ROC Gorilla Fact Sheet
ODZALA – KOKOUA NATIONAL PARK
The forests in and around OdzalaKokoua National Park are home to thousands of critically endangered Western Lowland Gorilla. These primates are slightly smaller in size than their more familiar mountain cousins, and have shorter fur and a higher fruit consumption in their diet (which means more energy to climb trees and be highly active).
Several groups of gorillas live in the Ndzehi Concession surrounding Ngaga Lodge, of which three families have been habituated and can be observed by guests. Each group is known by the silverback who sits at the head of the family, whimsically named after celestial beings.
Kamba’s gorilla tracking experiences are rooted in research and conservation and are designed to minimize their potential impact. We practice observation, not engagement, and connect with the gorilla families in a respectful, authentic, and personal way
Differences Between Mountain Gorillas & Western Lowland Gorillas
| Western Lowland Gorillas | Mountain Gorillas | |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered: Population has declined by more than 60% over the last 20-25 years due to poaching and disease. | Endangered: Population has increased in numbers over recent years due to conservation efforts. |
| Distribution | Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Central African Republic | Rwanda, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Habitat | Tropical lowland forest areas; prefer a more heavily forested, flatter habitat. | Rocky slopes of dormant volcanoes and in cloud forests. Can only survive in high altitudes. |
| Estimated Numbers | Between 150,000 - 350,000 in the wild. Over 25,000 in the greater OdzalaKokoua National Park. | Around 1,000 in the wild |
| Physical Traits | Upright standing height: up to 1.6 meters Weight: up to 140 kg Shorter, softer fur. | Upright standing height: up to 1.7 meters Weight: up to 180 kg Thicker, shaggier fur. |
Differences Between Gorilla Encounters In Odzala-Kokoua And Other Areas
| Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo | Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda | Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | ± 13,600 sq. km. (5,250 sq. mi.) | ± 160 sq. km. (62 sq. mi.) | ± 320 sq. km. (123 sq. mi.) |
| # of Annual Guests | 2,920 | 29,200 | >36,000 |
| # of Gorillas | ± 25,000 | ± 480 | ± 400 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gorilla Tracking Permits | Cost: US $750 per permit per day. Only 12 permits issued per day. At least 2 permits included in each Kamba Journey. | Cost: US $1,500 per permit per day. 96 permits issued per day. Permit availability is not guaranteed. Advised to book at least a year in advance. | Cost: US $700 per permit per day. 80 permits issued per day. Permit availability is not guaranteed. Advised to book at least a year in advance. |
| Group Size | Max 4 guests per group, 3 groups per day. | Max 8 guests per group, 12 groups per day. | Max 8 guests per group, 10 groups per day. |
| What To Know About Gorilla Tracking At Ngaga Lodge | Gorilla tracks at Ngaga Lodge are on foot and typically start before dawn. Expeditions range in length from 1-8 km (0.5-5 miles) over undulating terrain and often through thick undergrowth. Tracks can last between two and seven hours, including the time (one hour maximum) spent with gorillas. |
|---|
Guests must be at least 16 years of age.
We require a medical clearance form completed by a health professional prior to your arrival. This is to prevent transmission of harmful diseases to which the gorilla families are susceptible. Guests must wear masks (provided) when in proximity to the gorillas
Your tracker and guide will use hand signals to communicate while in close proximity to the gorilla families. Guests are asked to remain silent until the tracker and guide advise it is safe to be vocal.
Camera equipment and personal belongings must be easily accessible during the trek to reduce noise.
Guests remain at least 10 m (32 ft) from the gorillas at all times to preserve their natural behaviours, protect them against disease, and create a boundary of mutual respect.
Guests are permitted to spend up to 1 hour maximum with gorillas per day (not including trekking time).
| ECOTOURS – RIVER CRUISES - CAMPINGTRIPS – TIGERFISHING – AUTHENTIC CONGOLESE CULTURE – MAGICAL SCENERY | ||
|---|---|---|
| Go Congo Tour Operator s.a.r.l. | ||
| RCCM: CD/KIN/RCCM/15-B-7727 | 14 iemme rue, Avenue Léon Thonda nr. 7 | Tél.: +243 996 825 007 |
| ID. NAT.: 01-9-N40471D | Limite, Kinshasa | aitcongo@gmail.com |
| MAFFET / SGT / AV / 02 / 2003 | RépubliqueDémocratique du Congo | |
| “ OVER 30 YEARS, CONGOLESE BACKCOUNTRY EXPERIENCE “ |
