- Seguku Katale. Kampala
Congo Gorilla safaris
Congo Gorilla Safaris – Gorilla Safari Consultants
Congo gorilla safaris are remarkably known by most African travelers, though Uganda and Rwanda are the most thought safari destination for gorilla trekking in Africa. Unlike Uganda and Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a great opportunity to witness various gorilla species since it is home to three gorilla species: western lowland, eastern lowland, and mountain gorillas, and you can track the latter two in eastern DRC. Gorilla trekking safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo offer an exceptional safari experience, which you will enjoy in the thick rainforest of the country. Congo gorilla safaris despite having the same gorilla trekking experience just like in Uganda and Rwanda, DRC Has less developed infrastructure and it is the best to opt for if your crave to dwell in the African thick rain forests that offer an incredible feeling of nature, and a feel of the cool breeze that will make you feel the bond with nature. Gorilla Safari Consultants has well-planned safari packages that will grant you an exceptional feel of the muster piece of the remote African wilderness.
Mountain gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo – mountain gorilla trekking safaris in Congo
Mountain gorillas are the most commonly tracked species. They inhabit the slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, which line DRC’s eastern border with Rwanda and Uganda, and roam across these three countries. Mountain gorillas are something of a conservation success story, with their numbers have grown from just 620 individuals in 1989 to just over 1,000 in 2018. The success in growing the mountain gorilla population means that as of November 2018, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classifies them as endangered – previously they were critically endangered. They tend to live on the ground, making for some particularly close encounters as they forage, snooze and play in the foliage. Gorilla safaris Consultants has well-planned Mountain Gorilla trekking packages to fit your best interest.
The other gorilla species in the Democratic Republic of Congo include;
Eastern lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas live in the forests and swampland just to the west of the Virunga Volcanoes. Also known as Grauer’s gorilla, this is the largest of the four gorilla species, with males standing up to 1.85m tall – that’s over six feet. They spend more time in the trees than their mountain counterparts, which can make observing them easier if they are not too far from the ground, although from time to time they will forage high in the canopy.
Their numbers are not well known. Due to ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, it is extremely difficult to count eastern lowland gorillas and study their behavior. In the mid-1990s, their population was estimated at 17,000; current reports say there may be anything from a quarter to half of those remaining in these forests. Given the threats it faces, the eastern lowland gorilla is critically endangered. Congo gorilla safaris with Gorilla Safari Consultants will take you into the deep Congo forest where you will experience these massive primates.
Western lowland gorillas
Western lowland gorillas are the most numerous of all gorilla species; however, in DRC they live only in the far west of the country, close to the Atlantic coast. You can track them elsewhere, most notably in the Central African Republic but also in the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon. The western lowland gorilla is critically endangered.
Other frequently asked questions about gorillas
How much is a gorilla permit in Congo?
Unlike Rwanda and Uganda, Gorilla trekking permits in Congo are cheaper. The gorilla trekking permits in Congo for both the lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas go for 400 USD for the foreigners and 200 USD for the Congolese citizens.
Are there mountain gorillas in Congo?
The answer is YES, there are gorillas in Congo. There are fewer than 1000 mountain gorillas left in the world. Mountain Gorillas live exclusively in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in two separate subpopulations.
