Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the world’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary. It is the only research foundation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the central part of the continent of Africa. The sanctuary’s primary goal is to provide life and safety to the chimps. It is a place where the apes are rescued and habituated.
Established in 2002, the Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Primate Rehabilitation Center is located in the Bukavu district of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is approximately 4 kilometers from Kahuzi-Biega National Park on the southern side of Lake Kivu. More than 90 orphaned chimpanzees and more than 100 rescued monkeys from poachers and deceased parents reside in the sanctuary.
It engages in conservation efforts to guarantee that even the young chimps who are unable to eat are fed and have a chance at survival. Thanks to the hard work of its caregivers, employees, volunteers, chefs, and traveling teams. Research, community projects, tourism, wildlife rescue, and environmental conservation are all happening at Lwiro. Even if the sanctuary is still one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visitors are welcome to make a quick visit.
Lwiro chimpanzee sanctuary is not fully open to the public for activities like chimpanzee trekking however, visitors can still visit and learn more about the conservation. They can also learn behind-the-scene activities in the chimpanzee world. The caretakers will take you throughout the whole session for an unforgettable experience and time with the apes.
Events when Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is open to the public
Enrichment with the chimps
Join the rest of the world to watch the chimpanzees behind the scenes, where there is an introduction to the life of the chimpanzees. Only those aged 7 years and above are allowed to engage in this activity. There is a hands-on encounter with the chimps, a closer look, and access to the Chimp Haven Merch store. Visitors have time with sanctuary retirees who number about 300 to discover their funny character traits. The activity is outdoors and so you ought to possess decent clothes and comfortable shoes. It takes place in the rural regions of the sanctuary. Commercial photography and filming are not allowed unless there is a prior arrangement. Personal photography is allowed as a way to promote and publicize the sanctuary to friends.
Brunch in the wild
Visit the wild for a brunch experience. This is a memorable experience since you will spend time seeing the apes in the wild and get a behind-the-scenes look. You will also enjoy a delicious sitting brunch while your eyes are fixed on the chimps in their woodland hideouts. There is also a session where you can watch chimps paint, have access to the secret Chimp Haven Merch store, and ask the staff questions. This breakfast in the bush is limited to only 25 visitors aged 7 and above.
Chimp Chat
This is a behind-the-scenes experience in which guests learn about the sanctuary’s chimpanzees and have an exclusive talk with staff about their lives. The permit grants entrance to the Chimpanzee Discovery Day. The encounter includes a presentation on chimp habitat care and much more.
Chimp discovery day
This event takes place twice each year, with visitors having the best experience as they encounter the chimps on the forest cover. You are allowed to gift the chimps some of the following items. These can include canned veggies, plain mashed potatoes, unsalted nuts, and new pots of peanut butter.
Best time to visit Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Congo and packing guide
Visitors can go to Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary to participate in the different events as stated above. We keep you posted so as not to miss out on a one-on-one with the chimps in their natural habitat. The parking list can include among others, the activity ticket, good hiking boots, warm descent cloths, a good camera for photography, a notebook, and some water.
In conclusion, when Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary opens to the public, it is the ideal location to visit. Brunch in the wild is one of the things you just have to do. Contrary to popular belief, there is a much closer encounter with the apes. You can safely go to the sanctuary by car. The eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park or the massive Virunga chain of mountains, which crosses three countries Uganda, Rwanda, and the Congo, can be combined with a visit to Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary. For a journey to one of the biggest chimpanzee sanctuaries in Africa, get in touch with us right now.