Whereas the Democratic Republic of Congo has been widely known for mountain gorillas in Virunga Park, Lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega and the active Nyiragongo Volcano, tourism in Congo is much more than that. Travelers on Congo safaris can also take part in chimpanzee trekking to have a complete Congo safari package. Chimpanzee trekking complements other tourist activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, especially gorilla trekking, Nyiragongo volcano hiking, and cultural tours among others. Pan troglodytes are the most trekked chimpanzee species trekked in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Literature has it that the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the highest population of chimpanzees in the world. The top chimpanzee destinations in Congo include:
Virunga National park
In addition to mountain gorillas, Virunga National park is home to chimpanzees and hence the best spot to trek chimpanzees in Congo. Chimpanzee trekking in Virunga Park is done in Mahura forest with only 6 people allowed to trek a habituated chimpanzee community. Trekking to see chimpanzees starts at 6:00 am and the time to take depends on the location of chimpanzees that day and their speed of movement.
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Located in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is yet another destination to trek chimpanzees in Congo. The sanctuary is close to Bukavu town, which makes connectivity simple and quick. Lwiro chimpanzee sanitary was established to offer shelter for the orphaned homeless chimpanzees rescued from poachers. Apparently, the population of chimpanzees has grown up to 80 individuals, which gives hope for sustainable chimpanzee safaris in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary was established and is managed by the Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation and the National Centre for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN). Visit trek chimpanzees at Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary are open throughout the year starting from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm every day. Unlike in other chimpanzee destinations, the chimpanzee trekking at Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is simple and less challenging. If you want to spend an overnight at the sanctuary, Lwiro Chimpanzee Guesthouse offers you excellent food and sleeping services at affordable rates.
Kahuzi Biega National park
The other populations of chimpanzees in Congo live in the jungle forest of Kahuzi Biega National Park. Here chimps are trekked along with the eastern lowland gorillas, which are the major tourist attractions in Kahuzi Biega National Park.
Rules and regulations of trekking chimpanzees in Congo
To ensure the safety of chimpanzees and travelers, responsible government bodies have put different rules and regulations for chimpanzee trekking in Congo. These include:
1. Keep a distance of seven meters away
2. Do not trek chimpanzees when sick
3. Do not litter in the park
4. Do not touch the chimpanzees
5. Do not use flashlight cameras
6. Keep within your groups
7. Speak at a low tone
8. Do not feed the chimpanzees
9. Turn back your faces when sneezing or coughing
What to pack for chimpanzee trekking in Congo
Travelers visiting trek chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of Congo are advised to pack the essentials to ensure a peaceful and enjoyable chimpanzee trek. The packing list for chimpanzee tours in Congo includes:
• Waterproof hiking boots/shoes
• Gardening hand gloves
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Rain jackets
• Poncho/scuff
• Long-sleeved shirts/blouses
• Long Pants
Other tourist activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Besides chimpanzee trekking, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers travelers with an endless list of things to see and do ensuring a memorable experience. Other tourist activities in Congo include among others:
1. Mountain gorilla trekking in Virunga National Park
2. Eastern Lowland Gorilla trekking in Kahuzi Biega National Park
3. Nyiragongo Volcano hiking
4. Lola Ya Bonono Sanctuary
5. Chutes Du Zongo
6. Senkwekwe Gorilla Orphanage
7. Boyama Falls
8. Idjwi Island
9. Palais de la Nation
10. Laurent Kabila’s Tomb
11. Tshopo Falls
12. Marche Central
13. Kinkole Fish Market
14. Lake Kivu
15. Zongo Falls
16. kapi Wildlife reserve
17. Garamba National Park
18. Maiko National Park
19. Salongo National Park
In conclusion, trekking chimpanzees in the Democratic Republic of Congo is an experience worth doing. Contact Africa Adventure Safaris today, book a Congo chimpanzee tour today and enjoy this lifetime experience.
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