Few wildlife experiences compare with meeting a gorilla in its natural habitat. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda both offer remarkable gorilla encounters, but the gorillas found in these destinations are not exactly the same.
First, an important distinction: a silverback is not a separate gorilla species. It is a mature male gorilla, named after the silver-grey hair that develops across its back. Both Congo’s lowland gorillas and Rwanda’s mountain gorillas can have silverbacks leading their family groups.
Congo’s Eastern Lowland Gorillas
The gorillas commonly tracked in Congo’s Kahuzi-Biega National Park are eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer’s gorillas. Found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are the largest of the four-gorilla subspecies.
They generally have larger bodies, broader hands and shorter hair than mountain gorillas. Although their name suggests that they live only in lowlands, their range includes both lowland and mountainous forests. Their varied habitat also gives them a more diverse diet, including more seasonal fruit.
Kahuzi-Biega National Park is one of their most important remaining strongholds and is recognised by UNESCO for its exceptional biodiversity. A trek here feels wonderfully remote, leading visitors through dense tropical forest in search of one of the world’s rarest great apes. UNESCO
Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas
Rwanda is famous for the mountain gorillas living in Volcanoes National Park. These gorillas inhabit the cool, misty forests covering the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes.
Mountain gorillas have longer, thicker and darker fur, which helps them survive at higher elevations and in colder temperatures. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, shoots and stems rather than large quantities of fruit.
Gorilla trekking in Rwanda is well established, with experienced trackers, organised visitor procedures and relatively easy access to Volcanoes National Park from Kigali. The dramatic volcanic landscape adds another layer of beauty to the experience. Visit Rwanda
Which Gorilla Experience Is Better?
Neither encounter is necessarily better, they offer different kinds of adventure.
Congo appeals to travellers drawn to remote wilderness, unusual wildlife and the opportunity to see the world’s largest gorilla subspecies. Rwanda offers a highly organised mountain gorilla experience surrounded by spectacular volcanic scenery and a strong conservation story.
Whichever destination you choose, coming face-to-face with a gorilla family and watching a powerful silverback calmly protect his group is an encounter that stays with you long after you leave the forest.