Grauer's Gorilla Facts

• Grauer's gorillas are, on average, the largest of all gorilla subspecies. Males can weigh up to 250 kilos and reach two meters tall when standing
• Predominantly herbivorous and eat mainly plant matter (including fruit and bamboo), but sometimes they eat insects.
• Unlike other gorilla subspecies, if a group feels endangered, the whole family will stand its ground instead of fleeing.
• Grauer's gorilla lives in family groups and they are highly sociable animals, on average comprising between two to 30 individuals.

Due to high demand for bush meat, growing human population, civil unrest from armed groups, mining, logging and habitat loss to agriculture in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Grauer gorillas are facing extinction and are declining in number. The Fauna and Flora International organization is working with local communities and authorities to conserve the eastern lowland gorillas and their habitat at in areas outisude the national parks through training and equipping community rangers. They also conduct patrols to monitor and record the presence of gorilla groups and other species like chimpanzees, peafowl and Okapis. Trained community ranges remove snares that can cause danger to the gorillas.

What to bring for gorilla trekking

Some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo have few good places where to acquire some of the essential things needed while on a safari. It is possible to get equipment in some of the towns like Bukavu and Goma but as a foreign traveler, locating the right outlet or shop may be challenging. It's advisable that acquire all the important items or equipment before coming to the Democratic Republic of Congo. No telecommunication network in Kahuzi-Biega national park except in the main town of Bukavu. The internet used at the park office is got from a large satellite dish and is only available during the day. Some of the important things to pack during your safari in Kahuzi Biega are:

• Waterproof clothing: Kahuzi-Biega is a park with vast rain forests which bring rains throughout the year. There is a dry and wet season but the rains can surprise at any time and that thus it is vital to travel with a rain jacket and warm clothing
• A sleeping Bag and sheets: In case you are planning on camping or setting up a tent in one of the campsites, you will find a sleeping bag and two bed sheets handy. A tent and sleeping bag can be hired each for $5 per night. Camping costs $50 without a tent. The $50 is for the food and guards
• A Flashlight: There is no hydro-electricity in this part of the DRC and most of the hotels use solar panels or generators that can still go off and leave you in pitch darkness.
• Mosquito Repellents: Your hotel room will probably have a mosquito net but the parasites also bite outside the rooms and even in the jungles. Make sure you sleep under a mosquito net.
• A camera: To capture the beautiful landscapes, animals and birds. The camera should be waterproof to be efficient in case of rains
• Adapters and batteries: For your laptop, phones and other telecommunication equipment. This will ensure that your devices are on throughout your time in the park. You are advised to travel with solar chargers for your devices if possible. Carry extra battery for any of your devices that cannot be recharged.
• Bottled drinking water and light snack: Hiking the mountains or tracking the gorillas may wear you out causing thirst and hunger. Recommended that you move with two bottles of drinking water and something light to eat in case you get hungry when an activity is extended.
• Medication: In case you have any medications prescribed by your doctor for any allergies or sickness, travel with them. The medical facilities in DR Congo are limited. Other medications to travel with include anti-diarrhea and pain killers. We advise that you take malaria pills two days before visiting East and Central Africa. You are required to present a yellow fever vaccination card before crossing over to DR Congo.
• Toilet paper and towel: Sometimes the activity can go on for longer than expected and you might need to ease yourself in a makeshift hole in the African Jungle, come prepared

Congo gorilla trekking rules and regulations

• It's only a maximum of eight individuals per day that are allowed to trek, this helps to reduce the spreading of diseases from humans to the mountain gorillas.
• It's only 15 years and over individuals allowed to trek
• Trekking Takes place during day time and it's between 8:00am to 7:00 pm
• Strictly 1 hour is allowed with the mountain gorillas.
• Not feeling well then it's advisable not to track.
• Always remain calm, Avoid direct eye contact in case the gorilla charges and stay calm until it moves away.
• It's important to protect the gorillas from any illnesses. Sick tourist isn't allowed tracking.
• While tracking and you developed an urge to cough turn away and cover your nose.
• It's recommended to keep distance from the primates between 5 to 7 meters because they can easily catch diseases from humans.
• Keep noise levels as low as possible; avoid pointing or using flash light when taking photos of the mountain gorillas.
• Always carry water proof & warm gears for the cool conditions within the mountains since it sometimes gets wet within the forest and comfortable walking shoes are of a great advantage.
• No smoking and no snacks during gorilla trekking.
• Don't touch the mountain gorillas at any time; always keep hands to yourself to avoid direct contact.
• Avoid littering within the forest and keep the trash to yourself.