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Gorilla Families in Kahuzi-Biega National Park Congo
Kahuzi Biega National Park Congo is a unique Congo safari destination that habits the Eastern Lowland gorillas. It is a composition of Mount Kahuzi and Mount Biega hence the name Kahuzi Biega National Park. Kahuzi Biega National Park became open to tourists in 2015 and since then the park official have been undergoing struggles of habituating the gorillas for Congo gorilla trekking safaris.
The park is home to over 12 gorilla families however, there are only 5 gorilla families that have been habituated for Congo gorilla safaris.
Just like mountain gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas live in small groups called led by a silver back. Habituated gorilla families are trained to tolerate the presence of people making gorilla trekking safaris in Congo organized.
The gorilla trekking safari experience begins at 8am with a briefing about the etiquette of the gorilla trekking activity in Congo. After the briefing that lasts about 30mins, you will see ne led into the forest by the rangers in search for the gorilla family that has been allocated to you.
Upon seeing them, you will only be allowed to be with this gorilla for only an hour. During your one hour stay with them, you will enjoy watching the silver back protect its family more so the females, you will watch them feed, build their nests, cuddle and many more.
The gorilla families in Congo by name and number include;
Chimanuka is the second largest gorilla family in Kahuzi Biega National Park consisting of 19 members. It was named after its dominant silver back. It is the most recommended gorilla family to be trekked on your gorilla safari Congo.
Mpungwe gorilla family has 21 members and is the biggest of all habituated families in Kahuzi Biega National Park. For those interested in big gorilla numbers, this is the right family to go trekking.
Nganwa is a wild gorilla family that is still under habituation and it consists of 10 family members.
Bonnani is the smallest gorilla family in this park. it one of the newest and it has 5 members.
Mugaruka is just 1 silver back gorilla. Just like Chimanuka, this gorilla group was also named after the dominant silver back. It initially had other family members but had some disputes with the Chimanuka family, that won and took all its females and infants leaving it alone.