Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is a primate sanctuary located in the town of Bukavu, South eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The well-known Kahuzi Biega national park is only ten kilometres away from the primate rehabilitation centre, which is home to chimpanzees that have been saved and protected from illegal wildlife activities such as animal trafficking, poaching, hunting, and other crimes against wildlife.

With over 108 different species of monkeys living alongside 92 chimpanzees, this is a wonderful spot safari to see chimpanzees.

In addition to chimpanzees and monkeys, the sanctuary is home to a variety of bird species as well as other animals like parrots and turtles. The various kinds of monkeys that are sheltered at the sanctuary include vervet, blue, golden, Manga bey, Mona, owl faced, red tailed and Grey cheeked mangabey monkeys.

Getting to interact with the orphaned chimpanzees and other primate species with a combination of gorilla trekking safari in Kahuzi or Virunga is such a lifetime experience and worth every penny spent on Congo safari tours. In addition, the sanctuary offers tourists and visitors the chance to participate in volunteer tourism activities such as conservation work, one-on-one interactions with these human-like species, and other exciting events.

Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary became recognized officially in 2002 aiming at rehabilitating and orphaning chimpanzees rescued from poaching and other illegal activities like animal trafficking in both of Congo’s popular tourist safari destinations include Kahuzi Biega national park and Virunga national park. The sanctuary has since registered success in its vision and attracts about 3000 visitors throughout the year.

The outstanding safari activity done at the Lwiro Chimpanzee sanctuary cannot be successfully executed alone as there is a great team working hand in hand to take care of the chimpanzees. The team consists of approximately 46 individuals, comprising veterinary doctors who have played a pivotal role in ensuring the primates’ welfare.

They tend to and make sure the chimpanzees that have been rescued are well. Together with the cares, the doctors make sure the chimpanzees eat all six of the recommended meals a day, which are balanced diets.

While visiting the orphaned chimpanzees and having a great time with them, guests can also participate in other exciting and entertaining activities at the sanctuary, such as learning more about these primate species, rehabilitating injured animals, and rescuing, conserving, and reintroducing other wild animals.

How to Get To Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

The Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is more easily accessible for tourists and travelers due to its close proximity to Kahuzi Biega National Park, a well-known tourist safari destination in the country, which is only 10 kilometres away. In addition from the road means of transport through Bukavu town which is about 50 kilometers away, flight means are also available from Kavuma Airport. It is about 5 kilometers from the Airport to the sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Popular tourism activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo like gorilla trekking safari in the country’s most visited tourism destinations including Kahuzi Biega national park and Virunga national park are easily done smoothly and effectively during the peak season and that’s the dry period of the year.

Normally, travelers and visitors dive into the sanctuary after the gorilla trekking tours in these spots due to its closeness. The drier months of June, July, August, September and January throughout February is the best time to visit the sanctuary.

The routes to the sanctuary are accessible, dry, and offer clear views of wildlife during this time of year. The weather is also mild and ideal. That being said, it remains true that the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is open for visitors year-round and is a year-round tourist destination.