Are you planning for Eastern lowland gorilla trekking in Congo? Well, this article can be very helpful during the planning process. There are two main species of gorillas in the world – The Western and Eastern gorilla. Both species are divided into two subspecies. Western gorillas are divided into the Western lowland gorilla and the Cross River gorilla. The two Eastern gorilla subspecies are the Mountain gorilla and the Eastern lowland gorilla. The Western lowland gorillas are the most numerous of all the 
four gorilla subspecies. Over 250,000 western lowland gorillas are found in the remote forests of Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
Western lowland gorillas are also the most commonly seen in zoos. Cross river gorillas are the smallest and most endangered of the gorilla subspecies. Less than 350 still survive in the highlands of Cameroon and Nigeria. Mountain gorillas can only be found in Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eastern Lowland gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas (also known as Grauer’s gorilla) are the largest of all the gorilla subspecies with an adult male weighing over 210 kilograms. Kahuzi Biega National Park is home to the largest population of eastern lowland gorillas. Like all gorilla sub-species, the eastern lowland gorilla is a peaceful primate. It will not attack or become aggressive without provocation. Even when provoked, they will first attempt to warn off intruders by barking or beating the chest. Like other gorilla sub-species, the Grauer’s gorilla spends its day mostly on the ground. This is mainly because of their considerable weight and being less prone to predators. During their time on the ground, members of the group can be observed playing, grooming, resting and feeding on leaves, shrubs or stems. Nests are built mostly on the ground or on top of tress using leaves and shrubs. It is only the young ones that build their nests on top of short trees.
Compared to mountain gorilla groups, eastern lowland gorilla families contain fewer individuals. Each group is led by a dominant silverback who dictates what is to be done and where to go. Young males and females tend to leave the group on reaching maturity. The female will leave to join a lone male or another group. Young males do not always leave their original group. They can decide to stay and wait to succeed their father or move away to start their own family by grabbing females from other groups. It has been observed that females tend to change groups more often than males.
What are the similarities and differences between eastern lowland gorillas and mountain gorillas? To begin with similarities. Both subspecies have males that are larger in size compare to the females. Both species have black coats which is quite different from the brownish coats observed with western gorillas. Mountain gorilla coats are slightly thicker because they live in colder habitats. How about the differences? The silver lining on male eastern lowland gorillas can extend to the lower body including the thighs which is something not observed in mountain gorillas. The eastern lowland gorilla also has a larger and wider skull compared to the mountain gorilla. Grauer’s gorillas are more mobile due to the vast nature of their habitat. Although considered endangered, Eastern lowland gorillas outnumber mountain gorillas. About 7000 are believed to still be rooming the wilds of Africa while only 1000 mountain gorillas were counted in the 2014 gorilla census.
It is important to note that there are more habituated mountain gorilla groups than any of the gorilla subspecies. Uganda alone has over 15 habituated mountain gorilla families which is more than all habituated eastern lowland gorilla groups combined. This is primarily because mountain gorillas live in easy to reach areas allowing scientists to study them more closely. Other gorilla sub-species live in vast and remote African wilderness. As we will see later on, tracking mountain gorillas is more expensive. A gorilla permit can cost up to $1500 in Rwanda and yet eastern Lowland gorilla permits cost only $400. This implies that the cost of a gorilla tour in Congo is cheaper compared to other destinations.
Eastern Lowland Gorilla Trekking
Eastern lowland gorilla trekking is one of the many activities one can choose to do while on a Congo Safari. The sheer size of eastern lowland gorillas leaves tourists and those who love primates yearning 
for an opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. The best place to track eastern lowland gorillas is in Kahuzi Biega National Park of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The primates can also be found in Maiko National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve and regions in the Itombwe Mountains. About 3 habituated gorilla groups are open to tourism in Kahuzi Biega National Park. The park is remote but tourists will be rewarded with amazing scenery and pristine wilderness. The Democratic Republic of Congo is relatively less explored and receives less tourists. This can be an advantage for those who want to experience true unspoiled African wilderness without the crowds.
How is lowland gorilla trekking organized in Kahuzi Biega National Park?
Before embarking on the gorilla trekking adventure, visitors have to take part in a briefing at the Tshivanga Visitor Centre. The park Guides and Rangers will share information about the rules and regulations that govern the lowland trekking, facts about the gorillas, their families, the terrain and what not to do while with the primates. This briefing helps visitors to go into the forest with an idea of what to expect and how to act while with the gorillas.
The Guides will lead trekkers into the wilderness for between one to four hours. Lowland gorillas are very mobile and tend to move further into the forests during certain periods of the year. Expect to find all of them in one place. The silverback is always on the lookout for any intruders and will be watching your movements to check if the group is under any form of threat. If the silverback senses that there is no danger, he will allow trekkers all the time to be in their midst. You are only allowed one hour with the gorillas. The one hour allows you time to complete your observations as well as get wonderful photos to show your friends and family. Tracking eastern lowland gorillas is rare and only a few register for it. You would be among only a few to do so.
Accommodation during Eastern Lowland gorilla Trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
Hotel Begonias Bukavu: This 4-star hotel is found within the Bukavu area and next to Kahuzi Biega National Park. It is surrounded by a beautiful green courtyard and has a large swimming pool to ensure that guests can relax after tracking the gorillas early in the day. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and room service as well as a well-stocked restaurant serving international cuisines. Internet connection is assured through wireless internet services in all rooms. There is also a children’s play area for guests who might be planning to travel with the kids.
Lake Side Hotel Bukavu: This 4-star hotel is located on the shores of Lake Kivu but very close to Kahuzi Biega National Park. It offers spa, dining rooms, a bar and a large swimming pool. Their rooms are spacious, self-contained and furnished a working table, television screens and sofas.
Coco Lodge Bukavu: This mid-range lodge has 8 well furnished, self-contained rooms close to Kahuzi Biega National Park. Apart from self-contained rooms, other amenities offered by the lodge include a private bar, a central lounge and restaurant.
L’Orchids Safari Club: This hotel offers both budget and luxury rooms although all guests get to enjoy the beautiful scenery in Lake Kivu. L’Orchids Safari Club is a favorite accommodation facility for tourists who are planning to go for eastern lowland gorilla tracking and Visiting the nearby Virunga National Park. Apart from exploring the amazing Kahuzi Biega National Park, there are other activities that one can register for while at the hotel such as bird watching, nature and forest walks. In fact, the hotel helps organize whitewater rafting at the nearby River Luhoho. Other services and amenities include swimming, a shopping center, helicopter hiring among others.
Exodus Hotel Bukavu: With free Wi-Fi and decent rooms, Exodus Hotel in Bukavu is one hotel to consider while planning to do lowland gorilla trekking in Congo. The Hotel has multilingual staff who are ready to serve you and ensure that your safari in Kahuzi Biega is memorable. It may not be categorized as a luxury hotel but it has everything you need to have a memorable safari in Eastern Congo. There is a restaurant, a bar and children’s play area as well as large balconies with giant television screens for your relaxation. All rooms are self-contained and have their own bathrooms, toilets and hot showers.
Note to Tourists: It is important to get the most current security information about Eastern Congo before you can begin planning our eastern lowland gorilla tracking adventure. Your Tour Operator is also in better position to advise you about accommodation facilities and other travel related issues.
