Since 1902, the gorilla population has been facing serious threats and rapidly declining leaving some gorilla subspecies for example the mountain gorillas to just about 1100 in total globally. In fact, mountain gorillas– which is the most exciting to sightsee gorilla subspecies is endangered.
If you prefer a short answer, There are about 320,000 wild gorillas in total.
Well, forget the numbers for a minute, now you are about to book a gorilla trekking tour, but you need some more inspiration to visit them.
Let’s face it. Gorillas are few! And standing face-to-face with one of the world’s most endangered primates is definitely life-changing and one of the moments you will live to always remember.
So, how many gorillas are left in the world? Let’s get into it.
Gorilla Numbers by Subspecies
Out of the two-gorilla species—Eastern and Western gorillas, each gorilla subspecies belonging to any of these two species tend to have unique population for various reasons. Here’s the current estimate based on the most reliable conservation data.
In average, the total global wild population of gorillas is just over 320,000, with one subspecies making up 99% of that number—the Western Lowland Gorilla found majority in the unsafe Democratic Republic of the Congo. The other gorilla subspecies are hanging on by much thinner threads.
Western Lowland Gorillas
These are the hardest to see gorillas. They live in dense forests in countries like Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and parts of Cameroon. Even though their numbers look high, don’t think it’s easy to locate and see them.
These gorillas are found in countries with insecurity and they are the wildest among all gorillas – hence the main reason why they aren’t mostly visited.
In zoos, these are the gorillas you will find there.
Giant western lowland gorilla
Cross River Gorillas
These are the rarest great apes alive. Fewer than 300 are left, and they live in fragmented forests across the Nigeria–Cameroon border.
Cross river gorilla family
They are very scared of humans and try to always avoid them, travel in small, elusive groups, and have lost most of their habitat to farming and settlement expansion. Because of their small numbers, you are guaranteed to not see them on a gorilla trek.
Eastern Lowland Gorillas (Grauer’s Gorillas)
Once the most numerous Eastern subspecies, their population has collapsed. Less than 5,000 remain, all in eastern DRC. These gorillas are bigger in body size compared to their mountain gorilla counterparts.
Insecurity, poaching, and mining make accessing these giants hard however, Lowland gorilla trekking is expected to improve in the near future.
Mountain Gorillas
These are the most exciting gorillas most visitors like you trek to see in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the Virunga Massif across Rwanda and DRC. In the 1980s, their numbers dropped below 300.
Now they’ve surpassed 1,000—thanks to intense conservation and tourism-supported protection programs.
Some unique facts about these adorable Mountain gorillas include; they are only in the wild, you can’t find them in zoos, they are susceptible human diseases, and their habitat is limited to two small forest zones.
Giant Mountain gorilla silverback
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Why These Numbers Matter
Gorillas are one of our closest relatives. They live in family units, raise young, mourn their dead, and communicate in ways closely similar to humans. Yet all four subspecies face ongoing threats—loss of habitat, poaching, disease, and political instability.
Seeing one in the wild isn’t just a photo opportunity. It’s a rare opportunity to experience a close species surviving against the odds. This adventure is best experienced than told!
How does gorilla trekking conserve the gorilla population?
Gorilla trekking is an exciting adventure and with the cost of gorilla trekking permit being USD 800 in Uganda, USD 1,500 in Rwanda and USD 450 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
From the collected permit fees, part of it is allocated to sensitize the local communities about the benefit of gorilla trekking, they get to learn and appreciate how gorilla trekking is providing jobs for their local communities and begin to value and treat gorillas as special animals.
This way, the number of gorilla positioning and accidents is reduced hence preserving the population.
Part of the money form the permit fees is used for conservation and research purposes, some is used to treat the sick gorillas hence conservation.
So, you see, booking a gorilla trekking with us today is more beneficial not just to the local communities, but also to the gorillas – to nature. Book your adventure today!
Conclusion: You’re Not Just Visiting—You’re Witnessing Survival
When you trek to see mountain gorillas or hear about gorilla conservation in Africa, you’re looking at the rarest sub species witnessed by very few.
The next time you hike through Uganda’s misty forests or stand quiet in front of a silverback, remember this: only about a thousand people can say they’ve seen them in their natural habitat this year. You are rare – adventure today!
Want to be one of them? Plan it right, and make it count.
Customize this tour using our local expertise. We will recommend the best lodges to suit your travel style and book your permits for your travel dates.
We take care of all the ground logistics so you can relax and enjoy a perfect getaway!
