Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a home to Orphaned Chimpanzee that found in Bukavu town approximately 10 km away Kahuzi Biega National Park in the South East of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Currently, the Sanctuary protects over 86 chimpanzees, 106 monkeys (13 distinct species), tortoises, parrots, porcupines and any animal which deserves a second chance.
The hope of seeing chimpanzees in their natural state came after the second Congolese war in 2002 that resulted in a high rate of poaching chimpanzees, injured primates and leaving behind orphaned children of chimpanzees. This incredible work was done by a couple of Congolese institutions who struggled day and night to bring new life to this endangered species with help of Virunga and Kahuzi Biega National Park, such institutions including Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) and the National Center for Research in Natural Sciences (CRSN). Today, Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary has been classified as 3rd most prominent site by IUCN for Chimpanzee Conservation in Congo.
Their road to success is to return all animals to the wild, but only if the animals have no debilitating injuries or diseases and are deemed fit enough to survive. Any animals that would be unlikely to survive if returned to the wild will always have a home in the sanctuary. Apparently, the Sanctuary is giving most chimpanzees a second chance to live again and protecting them in the wild, hence helping them to recover from psychological torture with the help of some NGOs.
The sanctuary is regarded as the most prominent and safe place to visit and this has evidence through the increasing number of visitors both domestic and international with over 3000 visitors are recorded annually.
Visiting Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the extraordinary experience in Bukavu town as you get to know how the chimpanzees were rescued from poachers and are unlikely to survive reintroduction to the wild which also gives hope to a better life and helping them find their own freedom. Participating in daily activities such as Chimpanzee feeding and other conservation work this really gives them a second chance to interact with humans as well offers you a unique opportunity to get to know more about your closest cousins hence is the most exciting kind of experience to encounter while on your vacation in Congo.
Your visit to Sanctuary gives a soft running of programs and helps them to achieve their goals including protecting primates in the region, rescuing and caring rescued species, training staff, research, community support and among others which gives a second life to this endangered species.
Best time to visit Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary welcomes you all year round from January to December. Being found in the rift valley region, near Lake Kivu, Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary receives conducive weather or climate that enables all visitors to enjoy their memorable experience in Sanctuary.
Accommodation varies from upmarket to budget in order to enable you to enjoy your vacation in Congo. Lwiro Chimpanzee Guesthouse is among the few accommodations near the sanctuary and Camping is another option for travelers seeking to an adventurous experience
How to get to Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Lwiro Chimpanzee Sanctuary is 30 km drive away Bukavu town to Lwiro gate approximately one hour drive and it’s about 10km drive from Kahuzi Biega National park headquarters.