Mountain Gorillas are one of the two subspecies of the Eastern Gorilla and the least numerous of the two. They stand as one of the most emblematic elements of Rwandan biodiversity. On the brink of extinction just a few decades ago, concerted conservation efforts have allowed this subspecies to rebound, resulting in a growth in their numbers. More than 700 individuals can be found in the Volcanoes range alone, and the total population, including those in Bwindi, is expected to have reached 1,100 by 2023.
Trekking to see mountain gorillas is an exhilarating experience. While it can sometimes be physically demanding, other times it’s relatively easy. The treks through their habitats provide a glimpse into the unique upper mountain and afro-alpine forests. Encounters with these gentle giants, our distant cousins, always leave behind unforgettable memories. Every single trek is distinct, and there’s always something new to discover. I’ve been visiting the Mountain Gorillas since 2012, capturing numerous images, a task that can sometimes pose its own challenges.
Below are a series of black-and-white portraits from many of these treks.
Bigwi – Daughter of Kurinda, from Ntambara group (2023)
Little one from Kwitonda group (2020)
Young one from Isimbi group (2019).
Kurinda and her baby (2019) – Ntambara group.
Bigwi – Daughter of Kurinda, from Ntambara group (2023)
Gutangara and her baby (2019) – Pablo group.
Silverback from Agashya playing with a young one (2019).
Kabatwa and her baby (2019) – Hirwa group
Older baby from Kwitonda group (2019)
Young individual from Sabyinyo group (2015)
Intego from Kwitonda group (2019).
Young individual from Agashya group (2023).
Bikereri’s child – Igisha group (2019).
Intego from Kwitonda group (2019).
Young individual from Agashya group (2015).
Kabatwa and her baby (2019) – Hirwa group
Ikoramutima from Musirikare group (2019).
Young ones from the Agashya group (2019).
Young one from Igisha group (2019).
Infant of Twitabweho – from Muhoza group (2019).
Inyenyeri and her baby impundu (2023) – Agashya group.
Intego from Kwitonda group (2019).
Guhonda – Old silverback of the Sabyinyo group in 2015.
Gihishamwotsi – Son of Guhonda, new silverback of the Sabyinyo group (2020).
Gihishamwotsi – New silverback of the Sabyinyo group (2015).
Isimbi group – Dominant silverback (2019).
Gihishamwotsi – Silverback of the Sabyinyo group (2020).