Gorilla Strength Vs Human-Everything you Need to Know
How Strong Are are Gorillas?
The Gorilla Strength is estimated to be 10 times their total body weight. Grown silverback gorillas are said to be able to carry 4,000 pounds which is approximately 1,810Kgs. To put the Gorilla strength relative to their size into perspective, male western lowland gorillas weigh between 300 to 500 pounds on average. That means these gorillas can lift up to 1.5 to 2 tons of payload on their own!
Mountain Gorilla Strength Vs Human Strength
When considering how strong gorillas are compared to humans, it’s estimated that the Gorilla strength is about 12 times that of an average human. This immense power is not just for show; it’s a critical aspect of their survival aiding in everything from foraging to defending against threats.
Mountain Gorillas are built differently from humans with more robust and powerful muscles which is due to the fact that they use their hands for walking and supporting their entire body weight leading to the development of strong hands compared to those of human beings. This is why we strongly advise our guests not to provoke the Gorillas during their gorilla trekking tours in Africa as containing a charged gorilla can be extremely difficult. The worst part is that Mountain Gorillas possess strong canine teeth with a bite force estimated at 1,300 Pounds per square inch.
Remember a gorilla can weigh up to 500 pounds which gives them a significant advantage over an average man who typically weighs around 180 pounds and they have bones which are three times stronger and thicker than those of humans.
When it comes to fighting, Mountain gorillas tend to fight their opponents one by one meaning that even if you are a group of people, the gorilla will deal with everyone of you and inflict harm with relative ease. Silverbacks will fight to the last man to protect their families the same way gorilla mothers will fight fiercely to protect their babies even if it means dying.
How to Stay Safe while on a Gorilla Trekking Tour
For your safety and the safety of the gorillas, there are set rules and regulations that must be followed during your Gorilla trekking adventure as explained below:
You are not allowed to track gorillas if you have a communicable disease, eg. diarrhea, flu, etc.
You don’t have to surround the gorillas but remain in a tight group
Leave a distance of not less than 5 meters between you and the gorillas
Flash photography is strictly forbidden
You are not allowed to eat or smoke within 200 meters of the gorillas
If you cannot avoid sneezing or coughing, turn away from the gorillas and cover your nose and mouth
Bury all your human waste in a hole dug at least 30cm (1ft) deep and ensure that it is properly covered afterwards
Do not spit on vegetation or soil while in the park
No person under 15 years is allowed to track gorillas
Do not make a loud noise or sudden movements in the presence of gorillas
All liter must be removed from the park for disposal
Please observe all instructions from your guide.
Where can I see Gorillas in the Wild?
Gorillas can be seen in the dense forests of East, Central and Western Africa. Lowland gorillas can be sighted in forests and swamps along the Congo river basin. Mountain Gorillas are mostly found in the wider Virunga conservation region and Bwindi Impenetrable forest. In general, if you want to see wild Mountain gorillas live in their natural habitat, you have to visit either Mgahinga National Park in Uganda, Bwindi National Park in Uganda, the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in Congo.
For eastern lowland gorillas, you have to visit Maiko National Park, Kahuzi-Biega National Park, Tayna Gorilla Reserve, the Itombwe Massif and the Usala forest. Western lowland gorillas are more widespread and found in Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Central African Republic, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Republic of the Congo.
How to see Gorillas in Africa?
For you to see gorillas in the wild, you have to prepare to visit Africa and there are many tour companies including Engabi Tours and Travel that offer amazing tours to visit gorillas in their natural habitat. You must acquire a gorilla trekking permit and prepare transport, accommodation and meals for the gorilla trekking excursion. You might want to read about 3 Days Gorilla Tour or Budget Uganda Gorilla Safaris. The best places to see gorillas are Bwindi National Park, Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Virunga National Park and Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
While the trek can be physically demanding, the reward of witnessing these gentle giants in their lush mountain home is an experience that will stay with you forever. The Gorilla Trekking Package Costs vary depending on the country and operator, so be sure to research and book your permits well in advance.
Engabi Tours and Travel is a tested Gorilla Trekking Company based in Uganda with sales offices in Rwanda and Tanzania and we are highly recommended by our past clients on TripAdvisor. We are available to serve you and get back to you promptly! if you really can’t wait for the journey to Africa to begin, chat with us right now on WhatsApp at +256 757 341 593