Types of Gorillas in Africa & Where to See Them

Understanding gorilla species and locations helps you choose the best destination and plan your gorilla trekking safari with trusted tour operators in Africa.

Gorillas are among the most famous and largest apes in the world. In Africa, they can be found in Uganda, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and a few other countries.

Types of Gorillas in Africa and Their Differences

Gorillas are the largest living apes in the world, and there are two species: eastern gorillas and western gorillas. These species differ in body size, fur, and nostril shape.

• Western gorillas are further divided into two subspecies: the cross river gorillas and the western lowland gorillas.
• Eastern gorillas are divided into mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas.

In total, there are four known subspecies of gorillas:

Mountain Gorilla

As the name suggests, mountain gorillas live in forested mountain areas. They are found in the Virunga Mountains, which stretch across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

National parks where you can find mountain gorillas include Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.

They live at altitudes of 1,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level and are able to withstand the cold due to their long, thick fur.

Mountain gorillas are endangered because their habitats are threatened by human activities such as encroachment and poaching.

Eastern Lowland Gorilla

Also called Grauer’s gorillas, these are found in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park in the South Kivu region. They are the largest subspecies and live in both lowland and mountain areas.

They have shorter, brown hair compared to mountain gorillas and are generally peaceful and calm.

Cross River Gorilla

Listed as endangered in 2006, cross river gorillas live in the forested mountains of Cameroon and Nigeria. They can weigh up to 200 kilograms and stand about 5 feet tall.

There are only about 350 cross river gorillas left in the world, making them highly vulnerable to poaching and habitat loss.

These gorillas are more aggressive and shy, making them difficult to study, and they are not available for tourism in Cameroon or Nigeria.

Western Lowland Gorilla

These gorillas live in Central and West Africa in countries like Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, and the Central African Republic.

They are the most common gorilla subspecies and live in Africa’s large forests. Western lowland gorillas are smaller in size, with a population of over 350,000 in the wild, and some can also be found in zoos.

Plan & Book Gorilla Trekking Safari in Africa

Ready to plan your gorilla trekking safari in Africa? Gorilla trekking takes place in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo where you can see mountain gorillas in Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes, and Virunga National Parks, and eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park.

Gorillas live in groups led by a silverback and are found in forests and mountains. To see them, you need a gorilla permit and early booking. Knowing gorilla species and locations helps you choose the right destination.

Book your gorilla trekking safari with trusted tour operators for a safe and well-organized wildlife experience in Africa.