Photo: Jackhynes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Primates · Gorilla gorilla gorilla

Western lowland gorilla

The most numerous gorilla, living in the rainforests of Central Africa.

IUCN statusCritically Endangered
Best timeVaries by park
Our guides1 destinations

Western lowland gorillas live in the Congo Basin. Tracking them is rarer and more adventurous than visiting mountain gorillas.

Best places to see it

Where to see it

  • Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of the Congo
  • Dzanga-Sangha, Central African Republic (check travel advice)
  • Loango, Gabon

Our destination guides: Loango National Park

Best time

Varies by park.

Tips

  • Book with a specialist operator.

Did you know?

  • Most gorillas in zoos are western lowland gorillas.

Conservation status: Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to see the western lowland gorilla in Africa?

Odzala-Kokoua, Republic of the Congo; Dzanga-Sangha, Central African Republic (check travel advice); Loango, Gabon.

Is the western lowland gorilla endangered?

It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

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