Gorillas in Virunga National Park

Gorillas in Virunga National Park: The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the only country where tourists may follow both mountain and lowland gorillas in the wild. It is the greatest place in the world to see wild eastern lowland gorillas. Lowland gorillas can be found in zoos all over the world, but mountain gorillas can only be found in the wild. Lowland gorillas may be tracked in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kahuzi Beiga National Park, while mountain gorillas can be located at Virunga National Park.

Mountain gorillas are bigger than lowland gorillas and have darker and thicker coats that enable them to live at chilly high altitudes. Both subspecies graze on tree leaves, shoots, and fruits. Both sub-species reside in families/groups led by a dominant male silverback who is in charge of the group’s safety and keeping misbehaving individuals under control.

Mountain gorilla groups are typically bigger, with more than 30 members present at times. Males in both gorilla subspecies tend to stay with the group longer, however, females typically depart to join other silverbacks or groups once they reach adulthood.

Gorilla Trekking in Virunga National Park.

Mountain gorilla safaris are only available in three countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At the present, gorilla trekking is the most popular and appealing activity among visitors visiting Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is mostly because mountain gorillas are near cousins of humans, are exceedingly rare, and are a threatened species. These factors combine to make viewing a family of mountain gorillas a unique wildlife experience.

On the day of the hike, gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park begins quite early in the morning. Trekkers must get up early, have breakfast, and bring everything they will need when pursuing gorillas. Long-sleeved shirts, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, warm long stockings, hand gloves, cameras, water, a passport, VISA, and gorilla permits are all required. If everything is in order, guests proceed to the park headquarters or a briefing by park guards and wardens. The lecture covers a variety of themes, including the history of each gorilla group, gorilla habitats, and gorilla trekking guidelines.

Cross-checking will need the use of passports. Passport checks assist rangers in allocating gorilla groups based on trekkers’ languages. Additional factors, such as fitness level and personal choice, are considered when allocating visitors to Congo gorilla families in Virunga National Park.

Traditional local dances may entertain you as you wait to be assigned to a certain gorilla group. Following the briefing and gorilla group distribution, you will begin tracking in groups of 8 individuals per gorilla group under the supervision of park guides and armed rangers.

Because the Rangers always know where the gorillas have been, the odds of sighting them in Congo are excellent. Yet, obstacles along the path may lengthen the time it takes to locate the group. These difficulties include inclement weather, topography, and the distance between the starting site and the location of the specific gorilla troop.

When you find the gorilla troop, anticipate the dominating silverback to scrutinize you. The silverback will normally let you go after properly screening for any potential threats. You will be given one hour with the gorillas.

Now is the time to observe and photograph the dominating male silverback, other group members grooming each other, breastfeeding moms, playing children, obstinate teenagers climbing up and down the short trees, and any other male silverbacks. You could even see some members building nests for an afternoon sleep or to prepare for the night. You will see incredible things and views that will remind you of how humans act – take plenty of amazing shots.

How to Plan for Your Gorilla Trekking Safari to Virunga National Park.

Going on a gorilla trekking safari to Virunga national park is a wonderful experience, but keep in mind that tracking might leave you exhausted, sweating, and hungry. There are a few easy suggestions and things to keep in mind if you want to enjoy the entire experience, beginning when you enter the jungle and hunt for the gorilla family. You should do the following:

• Be psychologically prepared and physically fit before tracking gorillas. When physically and emotionally prepared, conquering challenging terrain may be a breeze. If you are unsure of your overall fitness, prepare for the tour by walking in the sun or traveling long distances on foot.
• Use gardening gloves and long-sleeved shirts and slacks to stay warm and dry. Long, thick synthetic stockings will also keep you warm at high elevations.
• Although gorilla trips are available all year, the dry season is the best time to visit Virunga National Park. Heavy rains in October and November, as well as March and April, can make the walkways muddy and hazardous.
• Employ the services of a competent and well-organized tour operator who will prepare everything in terms of bookings. A reputable tour company gives you complete information about the tour and relieves you of the pressure of doing everything yourself, leaving you with the duty of simply turning up for the gorilla trek, Gorillas in Virunga National Park.
• A well-planned gorilla journey includes a high-quality camera, plenty of water, food, a waterproof bag, and bug repellents.
• Employ a porter if you have extra heavy luggage that will make you fatigued during gorilla tracking.
• Gorilla permits should be reserved well in advance, ideally 3 to 6 months before the scheduled trekking date.
• Several African nations need proof of yellow fever immunization before entering. Without this immunization, traveling into Congo will be difficult. It is believed that there are backdoor techniques for individuals who do not have immunization cards, however, this is time-consuming and inconvenient for everyone. Though it is not required, you should bring medication for Malaria, Meningitis, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, and Malaria.
• Before entering Congo, make sure you have applied for a Congo Visa. The cost of a Congo Visa is $100.
• If possible, arrange for travel insurance. It is difficult to identify firms that provide services to people traveling on safari in other nations, but some do exist.

Make reservations near the trek’s beginning site. Lodging at Goma and Bukima is suggested for a gorilla trekking safari in Virunga National Park.