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What Species of Gorillas Can Be Seen in Africa?

Gorillas are among Africa’s most iconic primates—majestic, powerful, and incredibly intelligent. They are the largest living primates and one of the closest relatives to humans, sharing roughly 98% of our DNA. For wildlife lovers planning an African safari, one of the most exciting questions is: What species of gorillas can be seen in Africa?

Africa is home to two main species of gorillas: the Eastern Gorilla and the Western Gorilla. Each species is further divided into two subspecies, making a total of four gorilla subspecies found on the continent. Understanding these species helps tourists know what to expect during a gorilla trekking safari and which destinations offer the best encounters.

In this guide, you’ll learn about all four gorilla subspecies, where they live, their conservation status, and the best places to see them. For travelers ready to trek Africa’s gentle giants, you can explore packages and expert guides at Monumental Gorilla Tours and Safaris.

The Four Gorilla Subspecies Found in Africa

1. Mountain Gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Habitat: High-altitude forests in East Africa
Estimated Population: About 1,000 individuals
Conservation Status: Endangered
Best Places to See Them: Uganda, Rwanda, DR Congo

Mountain gorillas are the most famous subspecies, known for their thick fur, strong build, and charismatic behavior. They live only in the high-altitude volcanic mountains of the Virunga Massif and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Where to See Mountain Gorillas

• Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda) – Home to nearly half of the world’s mountain gorillas. Trekking here offers dense jungle trails and unforgettable encounters. Start planning via GorillaTrackings.com/Uganda.

• Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) – Part of the Virunga Conservation Area.

• Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda) – Known for well-organized treks and easier hikes.

• Virunga National Park (DR Congo) – Africa’s oldest national park, ideal for adventurous travelers.

Mountain gorillas are known for their gentle nature, strong family bonds, and close interaction with visitors during a guided trek. They cannot survive in captivity, making an African trek the only place on Earth to see them.

2. Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla beringei graueri)

Habitat: Lowland tropical rainforests of DR Congo
Estimated Population: Around 3,800 individuals
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Best Place to See Them: Kahuzi-Biega National Park (DR Congo)

Also known as Grauer’s gorillas, Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest gorilla subspecies. They have a more robust body, larger hands, and a broader chest compared to mountain gorillas.

Where to See Eastern Lowland Gorillas

• Kahuzi-Biega National Park – The only reliable destination where tourists can trek these rare gorillas.

Their population has declined due to mining, habitat loss, and conflict. Still, conservation efforts and tourism are helping to protect them. Trekking Grauer’s gorillas is a more remote, adventurous experience perfect for seasoned travelers.

3. Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Habitat: Dense rainforests of Central and West Africa
Estimated Population: Over 300,000 individuals
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Best Places to See Them: Gabon, Congo Brazzaville, Central African Republic

Western lowland gorillas are the most widespread and numerous of all gorilla subspecies. They live in deep, remote rainforests, making them harder to track compared to mountain gorillas.

They have a slightly lighter coat and a more pronounced brow ridge. Their diet includes fruits, seeds, and vegetation from vast forest ranges.

Where to See Western Lowland Gorillas

• Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Congo Brazzaville) – Known for exceptional gorilla tracking and luxury camps.

• Dzanga-Sangha Reserve (Central African Republic) – Offers habituated groups for close encounters.

• Loango National Park (Gabon) – A unique coastal rainforest home to gorillas, elephants, and surfing hippos.

Western lowland gorilla safaris are often combined with forest and river expeditions, creating a rich and diverse wildlife experience.

4. Cross River Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla diehli)

Habitat: Forested mountains between Nigeria and Cameroon
Estimated Population: About 300 individuals
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Best Places to See Them: Not common for tourism; highly protected

Cross River gorillas are the rarest gorillas in the world. They live in rugged terrain along the border of Nigeria and Cameroon. Their tiny population makes encounters extremely rare and mostly inaccessible to tourists.

Conservation groups are working to protect their habitat from logging and hunting, but due to their shyness and remote range, they are rarely seen.

Because of this, travelers seeking gorilla trekking experiences are encouraged to visit mountain gorillas or western lowland gorillas, which offer better tourism infrastructure.

Comparing the Four Gorilla Subspecies in Africa

Understanding these differences helps tourists choose the right trekking destination based on accessibility, adventure level, and conservation needs.

Why Gorilla Trekking Is So Popular in Africa

Gorilla trekking has become one of the top African wildlife experiences for travelers. Walking through misty jungles, following trackers, and finally encountering a silverback gorilla and his family is an unforgettable moment.

Reasons Travelers Love Gorilla Trekking

• Unmatched wildlife encounter – Seeing gorillas in their natural habitat is raw, emotional, and incredibly intimate.

• Exclusive experience – Only a limited number of permits are issued daily to reduce wildlife pressure.

• Supports conservation – Part of permit fees go directly to gorilla protection and local communities.

• Highly photogenic destinations – Bwindi, Mgahinga, and Volcanoes National Park offer stunning scenery.

To plan a trek, explore safari packages, trekking permits, and park details at Monumental Gorilla Tours.

Which Gorilla Species Is Best for Trekking?

If you’re planning your first gorilla safari, Mountain Gorillas offer the best trekking experience due to:

• High levels of habituation

• Easy accessibility from Uganda and Rwanda

• Well-developed tourism infrastructure

• A stable and protected population

Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is especially popular because it hosts almost half of all mountain gorillas.

Best Countries to See Gorillas in Africa

1. Uganda – The Gorilla Trekking Capital

Uganda is known for having the largest number of mountain gorillas and the most affordable trekking permits. Bwindi and Mgahinga offer year-round trekking, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly communities.

2. Rwanda – Luxury Gorilla Trekking

Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers well-organized treks, luxury lodges, and easier hikes—ideal for first-time visitors.

3. DR Congo – Adventure & Rare Gorillas

In DR Congo, you can trek both mountain gorillas (Virunga NP) and eastern lowland gorillas (Kahuzi-Biega NP), making it a unique double-encounter destination.

4. Gabon, CAR & Congo Brazzaville

These destinations are perfect for those seeking wilderness experiences with western lowland gorillas.

Conservation Efforts Protecting Africa’s Gorillas

All gorilla species are endangered or critically endangered due to threats such as:

• Poaching

• Habitat loss

• Civil conflict in gorilla habitats

• Disease, especially Ebola

• Climate change

However, successful conservation programs—many supported directly by tourism—have helped mountain gorilla populations grow steadily over the past decade.

When you purchase a gorilla permit, you’re directly supporting:

• Anti-poaching patrols

• Ranger salaries

• Community tourism projects

• Habitat protection

Responsible travel makes a difference.

Final Thoughts: Seeing Africa’s Gorilla Species

Africa is home to four unique and magnificent gorilla subspecies, each offering a different experience for wildlife lovers. Whether you trek the famous mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda, the giant eastern lowland gorillas of DR Congo, or the elusive western lowland gorillas, every encounter is unforgettable.

For travelers planning their gorilla trekking adventure, expert help, safari packages, and destination guides can be found at: Monumental Gorilla Tours and Safaris.