The world’s largest living primates are gorillas, sharing more than 98% of the human genetic code, which makes them our closest relatives in the forest. These beautiful apes exhibit common behaviors and live in families, much like humans. Gorillas are a major draw for Africa’s tourism, with thousands of tourists flocking to the continent in search of close encounters with these endangered species that resemble humans.
There are two species of gorillas in the world: the eastern and western gorillas. However, these species have several subspecies. Regardless of the species, all gorillas are beautiful creatures. If you want to be more specific about the types of gorillas in Africa, here is a list:
Mountain Gorillas
These almost became extinct in the beginning of the 19th century, making them critically endangered species. However, with improved conservation practices and policies, their population surpassed 1,000 in the last gorilla census. Mountain gorillas belong to the eastern gorilla species and are also known as Gorilla beringei beringei, named after Captain Robert Von Beringe Fredrick who shot two unknown animals in 1902, later identified as mountain gorillas.
They are found only in the Virunga mountain ranges shared by three African countries: Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mountain gorilla trekking experiences are offered in four national parks: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga National Parks in Uganda, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and Virunga National Park in Congo.
Western Lowland Gorillas
Western lowland gorillas belong to the western gorilla species. They are the smallest gorilla species, weighing up to 270 kilograms or even more in captivity. These beautiful forest apes are found in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. Western lowland gorillas are also commonly found in several zoos due to their ability to survive in captivity. Like all other gorillas, they live in groups dominated by an adult male called a silverback.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas
Eastern lowland gorillas, also belonging to the eastern gorilla species, are the largest group and are also known as Gorilla beringei graueri, named after scientist Rudolf Grauer who first identified the species in the 19th century. These impressive apes mainly inhabit lowland and mountain tropical forests. In Africa, they can only be trekked in their natural habitats in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Maiko National Park, the Itombwe Mountains region, and Tayna Gorilla Reserve. Unlike mountain gorillas, eastern lowland gorillas can survive in zoos and other man-made sanctuaries.
Cross River Gorillas
Also known as Gorilla gorilla diehli, Cross River gorillas were discovered as a new species in 1904, but little was known about them until recent research in the 1980s. These gentle apes do not grow as large; males grow up to 1.75 meters tall and weigh up to 200 kilograms, while females grow up to 1.40 meters tall and weigh up to 100 kilograms.
Cross River gorillas are among the few endangered ape species, with only about 200 individuals remaining in the world. They live in groups led by an alpha silverback responsible for the safety and security of other family members, as well as providing leadership and guidance.
Join the millions of travelers who have had unforgettable encounters with these impressive giants of the forest in their natural habitats. A gorilla trekking safari is surely a dream trip for world travelers. It’s time to book a safari in Africa and have the chance to meet some of these amazing gorilla species.
