Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biege Vs Bwindi National Park: Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Democratic Republic of Congo. The park is located in the eastern part of the country between two volcanic mountains such as Kahuzi and Biega in the province of Bukavu and it drives its name from them. Kahuzi Biega National Park is one of the natural homes of the eastern lowland gorilla (Grauer’s gorillas) and the only protected area where these species can be trekked by tourists. The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique biodiversity and for being one of the remaining places of the biggest gorilla species on earth. However, the number of eastern lowland gorillas in the park is decreasing due to diseases, civil wars and poaching.
The park is home to primates like the star Eastern lowland gorillas, cercopiuthic of Hoest, red tailed monkey, vervet monkeys, chimpanzees, olive baboons, and black and white colobus. Kahuzi Biega National Park has over 300 species of mammals including forest elephants, bongo antelopes, bush buffaloes and bush squirrels among others. The park is also a home to over 349 different species napped of birds such as Congo peafowl, great blue Turaco, yellow-crested helmet-strike, Grauer’s broadbill, yellow- bailed barbet, and eastern bronze-naped pigeon among others
Apart from eastern lowland gorillas tracking, tourists have a lot to see and do while in Kahuzi Biega National Park for example birding, viewing waterfalls, small primate viewing, climbing the two volcanic mountains of Kahuzi and Biega as well as Bukavu city tours
On the side of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, the park is famously known for its mountain gorilla, gorilla trekking, gorilla habituation a and birding safaris. The parks are a hone over 880 mountain gorilla’s and holding half of the remaining largest population of the mountain gorillas, Uganda is a home of two mountain gorillas that is Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is one of the oldest country’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site was gazetted as a wildlife reserve in 1932 and later gained its status as a national park in 1991. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park is located far in the southwestern part of Uganda neighboring districts Kabale, Kisoro, and Rubanda districts; it is close to Kigali, Rwanda with only 4 to 5 hours drive to reach the park from Kigali city The Park has one of the greatest species diversity in Africa with more than 120 species of mammals, 346 species of birds, 202 species of butterflies, 163 species of trees, 100 species of ferns, 27 species of frogs, chameleons, geckos recorded, and many more endangered species offering a visitor to this park with a variety to see on his or her safari. Gorilla tracking is one of the major activities done in Bwindi Impenetrable national park
Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biege Vs Bwindi National Park
Eastern lowland gorilla tracking in Kahuzi- Biega National Park is a must done activity to every visitor on a Congo safari in the park. The activity starts in the morning with the briefing about the gorilla trekking procedures, rules and regulations, carryon item as well as the expectations. After the briefing you will be allocated with one experienced park guide and the habituated gorilla family to track. Note! Kahuzi-Biega national park has only fully 5 habituated eastern lowland gorilla families allowed for visitors to track in a day and with a maximum of 8 visitors for a single gorilla family. During the track, you will get a chance of encountering with others mammal species that live in the park’s forest, primates and also other bird species. Up on meeting with this fascinating primate, you will get an opportunity to observe how these captivating primates live in the wild as well as seeing how they carry their daily activities while comparing withy the mountain gorilla’s behaviors
On the side of Bwindi, Gorilla trekking in national park is one of the main activities offered to visitors while on a Uganda safari in the park. Gorilla trekking is an activity that involves a foot walk through the jungles of Bwindi Forest in search of habituated gorillas in their natural habitat, with the guidance of rangers, guides, and trackers. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park has over 25 habituated gorilla families that tourists can trek in the four different sectors of the park. Buhoma gorilla sector in the northern part of the sector has 4 habituated gorilla families; Ruhija gorilla sector in the east of the park has 4 habituated gorilla families; Nkuringo gorilla sector in the south has 3 gorilla families; and Rushaga gorilla sector in the south also has 8 habituated gorilla families. During the trek, you will have the opportunity to meet with other wildlife species that call the park home such as primate species like different monkey species such as red-tailed monkeys, mona monkeys, vervet monkeys, and black and white colobus monkeys, among other monkey species. You can also see a number of golden monkeys as well as different bird species. Upon encountering a gorilla family, you will only allow to spend a memorable one-hour interaction while observing how they carry on their daily activities like breastfeeding, feeding, playing among others. Visitors will also have the chance to observe their behavior, social, this intimate experience offers a unique insight into the lives of these endangered animals and creatures and creates lasting connection between humans and gorillas.
Cost of gorilla trekking permits in both Kahuzi Biege Vs Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park
For one to participate in this thrilling activity should have valid permit that allows she/he to trek them. this is illegal document that authorizes one to search or trek for a gorilla family. if you opt to visit the eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biege National Park, Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in the park costs USD 400 per person.
On the other hand, the cost of Uganda gorilla permits cost of USD 800 per person. In addition, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park offers gorilla habituation which lets you spend 4 hours with the gorillas and goes for USD 1500. During the habituation experience, you may also witness the gorillas feeding, grooming, playing and interacting with each other, offering a rare and intimate look into their daily lives. You may even have the hance to see young gorillas at play or observe the dominant silverback gorilla leading and protecting his family.
Accommodation in the Gorilla Trekking Kahuzi Beige Vs Bwindi Impenetrable National Park comparison
Both Kahuzi Beige National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and have the best accommodation facilities that are near and within the park and all range from luxury, midrange and basic or budget facilities. Depending on where you go for gorilla trekking you will be served right. In Kahuzi Beige National Park you will have some of the following accommodation facilities to pick from;
Kahuzi Beige National Park- Accommodation Facilities
orchids safari club: this luxury lodge offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and beautiful views of the park. visitors can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant and relax by the pool after a day of exploring the park
Coco Lodge Bukavu: This Lodge is built in the town of Bukavu which is near the park. There are 8 rooms that offer mid-range facilities. The rooms have both single and double beds that are furnished with African art, WiFi, televisions, hot/cold showers and toilets.
Hotel Begonias Bukavu: The hotels’ beautiful garden is the first thing that captures the attention of visitors. The rooms are excellent with friendly staffs that are on call day and night. The hotel offers a beautiful swimming pool for its residents.
Lwiro Primates Rehabilitation Centre: This budget-friendly accommodation option offers basic rooms and dormitories within the primate rehabilitation center. Guests can learn about the conservation efforts at the center and interact with the rescued primates.
Lake Side Hotel Bukavu: This is one of the standout hotels in Bukavu. The hotel is strategically built near Lake Kivu to give clients great views of the lake and its islands. Food is delicious and can be served at the restaurant or in the room.
Tchegera Island Camp: Located on Tchegera Island in Lake Kivu, this camp offers safari tents with stunning views of the lake. Guests can enjoy water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing during their stay.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park- Accommodation Facilities
Clouds Mountain gorilla lodge: Clouds Mountain Lodge is also the best luxury lodge to stay at while on your Uganda safari in Bwindi impenetrable forest national park. It is situated within Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and it is famously known as one of the eco-friendly lodges found in Uganda, which offers a luxurious lifestyle to travellers. In addition, the Cloud Mountain Gorilla Lodge was well constructed and designed using natural materials like rock, stones, and wood. More so, by staying at this lodge, individuals get to spend a luxurious time while they are around an area that is home to mountain gorillas
Mahogany Springs Camp: One of the luxury accommodations on facilities near Bwindi Impenetrable National Park we have Mahogany Springs Camp that features expanse panoramic terrace overlooking the river and the forest, a restaurant and bar plus a double-sided fireplace. Some of the amenities at the lodge include excellent room service, private terrace, and spacious rooms.
Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge: Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge is the finest luxury lodge at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. The lodge offers dramatic, intense views of the forest canopy across a stunning stream; it is one of Africa’s unique properties. The lodge offers visitors a chance to encounter the gorillas, as they frequently come to relax in the lush bush around the lodge. The lodge also boasts eight lodges facing the forest. Each of the guest Bandas has a sitting area, a terrace, and an en-suite luxury shower room. The main living area has a central fireplace, which acts as a focal point for guests to relax and discuss their gorilla trekking experiences. A large terrace overlooking the forest is a great spot to spot the monkeys and birds hidden in the foliage.
Gorilla Forest Camp: Gorilla Forest Camp is located in Buhoma about 500 meters from the park entrance. The camp offers breakfast and lunch which are served from an open area of the camp. Travelers engaging in gorilla trekking always opt for this camp because of its distance from the starting point. In this place, visitors get to watch different bird species and chartering monkeys from the forests that regularly pass through via the ground.
