This park is located between Bukavu and Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Zaïre). Opened in 1970, the park originally covered an area of 600 square kilometers, but, since 1975, was expanded to 6,000 square kilometers. It is the home of the lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla graueri), which has now become endangered, like the mountain gorillas. There are about 20 families of gorillas in the park. The park is open to visitors around the year, but children under 15 are not allowed. Visitors need to book in advance. At the park, one can stay at the gate at Tshivanga. It is advisable for tourists to carry their own supplies.