family.

At the end of 2010, two more orphan mountain gorillas, Maisha and Koboko, were transferred to the Senkwekwe Centre. They came from Rwanda where they had been living in a small facility. The four gorillas settled in nicely and soon became a tightly knit family. Tragically, Koboko died during the latest conflict. Although the official cause of death was attributed to a gastrological infection, the sounds of mortar fire and machine guns severely stressed Koboko, and likely led to the collapse of his immune system.

The latest addition to the Senkwekwe Centre is Matabishi, a young male that was found alone and outside the park boundary near Bikenge. Poachers who feared they would be arrested by Virunga rangers likely released Matabishi. After 6-month quarantine, Matabishi has joined Ndeze, Ndakasi, and Maisha.

The Senkwekwe Centre also plays a critical role in rehabilitating orphan eastern lowland gorillas confiscated from animal traffickers. Once rehabilitated, these gorilla orphans are transferred to the GRACE facility for eastern lowland gorillas.

The post Senkwekwe Orphanage Centre, Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

Democratic Republic of Congo is listed among the major homes of the Gorillas in Africa with both Low land and mountain gorillas in its top destinations.

This nation is located in the Central part of Africa bordering South Sudan and Central African Republic in the North, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the East, Zambia in the South, and Congo Brazzaville in the West.

How Best to Reach Democratic Republic of Congo?

You can better reach Democratic Republic of Congo when you land in Rwanda at Kigali airport and cross borders because Congo’s air transport system are very poor to the extent of not working at all.

Therefore its better you land in Rwanda and our driver will be waiting for you to drive down to Goma border where you will cross from after clearing with the required offices.

Thereafter you will be transferred by the Virunga safari jeeps up to your required destinations, all these safari logistics will be arranged by Eco tours Congo a trusted agency at offering the best responsible tourism in the region.

Put this in mind that you have to apply for a visa entry to Rwanda and then with your tour operator arrangement will be having your visa entry to Congo. Then a day you return to Goma border exit Congo and enter Rwanda and again buy a visa entry and then continue with your plan to your next destination.

But if you are planning to visit both the gorilla parks of Congo and you do not want to pay a lot visa entries to both countries here is the suggested route to use.

From Virunga return to Goma and then take boat cruise from Goma to Bukavu and make sure you are in the country (Congo) not more than 07 days valid of the visa. The tourist entry visa of Democratic Republic of Congo costs $105 USD per person.

Where to Go Gorilla Treks in DR Congo?

Democratic Republic of Congo is habiting two species of gorillas in its top destinations named mountain gorillas which are found in Virunga National Park and Lowland gorillas which are found in Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Below are the top destinations in Democratic Republic of Congo where you can find these mostly wanted attractions while in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Virunga National Park

This is the most known destination to visit in Democratic Republic of Congo mainly for mountain gorillas, most of the visitors to Congo go with the interest of visiting this national park because of its attractive primates in its diversity, mountain gorillas are herbivorous ground dwelling apes which are black in color and tailless.

This park was formerly named Albert National park and it covers about 7,800Km² that stretches from the Virunga Mountains in the south, to the Rwenzori Mountains in the north, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Rwenzori Mountains National Park & Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

This park is ranked to be the first safari national park in Africa and was established in 1925 primarily to protect the shy endangered mountain gorillas.

Virunga National Park is among the best sites in rewarding amazing gorilla trekking safaris where you visit these apes in the jungle very excited to see them feeding, playing with their young ones, laughing plus taking photos of these apes for memories, you are issued a one hour permission to stay with these apes in the jungle after descend back to the park offices in Bukima for gorilla trekking certificate award, while in Virunga National Park you can also visit the Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage Center mostly when you sleep at Mikeno Lodge where all orphaned & uncared gorillas are protected and provided care from.

Kahuzi Biega National Park

This is the second gorilla hosting destination in Democratic Republic of Congo, and it’s a protected area near Bukavu town in Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo and it’s also near the western bank of Lake Kivu & Rwanda border, it covers about 6000km² of Area and rated to be one of the biggest national parks in the country.

This park is commonly known for the Lowland gorillas, these Lowland gorillas are huge herbivorous ground dwelling apes which feed on stem, foliage, leaves and some fruits, they are brownish in color with black mouth and nose, tailless, they are very huge when compared to mountain gorillas, they always live-in groups named “Troop” which comprises of both female and male members, these groups are always led by the male dominant Silver backs.

How Do I Save if I do a Gorilla Trekking Safari in Democratic Republic of Congo than Uganda & Rwanda?

This is very clear to visit mountain gorillas in the jungle you must buy a permit which issues you permission for the activity therefore, gorilla trekking permit in Democratic Republic of Congo costs $400 USD per person and that of Uganda and Rwanda costs $700 USD and $1500 USD per person respectively.

When you compare the prices doing gorilla trekking in Congo vice versa Uganda you will save $200 USD if you change to Congo and that for Rwanda you save $1100 USD.

After the gorilla trekking excursion either in Virunga National Park or Kahuzi Biega National Park, a chimpanzee habituation walk in Tongo forest is another activity to engage in as you spend your days in Democratic Republic of Congo.

The post How Safe Is Gorilla Trekking Tours In Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

The town is located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, next to the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. The Lake and the two cities (Goma and Gisenyi) are in the Albertine Rift, the western branch of the East African Rift system.

Goma is within easy access to the worldly famous Virunga National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Goma also lies only 13–18 kilometers (8.1–11.2 miles) south of the active Nyiragongo Volcano.

Virunga National Park, in Goma, is Africa’s oldest park, created in 1925 as Albert National Park in a commemoration of the then King of Belgium, King Albert 1.

It is one of the three national parks under the Virunga conservation area (Virunga massif), the other two being Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, of which all these three Parks are well known for inhabiting the endangered mountain gorillas.

The three parks are all contiguous to each other as it was one park, way back, before splitting into Virunga, Volcanoes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks.

The Virunga massif passed through two East African countries (Rwanda and Uganda), and one Sub-Saharan Central African country, DR Congo.

In the whole world, mountain gorillas can only be tracked from two destinations; Virunga massif (Virunga, Volcanoes, and Mgahinga), and in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, which is also found in the southwestern parts of Uganda as Mgahinga.

Hence the tracking of mountain gorillas can only take place in three countries worldwide Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.

The most fascinating thing with taking your gorilla trekking safari in Goma (Virunga National Park) is that you will trek these endangered primates at lower prices than any other gorilla trekking national park such as Volcanoes, Mgahinga and Bwindi.

A Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permit is the cheapest as it costs only US$ 400, almost four times cheaper than that of Rwanda which costs US$ 1500.

Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permit is also cheaper than that of Uganda which costs US$ 700, thus making Congo gorilla tours the most affordable ones and a tourist will therefore save more while getting the same experience of trekking these giant mountain gorillas in Virunga.

Of current, the endangered mountain gorillas in Virunga are the main attraction in this park given the fact that this is among the few parks in the world with these endangered gorillas.

People prefer to track the gorillas here also because the cost is low and the park is also less congested compared to other tracking centers like Volcanoes and Bwindi Forest National Park.

This park is still fresh for new discoveries since it has not had a lot of tourism activity for a long time since its inception and it would be a good idea for those who want research and adventures in the same line.

For some good time, the area has been free for rebel activity and it is safe to travel, there is of course propaganda that the place is not safe but what of the influx of tourist coming in every day.

Virunga National Park comprises of 8 habituated gorilla families which are open for trekkers; Bageni gorilla family, Nyakamwe gorilla family, Mapuwa gorilla family, Kabirizi gorilla family, Humba gorilla family, Lulengo gorilla family, Rugendo gorilla family, and Munyaga gorilla family.

Many travelers to Virunga National Park prefer flying to Kigali International Airport, and then connect by road through Gisenyi town, and cross to Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo by dirt road. From Gisenyi it is an average of 2-hour drive to reach the park headquarters at Bukima.

Travelers from Uganda side just cross at Bunagana border post in Kisoro town and take an hour drive to Bukima, the Mountain gorilla trek starting point in Virunga.

Contact your chosen tour agency in advance and pay some deposit to secure your safari with the agency, and for a proper planning of your gorilla safari in Democratic Republic of Congo hence returning back home with great memorable escapades ahead of disappointments.

After enjoying the trekking of mountain gorillas, still in Virunga you can hike the Nyiragongo volcano for a more memorable safari in the park.

At the summits of the volcano you will be amazed by the large bubbling lava lake, which at your first sight you may think that you are in front of a photo shopped stuff but as you continue viewing, you will then begin realizing that you in reality and begin taking as many photos as you can for a remembrance of this world’s largest lava lake resided at the summits of Nyiragongo volcano.

The Nyiragongo volcano hike permit costs US$ 300 and it can be purchased from the volcano’s headquarters. The hiking of Nyiragongo can take two days (one night at the Nyiragongo volcano shelter summits, at the summits of the volcano), achieving a lifetime experience while there which you will narrate to your friends, relatives and children back home to inspire them too. Many other wildlife species can also be found in Virunga including; chimpanzees, elephants, golden monkeys, and many others.

Some of the possible rules and regulations for gorilla trekking to follow:

-Arrive at the park headquarters earlier (07:00am) for briefings before going in for the trekking activity and in order to be given your exact gorilla family to trek.

-All the trails are spear-headed by expert local park rangers.

-A maximum of eight individuals per group are allowed to go in the jungles of Virunga to trek the endangered mountain gorillas.

-You should owe a Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla permit to go for the trekking and it will be presented at the Park headquarters, of which it also includes the park entrance fees, therefore you won’t be asked for extra charges regarding to Park entrance.

-Trekkers will only be allowed to spend with the mountain gorillas for only one hour after meeting them however the experience achieved from that one hour is of a lifetime.

-While taking the gorilla photos, trekkers are advised not to use the flashlight cameras as the lights may scare the gorillas and run away during the process.

-You are emphasized to keep at least a minimum distance of 7 meters away from the gorillas while viewing them, and this is so simply because these gorillas share almost the same DNA with humans and can therefore catch some of our diseases.

-Do not mimic the gorillas because you may not know what you are meaning to them.

-Do not smoke from the Park.

-Do not litter the Park.

-Ensure your physical measures before going in for the activity as it (gorilla trekking) is somehow challenging; in other-words, ill and sick individuals will not be allowed to go for the trekking of mountain gorillas.

The post Tourist Places To Visit In Democratic Republic Of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

Gorilla trekking is such an exciting activity that every African tourist should opt for while in the continent as the activity offers a very memorable experience.

It is a tiresome activity that may last up to 8 hours implicating, thus you will need refreshments and eats (probably snacks) during the activity.

However, though the trekking of gorillas is somehow tiresome, when you access these gentle apes (gorillas) you will forget all the difficult time you passed through.

When you come in touch with the gorillas, you will only be given one hour to interact with them as you see how they feed, play, communicate, walk and also have their photo shoots to show your beloved ones back home, and also have great memories of the gorillas.

Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country all over the world where one will encounter both the eastern lowland gorillas and the endangered mountain gorillas.

Virunga National Park is the only residence for mountain gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo well as the lowland gorillas in the country can only be trekked from Kahuzi-Biega National Park, of which both Parks lie in the eastern parts of Democratic Republic of Congo.

Besides being the only country with both the lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas, Democratic Republic of Congo offers the most affordable gorilla expeditions as compared to the other gorilla trekking countries such as Uganda and Rwanda.

Democratic Republic of Congo gorilla trekking permit is arguably the cheapest as it costs only US$ 400 unlike those of Uganda and Rwanda which cost US$ 700 and US$ 1500 respectively.

Gorilla permits are booked by your tour agency that you book a safari through such as Eco Tours Congo and among others.

On your day of trekking, you head to the Park headquarters for briefing and also get a family of gorillas to trek.

You will then head to the forest with the park rangers who help search for you the assigned family of gorillas and chase away the dangerous animals.

Hiking the forest is a difficult exercise that needs you to be energetic but porters are always there to support you on an affordable price.

You will always have a fantastic gorilla trekking safari in Democratic Republic of Congo as you see different families of gorillas and enjoy the unique experience.

Democratic Republic of Congo comprises of eight habituated gorilla families that are open to trekkers and these are Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Munyaga, Nyakamwe, Humba, Rugendo and Lulengo.

During the trekking process, trekkers are advised to maintain maximum silence and other rules and regulations to consider during gorilla trekking include, keep at least 7 meters away from the gorillas while viewing them, do not litter in the Park, do not smoke from the park, do not use flashlight cameras while taking gorilla photos, and all the trails in the park are led by park rangers.

In Democratic Republic of Congo, a gorilla trekker will have a great opportunity to trek both the eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas without leaving the eastern province of Congo.

The eastern lowland gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo are found in Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Park comprises of over 12 gorilla families with only four being habituated and open to trekkers.

These habituated gorilla families include: Chimanuka, Mpungwe, Bonnani, and Mugahuka with Mpungwe being the largest gorilla family in the park.

Still in the eastern province of Democratic Republic of Congo, in Virunga National Park, a tourist will also get engaged in many other interesting activities such as; a two days hike to Nyiragongo volcano to view the bubbling lava lake at the summits of the volcano.

Chimpanzee trekking is another enjoyable activity that tourists will do and bird watching plus many other activities. As of now and due to your secure safety, gorilla trekkers in Virunga will base in Kibumba tented camp.

The post Encounter Double Gorilla Trekking In Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

The rare endangered mountain gorillas can only be trekked from Congo and Uganda, and even in Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in all the countries is almost similar though there are other things that can make it different.

The following is a comparison between gorilla trekking safaris in Congo & Uganda, and it will be on you the trekker to choose on where to go.

Gorilla Trekking in Uganda

Uganda is found in the Eastern parts of Africa and it is one of the only three countries that protect the rare endangered mountain gorillas.

Unlike in other gorilla trekking countries where the trekking is done in one park, the trekking of mountain gorillas in Uganda is done in two different national parks which include; Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park, all found in the western parts of the country.

However, Bwindi is the best Park in Uganda for gorilla trekking and it holds the largest number of mountain gorillas in all the parks that protect these primates.

Bwindi comprises of four sectors each with different gorilla families and these are; Buhoma sector, Rushaga sector, Ruhija sector and Nkuringo.

Interestingly, Buhoma is the first sector where gorilla tourism was first done when Mubare gorilla family (Bwindi national park’s oldest family) was habituated in 1992 just a year after the establishment of Bwindi forest into a national park.

The sector as of current it comprises of four habituated gorilla families which are open to trekkers. Besides Mubare, the other three families are; Habinyanja family, Rushegura family, and Katwe family. The sector is located in the northern parts of the park.

Besides gorilla trekking, there are many other activities that tourists to Buhoma will enjoy such as; birding, community visits to Bakiga and Batwa communities, hiking trails which include Munyaga trail, waterfall trail, Rushura trail, River Ivi trail, and Muzabajiro loop trail, to mention but a few.

In the southern part of the park is Rushaga sector which comprises of 8 habituated gorilla families, namely; Nshongi, Bweza, Busingye, Mishaya, Mukyunguzi, and Kahungye plus Bushaho and Bikyinji. Other activities done in Rushaga also include; bird watching, Batwa cultural visits, and forest walks among others.

Rushaga is also a home to Lake Mutanda thus an opportunity for travelers to have boat cruise at the lake. Ruhija sector is situated in the eastern section of the park and it is home to Mukisa gorilla family, Oruzogo gorilla family, Kyaguriro family, and Bitukura gorilla family.

Ruhija also offers the most strenuous and adventurous hiking trail to Rwamunyonyi peak thus being a best sector for hikers.

Nkuringo sector is also found in the southern parts of Bwindi, and it is a home to Nkuringo gorilla family and Christmas gorilla family though at times, Bushaho gorilla family crosses from Rushaga.

Gorilla trekkers can decide to trek the gorillas in any of the Park’s four sectors and enjoy the life changing encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitats.

The Park has a total of 18 habituated gorilla families trekked from its four sectors. The other 19^th gorilla family that Uganda has is found in Mgahinga National Park, which is called Nyakagezi gorilla family and it is the only gorilla family in Mgahinga.

Gorilla lovers who will want to go for gorilla trekking in Bwindi and Mgahinga should consult the best local tour agencies to organize a better gorilla safari.

Such agencies include; Nature Adventure Africa Safari Limited, and Eco Tours Uganda among others. The agencies will provide you with the suitable vehicle of your own choice.

Some of the vehicles offered by the above tour agencies include; Land Cruisers, Rav4, Safari Vans, Costar buses, Super Customs, Extended Land Cruisers, and others.

Your tour agency will do most of your bookings including; hotel reservation, purchasing you the gorilla permit, hiring you your desired safari vehicle, and airport pickup during your arrival, among others.

A gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$ 700, however Uganda also provides an opportunity to the gorilla trekkers to go for the process of gorilla habituation which lasts for 4 hours and thus the habituation permit costs US$ 1500 for those who may wish to go for the activity.

For the sake of gorilla trekking, trekkers are allowed to spend only one hour with the gorillas unlike in gorilla habituation where trekkers will spend 4 hours with the primates.

Gorilla trekking in Congo;

Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the central parts of Africa (Central Africa). Congo gorilla trekking is the cheapest and most affordable of all the three gorilla trekking countries (Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda).

A Congo gorilla permit costs US$ 400 which is a cheaper price to that of Uganda which costs US$ 700 and for Rwanda which is purchased at US$ 1500.

Mountain gorillas in Congo are trekked from Virunga National Park and the Park consists of 8 habituated gorilla families, namely; Kabirizi, Bageni, Mapuwa, Nyakamwe, Lulengo, Munyaga, Bageni, and Humba. Gorillas in Virunga Park are tracked from its sector known as; Bukima Patrol Post.

In all the gorilla trekking national parks, the trekking is done in groups of 8 individuals per trekking group and trekkers are strictly given one hour that they should spend with the gorillas.

Though you will spend only one hour with the gorillas, I assure you that the experience achieved from that one hour is of a lifetime. Viewing the gorillas, trekkers are advised to keep a certain distance of at least 7 meters away from the primates.

This is due to the protection of the gorillas because these primates can catch some human diseases such as; flu and cough if at all the trekkers are infected and come close to them (Mountain gorillas).

However, Congo also comprises of the eastern low-land gorillas which exist in Kahuzi-Biega national park, hence offering an opportunity to the gorilla lovers to experience them too.

Mountain gorillas and eastern low-land gorillas have different impressive behaviors and Congo is the best country to experience the behaviors of both gorillas and at an affordable price. Low-land gorilla permit in Congo also costs US$ 400.

The post Compare Gorilla Trek In Congo & Uganda first appeared on Congo Parks.

It’s located in the Central part of the African Continent bordering Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania in the Eastern part, Central African Republic in the North, Congo Brazzaville in the West, Angola and Zambia in the Southern part.

Democratic Republic of Congo is characterized with Tropical rain forest, montane, Savannah grasslands, Bamboo forests, flat and hilly areas plus large Swampy areas, these forests of Congo are very thick consisting of big tree species, thorns and hooks, shrubs and more.

Democratic Republic of Congo is among the destinations which are characterized with different Gorilla species which include Mountain Gorillas and Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Other primates and Species in Democratic Republic of Congo include Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Vervets, Okapi, Chimpanzees, Antelopes, Owls, Hyenas, Kobs, leopards, Lions, Bush babies, Baboons, Chameleon, Reptiles like Black cobras, Python, Gabon Viper, insects like Butter flies, tsetse flies, different bird species plus different physical features which include Mountains, Rivers and Lakes.

 Why Visit Gorillas in Congo?

Variety of different Species Available.

Among the three Gorilla hosting destinations in Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo is the only destination which hosts two different species of Gorillas in its thick tropical rain forest in the Virunga Massif; these Species include Mountain Gorillas and the Eastern Lowland Gorillas.

Mountain Gorillas are Black herbivorous ground dwelling apes which feed on young bamboo shoot, stem, foliage, tree leaves and some fruits supplied by visitors like mangoes, sweet bananas, jack fruit, sugar canes and more While Eastern Lowland Gorillas are brownish herbivorous ground dwelling apes which also feed on foliage, young bamboo shoot, stem, tree leaves, flowers and some fruits.

When you compare both species in Size and height, Lowland Gorillas are bigger and taller than Mountain Gorillas.

Well established trails/routes.

When trekking in the Jungle there are resignation trails you should follow in search of these Gorillas and when it comes to that Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park are well rewarded with permanent established routes which are in good state some free of thorns and hooks, free from mud thus influencing proper hauling of trekkers heading to different locations in the Jungle.

Affordable Prices for permits.

To Visit Gorillas in their habitats you must buy a permit “Gorilla trekking permit” which issues you permission for this activity but when you compare prices of permits in the three Gorilla hosting countries, Democratic Republic of Congo appears to be cost efficient with its permit costing $400 USD per person, that of Rwanda and Uganda costs $1500 USD and $700 USD per person respectively.

Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is diminishing at a high rate because its permit is too expensive when you compare reaching to an extent of tripling prices of permits for Democratic Republic of Congo yet they have less varieties than Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Need for Support of Conservation of Gorillas.

This money paid for the Gorilla trekking permit is not used for consumption purposes but rather used in the conservation of these apes for future generation through funding the conservation organizations like Gorilla doctors, friend a Gorilla and Virunga foundation which is responsible for managing the gazetted habitats for Gorillas.

Variety of Other Species & Primates.

During your trekking Journey in the Jungle its associated with an en-route game viewing which provides you with opportunities of sighting different primates like Black & White Colobus Monkeys, Red tailed Monkeys, Vervets, Blue Monkeys swinging on the tree branches, Bush babies, Baboons, Hyenas, different bird species crossing around, insects like Butter flies on the tree leaves, tsetse flies, bees on flowers plus big tree species.

If visiting Mountain Gorillas and Lowland Gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo is your interest for the year 2018 you will only find them in Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park respectively.

The post Why Visit Gorillas In Democratic Republic Of Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.

Kahuzi Biega National Park is a hidden secret in Africa and it has been less traveled hence offering the adventure kind of experience unique to the travelers. Kahuzi Biega National Park was established in 1970 covering a total land area of approximately 600,000square kilometres situated in the eastern part of Democratic republic of Congo in Bukavu town. About vegetation cover in the national park, it is marshlands, blogs, swamps, tropical rain forests and Riparian’s which all favour diversity of wild and bird life in the national park. All the above makes it prefect destination for relaxation and exploring the adventure destination to be visited.

Congo has been working tiresomely to improve and modernize the tourism industry in the Southern Lake Kivu to ensure that travelers increase the visitation of the region to trek the lowland gorillas in the Jungle of Kahuzi Biega National Park. Lowland Gorilla permit costs USD 400 according to the destination Experts of Kahuzi Biega National Park.

Early Morning after breakfast, drive to Kahuzi Biega National Park to trek the lowland Gorillas, The Drive from Orchid Safari lodge is about 1 hour to the park headquarters for the true experience of the lowland gorillas in Democratic Republic of Congo. During the briefing time clients are entertained by the cultural dance and hot tea offered by the park. Trekking lowland Gorillas is very amazing as lowland Gorillas differ from the mountain gorillas. The lowland Gorillas stay in bigger families as compared to mountain gorillas; you will not regret the safari effort once you meet the amazing Gorillas!

Another Congo gorilla journey focuses on Virunga national park a home mountain gorillas. Gorilla Trekking tours in Congo are becoming popular worldwide! The country is safe and open to all International visitors. On this gorilla safari, you will go gorilla trekking in the Virunga national park of Congo. This gorilla tour will start in Rwanda, where you will transfer to Virunga National park in Democratic republic of Congo via Uganda’s Cyanika border. The park has five families of gorillas with three groups most tracked.

At the Park Headquarters, you will be briefed about gorilla tracking dos and don’ts before setting off into the forest to track gorillas in Parc National des Virunga of Congo for the incredible experience. In the course of searching for the Mountain Gorillas, you will be exposed to excellent birding and primates such as the Golden Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, Black and White colobus monkey, and giant forest hogs among others. You will stay with these beautiful primates for one hour for observation and photography. Gorilla tracking through the forest, hills and swamps can be tough, arduous and tiring, sometimes taking up to 8 hours in the forest. But coming face to face with the great primates is well worth the effort.

The post Gorilla Safari Journeys in DR Congo first appeared on Congo Parks.