Mountain Gorilla

Description - The largest of all primates and the rarest of the three subspecies of gorilla, they have the largest jaws and teeth of the three and long black hair. Adult males can weigh up to 200kg and be up to 6ft tall. Predominantly ground dwelling, mountain gorillas prefer open canopy forests that allow light to reach the forest floor; their diet consists of bamboo, roots, stems, leaves and vines. Female gorillas actively choose their breeding partners as the male protection is essential to a successful reproductive cycle. Male partners are usually the older, stronger and more experienced silverbacks. Communication varies between barks, screeches, pant grunts and chest beating. Movement is usually on all fours via "knuckle walking". Group size varies from 2-30 individuals but a common average is 9. Mountain gorillas have a fairly limited home range, making them easier to track and habituate for tourism and research possibilities.

Distribution - Only present in moist tropical or subtropical forests in the Virunga Mountains along the borders of south west Uganda, north west Rwanda and eastern DRC.

Level of Protection - Critically Endangered. Recent efforts have seen the population increase from 650 to 700 mountain gorillas. Habitat is under constant threat from logging and civil unrest in DRC. Poaching is also still a threat.

Best Time to visit - The traveller is able to visit throughout the year although approx short wet seasons do run from March-April and October-November. Tracking in the rainforest does mean that you can get wet at any time of the year!

Safaris available - World Primate Safaris offers safaris to see the mountain gorilla in both Uganda and Rwanda. Due to security it is not possible at present to visit DRC. Please contact us for further information.