Eastern lowland gorillas, also known as Grauer's gorillas, are the largest gorilla subspecies on Earth and one of the most endangered great apes. These powerful yet gentle primates are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), making the country the sole guardian of their survival.
Living deep within the Congo Basin's montane and lowland rainforests, eastern lowland gorillas represent one of the most important conservation priorities in Africa today.
Where Do Eastern Lowland Gorillas Live?
Kahuzi-Biega National Park - The primary stronghold of eastern lowland gorillas is Kahuzi-Biega National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Bukavu in eastern DRC. This vast protected area includes dense lowland rainforest, montane forest zones, and bamboo and high-altitude ecosystems.
What Makes Eastern Lowland Gorillas Unique?
Largest gorilla subspecies by size and weight Adapted to both lowland and montane forests Live in smaller, quieter family groups Diet rich in leaves, stems, fruit, and bark Highly intelligent and socially complex
Their calm behavior and immense physical presence make encounters with Grauer's gorillas deeply moving and unforgettable.
Why Eastern Lowland Gorillas Are Critically Endangered
Eastern lowland gorillas are classified as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal hunting and poaching, past regional instability, and limited geographic range.
Conservation efforts in the DRC—particularly in Kahuzi-Biega—focus on ranger protection and patrols, gorilla monitoring and research, habitat preservation, and community-based conservation.
Responsible Tourism & Grauer's Gorilla Conservation
Ethical, low-impact tourism plays a crucial role in protecting eastern lowland gorillas: strictly limited trekking permits, small group sizes, mandatory ranger-led access, and health and distance regulations.
Revenue from gorilla trekking directly funds anti-poaching efforts, ranger salaries and training, scientific research, and community development projects.
Discover our eastern lowland gorilla trekking packages in the DRC and help protect the world's largest gorilla species.
