Democratic Republic of Congo is such a big country located in the Central part of the African Continent. It is one of the biggest of countries in Africa; it borders South Sudan and Central African Republic in the North, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania in the East, Angola, Gabon in the West, and Zambia in the South.
Democratic Republic of Congo is mostly known for its Mountain and lowland Gorillas plus the burning Volcano known as Mountain Nyiragongo. Lowland Gorillas are only found in Democratic Republic of Congo and this makes Democratic Republic of Congo to be Unique.
Mountain Gorillas in Virunga
When you cross to Democratic Republic of Congo the Shy endangered Mountain Gorillas are only found in Virunga National Park. Virunga National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo is rated to be the oldest National Park in Africa formerly called the Albertine National park covering about 7800km2 of area stretching from the Virunga Mountains in the southern part to the Rwenzori mountains in the Northern region. It habits a wide range of primates like Monkeys, Chimpanzee, Gorillas plus different bird species to be sighted. Therefore, tourists visiting Africa for gorilla tours do not miss to visit both the parks in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mountain Gorillas are huge ground dwelling apes black in color and tailless, they are herbivorous in nature thus feeding on leaves, stem, foliage, fruits and more. They have characteristics which are nearly similar to those of human beings but they tend to be more shy in presence of human beings. They usually also have sex and produce young ones; these apes live in huts which are constructed out of tree leaves and branches for shelter by the Male apes.
These Gorillas usually live in a group called a troop and usually it’s headed by a Silver back. Silver back is usually an old male Gorilla with brownish hair at the back and it’s usually responsible for protecting its members in the troop, directing them through the jungle and looking for food to be shared with the Female apes and the young ones. The Silver back has the right to disqualify some of its members in the troop who are bad behaving and not going by the rules and directions. Gorillas have a lifespan of between 35 and 40 years.
Usually when in the Jungle for Gorilla trekking there are some rules you should follow for the successful trekking as listed below
First of all before heading to the Jungle if you are suspected to be having any infectious disease you are not allowed to go for the trekking because you may spread to these apes.
While heading to Jungle move slowly and maintain your voice at low tone because you may scare these apes and move far from where you were supposed to find them.
Always keep a distance from these apes.
Do not eat in the presence of these apes as you may tempt them to attack you in need of your eatables.
Do not touch on these apes with out permission.
Finally always do not use flush cameras when taking photos of these apes.
Virunga National Park has different habituated Gorilla families for trekking like Kabirizi, Rugendo, Humba, Mapuwa, Lulengo and Munyaga Gorilla family so it’s your choice to choose one of them.
Low Land Gorillas in Kahuzi Biega
Kahuzi Biega National Park is the second Gorilla hosting destination in DR Congo; it is protected and located in the Eastern part of Democratic Republic of Congo near the western bank of Lake Kivu and the Rwanda border. It is commonly known for the Eastern low land Gorillas which are only found here. These Eastern Low land Gorillas are bigger when compared to Mountain Gorillas, brownish in color and usually weigh up to 250 kilograms plus reaching about two meters in height when standing. They are also herbivorous feeding on leaves, stem, foliage and fruits.
To visit Gorillas in DR Congo both Mountain and Low land you must buy a permit which costs $400 USD per person and this money once paid its non refundable unless you have a clear reason presented. This money for the permit is usually paid in advance.