The only magnificent ape, unique, complex rare and intelligent in the world that live in Democratic Republic of Congo. There are funny amazing primates to track especially if you trekked chimps and gorillas. They appear small compared to gorillas and other chimpanzees species but look alike and other people call them pygmy Chimpanzees though the term Bonobos is used more often today.
Did you know they share 98% of human genes and adapt to life just like humans. If you missed chimpanzee trekking in Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania make it a point to trek bonobo chimps in central Congo and also get a chance meet other rain forest creatures like birds, antelopes, and other primate species.
Witness the evolution of man by tracking bonobos as they fulfill the regeneration role of the rain forest. Today over 50000 bonobos are remaining in the world and are one of the must see attraction for all travelers to Congo on different life assignments.
Surprising facts of Bonobos
Many travelers think Bonobos look like chimpanzees but they are different in many aspects and some facts can be noticed when you take a close look at them. Bonobos have pink lips unlike the chimpanzees, dark face that make the pink lips colour shout out to viewers, Long legs despite their being short, parted long hair on their heads something you can’t find in chimpanzees and three webbed toes yet those for chimpanzees are divided just like humans. They are small in size compared to chimpanzees that’s why they are referred to as pygmy chimps. Can’t forget their tinny neck and narrow shoulders.
Bonobo trekking Tours in Congo
Anyone can chose a favorite destination for chimpanzee trekking in Africa but whoever goes to Lola ya Bonobo, the Ma Valle and the Chutes du Lukaya to see bonobos gets an exclusive authentic experience in the forest including a hand shake with the primates that behave just like humans. Forest route trekking is led by rangers who habituate the primates and they make sure tourists are safe and fine by directing them to a place with the hug concentration of the apes. During the trek tourists get excited and they take photos of these amazing primates as long as you around Congo or its close neighboring countries of Rwanda and Uganda.
Other Great Primates in Congo
Among the unique primate destinations in Africa, Congo has a diverse primate species ready for tourists daily. You can enjoy a gorilla safari in Congo to see the mountain gorillas in Virunga national park, lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega national park, chimpanzees in Virunga still and Bonobos in the Congo basin area. There are other primate species that live together with the main conserved mention species including baboons, monkeys, bush baby, colobus monkeys among others making it simply the best in the world of primates. The other interesting thing is that Bonobos are too special and are celebrated country wide on 14th February a day that world bonobo project marked in 2016.