Eastern Lowland Gorillas

Eastern Lowland Gorillas

One of the species of the gorilla beringei, Eastern Lowland Gorillas are unique attractions largely accessible for treking in central Africa. Large forest-dwelling primates, gorillas occupy lowlands, wetlands, and East, West, and Central Africa’s forests. Western and Eastern gorillas are the two subspecies of gorillas existing. Western gorillas are further split into Cross River gorillas and Western gorillas. Mountain gorillas and Eastern lowland gorillas are the two additional divisions of the Eastern Gorillas. Found in the Virunga massifs and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are mountain gorillas. Only Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of the Congo hosts Eastern lowland gorillas.

Peaceful, quiet, extremely gentle animals, eastern lowland gorillas only shout or scream when necessary. Males fight for females only seldom; they turn hostile only when aroused. Like mountain gorillas, lowland gorillas use a range of noises and body language; they also spend much of their time feeding, grooming, swinging and climbing on the trees. Eastern lowland gorillas eat shrubs, fruits, leaves, and stems.

Living in groups, Eastern lowland gorillas lead with a dominating silverback. Usually reaching of age, the women migrate to join a lone man or another group. Like their mountain counterparts, lowland gorillas create ground-based nests every single day. They create a suitable nest from leaves, shrubs, and tree branches from which they can naturally relax. Sometimes the ladies and young ones make their nests above trees.

Considered severely endangered, these Eastern lowland gorillas are on the list of species under special protection published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Living in very hazardous areas where they are slaughtered either purposefully for meat or during a crossfire, Eastern lowland gorillas are Additionally seeing declines in numbers are poaching and animal trafficking.

Trekking eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park

Tracking the Eastern lowland gorillas is easiest from Kahuzi Biega National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Although erratic in the past, the Congo is rather safe and tranquil; tourist activities are thus possible. Nine groups of Eastern lowland gorillas totaling approximately 400 Kahuzi Biega National Park Of the nine gorilla populations, just three are habituated and suitable for treking.

Found fairly close to Bukavu and Lake Kivu, Kahuzi Biega National Park is among the biggest national parks in the Congo.

Trekking Eastern lowland gorillas is ascending into the forests in pursuit of the gorillas. The exercise not only allows you to observe these few apes but also identifies regions that have never been visited by many people before. You will wonder at the amazing variety one location offers.

The trip begins with an early morning lecture by the ranger at the Tshivanga Visitor Center, located somewhere outside the park gate. The ranger will walk over the policies and criteria for a good lowland gorilla trip. The rangers will provide you understanding of the several gorilla groups and also provide knowledge on what to expect. Following the brief, visitors are guided over already-used hiking paths in quest of the designated gorilla troop. Depending on where the gorillas live, the walk can last six hours. Travelers have only one hour to view these lowland gorillas. Track these Eastern lowland gorillas only four people per group per day.

Tracking Eastern lowland gorillas calls for a permit, which may be reserved for $400 only from the park headquarters. To guarantee their permit, visitors are urged to book and pay for these passes before their trip.

Trekking the Eastern lowland gorillas follows the same procedures and policies as mountain gorilla trekking; these include;

• One should notice that the distance of seven meters separates the gorillas.
• Stay with your group.
• If you truly need to talk, whispers are not permitted and noise is unacceptable.
• Steer clear of direct gaze with the gorillas; this endangers them.
• When a gorilla charges, stay cool. Do as advised by your guide or ranger; follow whatever directions.
• Keep garbage out of the park. Bring back everything you arrived with.
• Eat nowhere close to the lowland gorillas. At least 200 meters should separate eating from other activities.
• The gorillas should not be touched; treating them is really expensive and you might infect them.
• Those less than fifteen years old are not permitted to hike.
• Unhealthy visitors carrying contagious diseases should not visit the gorillas. Please kindly offer to not fall ill on the day of the trek.

To enable their lowland gorilla trekking experience, visitors are encouraged to bring the following:

• Remember that hiking boots are ideally waterproof for when you step in rivers, puddles, or when it actually starts to rain-you are in the rain forest.
• long-sleeved shirts
• Waterproof cap to protect your hair and head from the rain and undergrowth.
• Waterproof backpack to protect your camera and other valuable stuff
• Garden gloves protect your hands from some plant reactions and pricks.
• Photo camera for the camera
• jacket waterproof to keep one dry from the rain
• Energy-giving snacks and adequate water; the climb is somewhat long and the terrain is not very smooth.

An Eastern lowland gorilla trekking and a mountain gorilla safari compared;
While Eastern lowland gorilla trekking just takes place in the Congo, mountain gorilla trekking can be done in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.

Eastern lowland gorillas are more difficult to reach as they are more mobile; mountain gorilla trekking in the above-mentioned nations is more planned since the gorillas live in rather serene and accessible location.

While only three habituated groups for the Eastern lowland gorillas, there are more habituated mountain gorilla groups that can be tracked-over 30 groups in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo.

A far more costly endeavour, mountain gorilla trekking can cost up to $1,500 for a gorilla trip permit in Rwanda. At $400 only, eastern lowland gorillas are quite less expensive.

Western Lowland Gorillas
Eastern Lowland Gorilla with Silver Back
Finding these lowland gorillas has a poor success rate since they depart in extremely large areas they must search for food from and move very quickly, which makes keeping up with them difficult and somewhat taxing. Mountain gorillas are rather common, though.

Want to monitor these lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park?

Although the permits and gorilla groups are limited, you are suggested to arrange your gorilla trekking safari ahead in advance; at least three months in advance will help you to get yours. Advice from a reputable tour operator is much essential considering the volatility of the area and the fact it is still “wild”. Plot and see these Eastern lowland gorillas some time soon.