There are four recognized gorilla species and subspecies in the world, split between the eastern and western gorilla groups. Gorillas share more than 98% of their DNA with humans, making them our closest living relatives after chimpanzees and bonobos, and their family-based social structure has made gorilla trekking one of Africa’s most sought-after wildlife experiences.
Mountain Gorillas
Mountain gorillas were nearly driven to extinction in the early 20th century, but improved conservation efforts have brought their population above 1,000 individuals, according to the most recent census. They’re part of the eastern gorilla species, formally known as Gorilla beringei beringei, named after Captain Robert von Beringe, who first documented the subspecies in 1902.
Mountain gorillas live only in the Virunga mountain range, shared by Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. They can be trekked in four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in DR Congo.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Western lowland gorillas are part of the western gorilla species and are the smallest of the four gorilla types, weighing up to 270kg in captivity. They’re found across DR Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, and are the gorilla subspecies most commonly seen in zoos, since they tolerate captivity better than other gorilla species. Like all gorillas, they live in family groups led by a dominant silverback.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas are the largest of the four gorilla types and belong to the eastern gorilla species, formally known as Gorilla beringei graueri, named after scientist Rudolf Grauer, who first identified them in the early 20th century. They live in both lowland and mountain tropical forest, and can be trekked in DR Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Maiko National Park, the Itombwe Mountains region, and the Tayna Gorilla Reserve. Unlike mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas can adapt to life in zoos and other managed sanctuaries.
Cross River Gorillas
Cross River gorillas, or Gorilla gorilla diehli, were first identified as a distinct species in 1904, though they weren’t well studied until research picked up in the 1980s. They’re the smallest of the gorilla subspecies, with males reaching up to 1.75 meters and 200kg, and females up to 1.40 meters and 100kg. With only around 200 individuals left in the wild, they’re among the most endangered great apes, living in family groups led by an alpha silverback responsible for the group’s safety and direction.
