They are the largest primates and the rarest of the four gorilla subspecies. The entire population has dwindled to around 700 individuals distributed between Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. They live in small groups of 10 to 30, headed by a single dominant male that can weigh up to 200 kg; this male is known as a silverback because of the grey hue of the fur on his back as he ages.

Trekking through the forests of Uganda and the Virunga Mountains in Rwanda to catch a glimpse of mountain gorillas is a one-of-a-kind experience. The viewing of the primates in their natural habitat is regulated by a small number of daily permits granted to tourists, the proceeds of which are used to protect the gorillas and their natural surroundings. Several groups have been included in the project to conserve the species, promoted by the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and, in particular, the International Gorilla Conservation Programme (IGCP).