Belgium’s former colony, D.R. Congo is definitely the second biggest country in Africa, located at the northern banks of Congo River. It is also known as Congo – Zaire or Congo Kinshasa. D.R. Congo is second only to Algeria by surface area, situated in the heart of Africa sharing borders with Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda to the East, South Sudan and Central African Republic to the north, Atlantic Ocean in the southwest, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Zambia and Angola to the south.
This country was originally known as Zaire and it was named after Congo River which is the second largest and deepest river in the world after Amazon. DRC receives 2000mm of rainfall per annum with alternating dry and wet seasons that happen in specific months of the year, this has led to flourishing of economic and agriculture sectors in the country.
Gorilla Tours in Congo
As many will say, “Never judge a book by its cover” so I say.
Democratic Republic of Congo is a wonderful destination located in Africa, boarded by Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, among others. It has the oldest national park in Africa with the most active volcanic mountain.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has two main rain seasons from March to May and from October to November. During the rainy seasons, trekkers have difficulties in trekking due to rain interference and slippery grounds; however, it doesn’t stop travelers from hitting the road to the quest of what they love most.
Gorillas can be tracked in two main destinations while in the Democratic republic of Congo, one of them being Kahuzi-Biega national park for the lowland Gorillas and the other Virunga National Park for the endangered mountain gorillas.
Virunga National Park is the oldest wildlife protected area on the African continent created to protect and conserve the unique wildlife species such as the rare endangered Mountain Gorillas that can be found in only Africa and particularly Uganda, Rwanda and The Democratic Republic of Congo
Most tourists choose to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between June and September and February because the rain is less in these months, it is sunny in most areas.
The parks topography is raised with cool climate something that makes the land steep and hard for hiking during the trekking season in case of rain, so this makes the experts advise all visitors who want to do Gorilla Trekking in the democratic republic of Congo to Visit when all conditions are favorable.
As you plan to visit the Democratic Republic of Congo for your Gorilla trekking exercise, here are some of the basic tips that should help you, first, you will need to buy a gorilla permit before travel, this is done in all gorilla trekking countries and the better way to book the gorilla permit is through the National Park, some of the trusted tour companies in DRC or Uganda or Rwanda whom you trust.
These destinations gorilla trekking permits are the cheapest as compared to the one Uganda that sells at 600USD, Rwanda sells at 1500USD, while D.R. Congo sells at USD 400.
Besides the permit, make it a point to have the yellow fever card which is obtained after getting the injection. The yellow fever card acts as proof that you have been treated and are disease-free, other essential vaccinations may include typhoid, rabies, hepatitis A, and meningitis injections are recommended.
This activity of Gorilla Trekking may be simple by words but on action, it requires a lot, but not to scare you, there are some items that make you enjoy every detail of the tracking as well as taking the memories home. These equipment include; rain gears, woolen socks, first aid kits, very comfortable clothes, good strong trekking shoes, a light backpack with some snacks and enough water, a waterproof camera is advisable since there are always unpredictable rainfalls in the jungle.
Some of the facts to be considered as you plan to track the Gorillas in different destinations in the Democratic Republic of Congo include; Gorilla tracking takes that kick starts at between 8 am till 7 pm daily, Trackers are organized in a group of 8 which is the maximum number allowed to trek per day, Trekkers are permitted to spend one hour while with the gorillas, only those 15 years and above years of age are allowed into the park, all mineral water bottles are supposed to be dumped in a rubbish bin in order to protect the environment among others.
Having a gorilla trekking safari is something anyone wouldn’t want to miss in a lifetime, These primates live in families, each family requires a leader whereby each family group is headed by a dominant silverback, there are also female gorillas that are in charge of caretaking especially to the young gorillas, also there is nothing as amazing as watching the playful juvenile gorillas in the trees. The trekking activity commences at Bukima Patrol post in case you are to trek the Mountain Gorillas in Virunga national park.
Despite the historic wars and rebel activities in this country, it remains safe for all visitors. This tells you why there has been no tourist who has ever been kidnapped or killed while in any tour in Congo, the security operations aimed at building a system that focuses on safety and tourist’s satisfaction, no disease outbreak has to affect any tourist while in this area.
Democratic Republic of Congo is not yet so much explored by various people, so if you are to adventure, this is the way to go since it doesn’t provide the mountain gorillas only, but also the giant low land Gorillas found in Kahuzi-Biega national park.
Gorilla Families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park
Kahuzi-Biega national park is one of the largest and most protected area in Democratic Republic of Congo. Situated in the South Kivu province and lies west of Bukavu town near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site with an area cover of 6,000 square kilometers. The park has both mountainous and lowland terrains. Kahuzi-Biega National park is dominated by lowland gorillas.
Named after two dormant volcanoes which are Kahuzi and Biega which are 3308 and 2790 meters high respectively. Popularly known as home to eastern lowland gorillas which are a part of the various animal species found in the park. According to the 2004 research study report, there are 4 gorilla sub species and the Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of these four with a male being 1.85 meters tall and weighing about 210 kilograms while females are 1.6 meters tall and weigh about 100 kilograms.
Eastern lowland gorillas are very social and they peacefully live in groups of 2-30 and individually too. These groups also known as families are headed by a silverback which are dominant in nature. The families consist of many females and their offsprings. Just like the ancient polygamous families in Africa. Silverbacks are like fathers, they are the alphas of the family and are stronger than the other gorillas hence are in charge of protecting their families against harm and danger.
When the infants mature into silverbacks, they leave the family and form their own, this prevents conflicts within the family as they can’t have two silverbacks. Females usually give birth to only 1 infant after a gestation period of 8 months, twins are rare among gorillas and once this happens, it is highly celebrated.
Kahuzi-Biega is home to 9 gorilla families/groups though only 5 of these have been habituated. Habituation is when animals are trained to get familiar with human presence. Therefore this means there are only five families that can be trekked with in the national park and these are;
Bonnani Gorilla Family
This is the smallest lowland gorilla family within the park, it only has 5 family members and this is because it has just been habituated and part of the new families habituated within the park.
Chimanuka gorilla family
The second largest and most interesting family to trek (according to testimonies), it’s said to have charming members. The family consists of 19 family members led by a silverback named Chimanuka, I guess you can tell where the family name was derived from.
Mpungwe Gorilla family
The largest lowland gorilla family amongst all the habituated families within the park and Democratic Republic of Congo at large, it has 21 family members. It is most loved by those who enjoy the lowland gorillas and hate trekking steep areas.
Mugahuka gorilla family
This is an interesting family that experienced disputes, these happened between it and Chimanuka gorilla family, the chimanuka family won the battle and took most of the family members that originally belonged to Mugahuka therefore leaving him alone. Till date, this family only has one family member, Mugahuka a silverback who stays alone. Since it’s a one member family, it’s easier to trek and it’s also found closer hence advantageous to the less energetic trekkers and the elderly too.
Nganwa gorilla family
This family is not fully habituated, still undergoing the trainings and therefore not yet open for gorilla trekking. It is a 10 member family.
How to get to Kahuzi – Biega National Park
With its location based in the Eastern region of Democratic Republic of Congo in Bukavu, 30 kilometers away from Bukavu town making it approximately 1 hour and a half from the town to the park. The park is very accessible by both air and road transport, though the road is not so well maintained but it is nevertheless easy to navigate through and for air, there are chartered flights that land in both Kavuma airport and Miti, from the airport you can then use a vehicle to reach the park gate.
Visiting Kahuzi – Biega National Park can be carried out all year round with no hindrances to weather or any other factors.
Facts about eastern lowland gorillas in Congo
Did you know that there are other species or subspecies of gorillas apart from the famous mountain gorillas (Gorilla Beringei)? Did you know that these subspecies of gorillas are the largest primates on planet earth?
These are found in the subspecies of the eastern gorillas which can only be found in the rainforest of Dr Congo particularly Kahuzi-Biega national park, Maiko national park, and Tayna gorilla reserve and the adjacent forests. These are the largest subspecies of gorillas and hence the largest primates on planet earth. They are scientifically called gorilla beringei graueri and they are critically endangered. Adult males can weigh up to 210kgs whereas females can weigh up to 100kg. They have a height of 4 to 6 feet with short fur on their skin, unlike mountain gorillas which are a bit longer.
You can wonder what these primates feed. They feed on stems, leaves, fruits, and bucks and sometimes they feed on insects. They live in groups comprised of up to 30 gorilla individuals. Like the mountain gorillas, each group is headed by an alpha male called the silverback. This plays different roles such as protecting the family or group and mating all females in the group once they reach oestrous. Usually, the young male tends to fight to take over their father’s throne or they leave the family end up forming their and new families.
The is means that, there is always an alternating number in different gorilla families since there is migration or split off, death and births and many more others. The females normally give birth after 9 months like humans, who give birth to only one kid at a time and on a rare basis, they can give birth to twins. The baby breastfeeds for only 3 years. The maturity age comes at 8 years for females and 12 years for male gorillas. Research says that they are about 6000 individuals that live on planet earth. They have a lifespan of between 30 to 40 years in the wild and while captive, it lives to 60 years.
The eastern low land gorillas can be found at an altitude of 1600m but recent research shows that some can be found at an altitude of 2600m above sea level like the mountain gorillas. They are highly threatened and this has made their decrease in number. One of the most common threats in Africa and particularly in Dr Congo is poaching for meat. The meat is eaten by displaced people, military personnel, miners and loggers.
Also, the locals tend to encroach on conservation areas due to the need for farming, grazing animals and also need for fuel resources like charcoal and firewood. Also the need for land for settlement. Another threat can be wars created by rebels such as the m23, Joseph Kony and many others. These end up destroying gorilla habitats and killing the gorilla individuals.
For tourists interested in visiting the eastern low land gorillas in Africa, you are highly advised to book a safari to Kahuzi-Biega national park. This conservation area is located near Bukavu Town eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the western banks of Lake Kivu. The park gets its name from the two dormant Volcanoes that are Mt Kahuzi and Mt Biega. And since the eastern low land gorillas are critically endangered, the park was listed in 1997 on the list of world heritage in danger. This was also spearheaded by the increasing political instability, leasing wildlife exploitation, and increase in the number of refugees hence the demand for food and land for settlement.
You can only do a gorilla trekking experience which exposes you to the presence of gorillas for an hour. You will learn about their behaviours, movements and many more. Also, you have great epic moments in your life as the overall experience takes about 2 to 6 hours while in the jungle.
For more information about the eastern low land gorillas, contact us since are available to help you and get all you need about these beautiful apes.
Gorilla Families in Virunga National Park
Virunga national park stands out as the oldest national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is a containment zone and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to protect the endangered mountain gorillas. It has a vast composition of tropical rainforests which also have a mixture of bamboo on which these awesome creatures feed. The national park has some highlands too on which this vegetation grows. These highlands include both active volcanoes and non-active volcanoes.
The national park also has plains that are composed of mainly savanna vegetation and some wetlands. This in turn has created a rich ecosystem for the habitation of these mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas that inhabit the Virunga National Park are free and open to mountain gorilla trekking tours and habituation experience. The habituation exercise takes a lot of time to perfect and includes research activities in order to make these primates human friendly. This activity has been successful for 10 families that are now open to tourism.
Rugendo Gorilla Family
It is registered among the oldest mountain gorilla families in Virunga national park. It attained its name from its former leading silverback that was known as ‘Rugendo’. Sadly, he passed on and the family is now under the leadership of the silverback known as Bukima. The process of habituating this gorilla family was completed in 1989.
This gorilla family has a fascinating history and it’s documented that its former leader Rugendo gave birth to a son known as Humba with whom he fell out in 1998. Humba went on to break his way from this family and formed his own, which is presently known as the Humba Gorilla Family. As of 1997, the Rugendo Gorilla Family was comprised of 18 mountain gorillas. Presently, this is one of the known fast-growing mountain gorilla families in Virunga National Park.
Humba Gorilla Family
This mountain gorilla family attained its name from its dominant silverback named Humba. As earlier noted, Humba was a son of Rugendo (the dominant silverback from the Rugendo Gorilla Family). The Humba Gorilla Family is located in the Bukima sector. The family is often regarded as one of the most loved by the tourists who visit the National Park because of its general calmness. It consists of 10 mountain gorillas. Humba is the brother to the deceased silverback that was known as Senkwekwe (he died of bullets from unknown killers in 2007). Humba has kept grip of the family leadership without any known chaos within the family members.
Kabirizi Gorilla Family
This gorilla family’s name was Ndungutse Gorilla Family. It had been known so from its former dominant silverback known as Ndungutse. Ndungutse was murdered in 1997. His death came as a consequence of being shot and killed during one of the conflicts between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a rebel group in the Zaire jungle. Shortly after his death, the family was named Kabirizi.
The name was from the deceased director of the ICCN who died from a car accident in earlier years. The family’s current leader is also named Kabirizi and the family has 19 members. The family can be trekked in the Bukima Patrol Post.
Mapuwa Gorilla Family
It obtained its name from its former leader who was known as ‘Mapuwa’. Just like the silverback Humba, Mapuwa is also a son of the silverback Rugendo. He parted ways with his initial family in 1988. At the time, he broke away with two female gorillas known by the names of Mafaze and Jicho.
He was so strong that he always picked fights with other families and won the members of the silverbacks he won against. An example is when he took every member away from the silverback Pilipili who lost a fight to Mapuwa. The family is currently under the leadership of the silverback Mvuyekure. It’s located in Jomba. The family has 22 members.
Lulengo Gorilla Family
This family is located in Jomba. It was formerly named Musekura. This family’s name was changed to Lulengo to honor the memory of a director of Virunga National Park who died due to a landmine explosion.
Consequently, just like the family name, the current dominant silverback of this family is known as Lulengo. He originated from the Rugabo Gorilla Family that was named after his father. His former family is registered as the first gorilla family to be habituated in the Mikeno sector. The Lulengo Gorilla Family is made up of 9 members.
Nyakamwe Gorilla Family
Its founding leader was named Nyakamwe. He is always remembered for his peace. It is one of the largest gorilla families in the national park and equally fast-growing in its member composition. It is also one of the recently habituated families in the national park.
Munyaga Gorilla Family
As a common practice, this gorilla family attained its name from its former leader Munyaga. Munyaga came from the Rugendo Gorilla Family. The Munyaga Gorilla Family inhabits the Bukima sector. The habituation processes to this gorilla family commenced in 2008. One of the most attractive members of this family is the silverback known as Kadogo. He’s famous because of his bald head. The current dominant silverback in this family is known as Gasore. The family has 7 members.
Bageni Gorilla Family
This family is led by the dominant silverback Bageni. Just like Nyakamwe Gorilla Family, it’s also one of the recently habituated families in the park. It’s comprised of 26 members. This family is famous for its power struggles amongst the silverbacks therein.
Best time to Visit Congo for Safaris & Tours
The Democratic Republic of Congo is an African jewel of adventure, found in the Central African region and spreads towards the Atlantic Ocean. Its vastness of strolling hills, mountains, tropical forests and a network of rivers serenade tourists from all over the world.
The country covers over 905,355 square kilometers of land, making it the second largest country on the continent after Algeria, and eleventh on the planet. Seventy-eight million people inhabit this vast land, 17.07 million of whom live in the capital city Kinshasa.
Even though frequently disturbed by conflicts, DR. Congo is still one of the most endowed countries with rare minerals like diamonds and gold especially in the region of Kisangani. These minerals have ironically attracted rebel activity in the area thereby hindering growth of tourism. However, DR. Congo’s magnificence eclipses the effects of conflict. To dare the jungles of DR. Congo, is to live in the foot prints of Dian Fossey, the great primatologist who brought to light and entire world, the beauty of Virunga massif which spreads into eastern D.R. Congo.
Here is a snippet of what the Democratic Republic of Congo has to offer.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is one of those popular activities that a tourist can get engaged in while on a safari in D.R. Congo. The Virunga National Park is home to over 200 hundred individuals that grace the lush tropical vegetation of the park. Both lowland and mountain gorillas can be sighted in this park unlike in Uganda and Rwanda which have only the mountain gorilla species.
Trekking gorillas in D.R. Congo is far much cheaper than in other East African countries. A permit here goes for 400 USD in peak season, while off peak seasons attract 50 USD discount. In comparison, Uganda and Rwanda charge 700 USD and 1500 USD for a similar one-hour experience respectively. However, there are fewer habituated groups in D.R. Congo than in the other countries.
Gorilla trekking experience in Virunga National Park is phenomenal, given the sheer beauty of the terrain and landscape of inter twining ranges of canopies that form the tropical rain forest that inhabit the gorillas. Sweet sounds of colorful birds are a complimentary item of the trek.
Nyiragongo Mountain Climbing
In the life of an adventurous soul, danger is an ultimate calling! Nyiragongo mountain climb is a dangerous adventure as the mountain is a stratovolcano that is always on the verge of eruption. Most recent eruption of this mountain was in May 2021, having erupted 34 times since 1884.
Climbing this mountain is an adventure into the scars left by the 22 May 2021 eruption which led to evacuation of thousands of inhabitants of Goma city. The trail bears black soils and lava rocks, which marks effects of the most recent eruption.
At an elevation of 11,385 ft above sea level, the views beneath are rewarding, the top is a vast lava lake whose red plumes are glowing red beauty of the night as observed from a distance.
The thrill and fear that engulfs one at the summit with red lava in full view is an amazing moment to behold.
What is the best time to visit D. R. Congo?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is open for tourism throughout the year and a tourist need not worry about congestion. However, given the heavy rains that are received within the tropical region, adventure is best experienced when the terrain is dry as rains can lead to impassable roads. Dry season occurs between June and September, and a shorter dry season lasting between December and February.
Best Congo Safari Destinations
Democratic Republic of Congo (D.R.C) is located in located in Central Africa where its bordered by the Republic of Congo in the Northwest, Uganda in the East together with Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, Zambia to the South, Angola to the South-west and then the South Atlantic Ocean to the West. The country is known for its beautiful sceneries and people who are welcoming to visitors which has attracted visitors from all over the world to visit D.R. Congo. Even with the political unrest that is in some parts of the country, it remains safe for tourism with armed guards, tour guides all on the look out to protect tourists from any kind of danger.
Being a country known for having internal conflicts, it’s important that you connect with a trusted tour operator if you intend to visit D.R. Congo. You may also inquire from your tour operator whether the preferred destinations could fit within your budget.
The five most popular tourist destinations include:
- Virunga National Park
- Lake Kivu
- Sekwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
- Kahuzi-Biega National Park
- Lola Ya Bonobo
VIRUNGA NATIONAL PARK
Located in the Eastern Part of the country, Virunga National Park was founded in 1925 which makes it the oldest national park in Africa. Viruga National Park is one of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites in D.R.Congo and the most visited national park in D.R. Congo. The park is habitat to one of the world’s most endangered animals the mountain gorillas which makes it’s a famous destination for gorilla trekking. The park is also habitat to different wildlife which includes lions, elephants, hippopotamus, leopards as its recorded to have over 218 mammal species with 22 primates, 706 bird species, 109 reptiles, and then 65 amphibian species. Other than gorilla trekking, there is chimpanzee tracking, hiking at Mount Nyiragongo, bird watching, nature walks, and landscape viewing and so on. If you are thinking of an adventurous holiday in D.R. Congo then this is a perfect destination.
LAKE KIVU
Its on the border of D.R. Congo and Rwanda in the Albertine Rift in the Western Branch of the East African Rift. The fish fauna here has been found to have 28 species and is also home to four species of freshwater crabs. With various bird species and blue skies, the lake is a perfect destination for birding as it has over 300 bird species that are recorded. Boat cruises to the different islands in the lake make the experience more adventurous and one of a kind. Lake Kivu is the largest African lake without crocodiles or hippopotamuses which makes it perfect for swimming and fishing.
SEKWEKWE GORILLA ORPHANAGE
Being the only gorilla orphanage all-over the world, Sekwekwe Gorilla Orphanage is habitat to 7 gorillas and is also a rehabilitation center for Eastern Lowland gorilla orphans for a while relocating them to the Eastern Lowland orphanage known as the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Center. The center is located on an area with a forest that stretches to allow the primates experience the life of the jungle. This center was named after a giant silverback that was known as Sekwekwe who was killed by poachers in 2007 as he tried to protect members of his family. The center hosts visitors from all over the world throughout the year and could be a perfect destination for you or to someone who isn’t fit enough to manage gorilla trekking.
KAHUZI-BIEGA NATIONAL PARK
Founded in 1970, this park spans on over a radius of approximately 6000 square kilometers which makes it one of the largest national parks in D.R. Congo. Famous for being habitat to mountain gorillas, Kahuzi-Biega is the only national park in D.R. Congo where visitors are allowed to track the Eastern lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. These gorillas have been habituated making them comfortable to be in the presence of people hence their trekking being safe for tourists. A gorilla trekking permit at Kahuzi-Beiga National Park goes for $400 per person with gorilla trekking starting in the mornings.
LOLA YA BONOBO
This is the only world’s sanctuary for orphaned bonobos having been founded in 1994. “Lola ya bonobo” is a sentence in Lingala which is the most common language use and its translated to mean “paradise of bonobos. Its habitat to 60 bonobos with the area stretching to 30 hectares of a primary forest.
Bonobos are pygmy chimpanzees closely perhaps one of the closest mammals to human beings and one of the world’s most endangered animals as they can only be found in D.R. Congo. The sanctuary is located southwest of Kinshasa the capital of D.R. Congo in approximately 25 km. The mere visiting of the sanctuary is a contribution to the conservation of the gentle apes and will be an unforgettable experience that will open your eyes.
Lifetime Congo gorilla safari holidays
DR Congo’s history is colorful and marked by diverse civilizations including indigenous people, lively music, French colonization and post-independence modernization. Most people confuse this country with its neighbor – Congo Brazzaville, the significant difference is that the Democratic Republic of Congo is considered more calm, stable and rapidly developing as a poignant leader in African affairs. DRC is in its tourism infancy and yet quickly becoming a bucket list country thanks to it being the epicenter of the Virunga, the last remaining mountain range homeland for Mountain Gorillas. It also boasts brilliant gorilla trekking and climbing opportunities up mountains and an active volcano 3,470 meters high. Congo is blessed with abundant physical features and minerals such as gold, copper, aluminum, zinc, and much more. Mount Nyiragongo which has a boiling lava lake in the crater, wild animals such mountain gorillas, okapi, baboons and much more, local culture mostly pygmies with the traditional dances, green tropical forest, Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the low land that harbors the unique Gorillas, Virunga national park the is a home of the remaining mountain Gorillas, lake Kivu and River Congo which is the second largest and deepest river in the world.
A Congo safari is not for the weak hearted because it’s remote, adventurous travel and while at the same time you don’t compromise on the necessary or comforts, you are certainly out of your chilling zone sometimes as the wilderness is truly wild. Arriving into Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo you are immediately overwhelmed by vibrant streets lined with art, flower markets, cafes, fabric stalls and the smells of freshly baked baguettes. This is definitely the ‘Little Paris of Africa’ and the French control is most evident along these streets. A night here to start and end your adventure is good and important. The high point of Democratic Republic of Congo is of certainly Virunga National Park, one of Africa’s oldest national park. It is situated in the East of Congo and forms part of the second largest unified rainforest area on earth spanning over 3 million acres. The African rainforest basin offers shelter for over 1,000 bird species, 90,000 plant species, 700 fish and 400 mammal species. The thick forested landscape is characterised by networks of rivers and swamps. It is also one of the last homelands for the endangered mountain gorillas, as well as other numerous world wonders like Virunga volcanoes and Rwenzori mountain ranges.
Activities offered on DRC safaris include, birding safaris, gorilla trekking, walking safaris, cultural visits, boating, kayaking and fantastic photographic opportunities in a remote habitat that’s far away from tourist crowds. Virunga national park is a wide and extensive wild region with magnificent range of landscapes and habitat. This means this vast wilderness is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. You can see forest elephant, leopard, rare birds, forest buffalo, giant forest hog and hippo plus of course the mountain gorillas and various monkey species. With minimal impact on the ecosystem, in D.R. Congo tourists can track mountain gorillas on foot, explore forest walking trails, kayak, boat cruise on the neighboring Lake Kivu, hike Nyiragongo mountain and so much more. There are various properties inside or on the fringes of Congo’s major national parks; either owned privately or under joint concessions. Among the accommodation facilities in Virunga national park is in the Mikeno luxury camp located on the eastern boundary of the park and a perfect starting point for trekking gorilla families located within Mikeno sector. Spilled accommodation with wraparound walkways interconnecting to the main area offer a beautiful rainforest holiday experience. You will also spot gorillas, crowned and putty nose monkeys, Mustached monkeys, forest duikers, over 416 species of butterfly, insects, the Great Blue Turaco and black-casqued wattled hornbill birds.
Another luxurious accommodation facility within Virunga is set Bukima Tented Lodge which offers its visitors with complete star decks, canvas cabins and main area all designed to be as sustainable and low environment impact as possible. Bukima camp is the best starting point for gorilla families within Bukima sector. The emphasis here is on expedition experiences like gorilla trekking, hiking mount Nyiragongo, unmatched wildlife encounters with resident mammals like forest buffaloes, hyenas, aardvark, bongo, forest elephants and more. The DRC lies on the Equator which means temperatures vary throughout the year. It is a tropical climate characterised by relatively heavy precipitation, moderately high temperatures and humidity, but majorly varies from region to region. Dry season is in the months of June to September and December to February. Air is ill-defined and humidity is lower while rainfall still occurs quite inconstantly. Ripe fruits result, easier primate sightings and different behaviors. Green season runs March to May and September to November. These relatively wet months indicate tropical rainstorms and then clear blue skies. Ripe fruits become uncommon so elephants and gorillas move distances closer to the pathways, hence easier sightings.
