5 Facts About Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Gorillas are human-like apes or primates that live in the rainforests, swamps, and lowland areas of Africa. Gorillas are found in the eastern, central, and western parts of the African continent. Gorillas are divided into two species namely; the eastern gorilla and the western gorilla species. The eastern gorilla is divided into two sub-species namely; the lowland gorillas and the mountain gorillas.
Mountain gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These countries are home to the remaining mountain gorilla population in the world. The gorillas are found in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and the Virunga conservation area comprising 3 national Parks. These include; Volcanoes National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, and Virunga National Park. The eastern lowland gorillas are found in Kahuzi Biega National Park in DRC.
The 5 facts about eastern lowland gorillas
- The eastern lowland gorilla also known as Grauer’s gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri), is one of the two subspecies of gorillas found in Africa. They are native to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) within the dense forests of the Albertine Rift.
- Eastern lowland gorillas are listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is estimated that their population has declined drastically due to habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest in the region. The exact number of eastern lowland gorillas is uncertain, but recent estimates suggest a population of fewer than 4,000 individuals.
- Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest subspecies of gorillas. Adult males, known as silverbacks, can weigh up to 400 pounds (180 kilograms) and stand about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) tall when upright. They have a robust build, long arms, and a pronounced sagittal crest on their heads.
- Eastern lowland gorillas inhabit the lowland tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, leaves, stems, and occasionally insects. They live in cohesive social groups led by a dominant silverback and consist of females, their offspring, and subordinate males. These gorillas are known for their gentle and peaceful behavior, although they can become aggressive if threatened.
- Eastern lowland gorillas are social animals and they live in groups called families. A gorilla family of eastern lowland gorillas is composed of 10 plus members led by an adult male known as a silverback. The family comprises more females and young ones.
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Located in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kahuzi Biega National Park is a well-known safari destination for lowland gorilla trekking tours. The tours involve clients walking through the swamps and forests of Congo in search of these magical apes. Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to approximately 400 eastern lowland gorillas. Visiting the park for a gorilla trekking tour gives you a chance to discover these magical species.
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park starts early in the morning at about 8:00 am. Travelers report to the park headquarters for the briefing before embarking on this amazing safari activity. Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park is dominated by swamps, streams, and grasslands. Lowland gorillas are found in low-altitude areas, unlike mountain gorillas.
This is what makes eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park a less challenging safari activity that requires less energy and physical fitness. If you are looking for a less challenging gorilla encounter in Africa, taking on a gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park is the real deal.
Upon meeting an eastern lowland gorilla family, trekkers can spend one hour in their presence. Ensure to strictly follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations while tracking the gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Kahuzi Biega National Park is a known safari destination for other safari activities like guided nature walks and birding safaris. Book your gorilla trekking safari package in Kahuzi Biega National Park and enjoy an everlasting moment as you observe the eastern lowland gorillas.
How much is a lowland gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Trekking the eastern lowland in Congo and Kahuzi Biega National Park requires one to have obtained a valid gorilla trekking permit. A gorilla trekking permit in Kahuzi Biega National Park costs USD 400 per person per trek. However, this price does not involve other safari costs like accommodation and transportation. Send us your inquiry regarding a gorilla trekking safari in Congo, we shall give you the quotation including meals, permits and transportation.
What to pack for an eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari?
An eastern lowland gorilla trekking safari is incomplete without the right packing list. Below are some of the essential items that you need to pack on your lowland gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi Biega National Park;
Waterproof jacket
Sturdy hiking shoes
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves
Backpack
Insect repellant
Reusable water bottle
Energy giving snacks
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries and memory cards for capturing memorable moments
Binoculars
Travel documents like visas and passport
Other places for gorilla trekking tours
Other than eastern lowland gorilla trekking in the Kahuzi Biega National Park, there are other places in East Africa where one can e
njoy amazing gorilla trekking safaris. These include;
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is located in the southwestern part of Uganda. It is home to half of the world’s mountain gorilla population. The park has 21 habituated mountain gorilla families available for trekking. A gorilla trekking tour in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park can start from either Kigali in Rwanda or Entebbe International Airport in Kampala.
Volcanoes National Park: The park is located in the northern parts of Rwanda close to the border of Uganda and Rwanda. There are 12 habituated mountain gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park available for trekking.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park: The park is located in the southwestern parts of Uganda near the Congo and Rwanda border. It is a haven for mountain gorillas as well as golden monkeys. It is also a reliable birding destination that you should add to your gorilla and birding safaris in Uganda.
Virunga National Park: The park is located in eastern DRC within the Virunga massif. Gorilla trekking tours in Virunga National Park come with scenic views of the Virunga mountains and Mount Nyiragongo.
