Tayna National Reserve was established early to primarily protect Grauer’s gorillas, along with other animals such as leopards and elephants; it was created with the agreement of traditional elders who had managed the land for many generations.
The Tayna gorilla reserve covers an area of 886 square kilometers, habituating about 450 Grauer’s gorillas in the Eastern part of Congo, part of north Kivu. The endlessness of the magnificent reserve is simply breathtaking, as it’s positioned in an area of the transition of the great Albertine rift valley to the Congo river hence providing panoramic views.
Tayna national reserve has received an equal status by the Congolese government, just like its national parks; hence, the support it gets from various organizations and the government to support its growth into a conservation area.
A chief known as Pierre Kakule initiated other chiefs in the region who supported him in forming this reserve to help many of the Bamati and the Batangi people, many of whom were affected by civil wars that left many children orphaned the reserve now set up an institution in support of these children and the creation of awareness of the importance of conserving the environment for sustainable tourism.
The Tayna gorilla reserve was created in April 1998 and is owned and protected by the locals of the nearby villages; the reserve has since received donations from nongovernmental organizations like conservation international and the Walt Disney Company in support of the protection of the reserve.
Activities at Tayna gorilla reserve
Gorilla trekking
Trekking of the endangered Grauers gorillas is the most common activity here; however, tourists will also come across other primates such as chimpanzees, Okapi, bonobos and many others
Wildlife viewing
Apart from gorilla trekking tourists can views other animals like elephants, leopards, antelopes, crocodiles and many more
Birdwatching
Birdwatching at the reserve can be done during the gorilla trekking some of the birds here are migratory, while others are residential; the exact number of species is yet to be known.
Nature-guided walks
Nature guided walks can be taken at the Tayna gorilla sanctuary with a bonus of seeing wildlife, birds, plant species, insects, butterflies and many more.
Best time to visit Tayna gorilla reserve
The climate at the reserve is favorable and the reserve can be visited all year round but the best time is in the dry season.
How to get to Tayna gorilla reserve
Tourists can access the reserve through air transport and by road transport they can travel to Kivu but the best is to use a tour company to organize a tour safari.
