100 Men vs 1 Gorilla: Why Rwanda’s Silverbacks Need Your Support

“100 men vs one gorilla” is currently trending all over the internet, with Tiktok, Reddit, and Twitter users alike all share the same question. The internet is full of debates like: “Could 100 men beat a gorilla?” People are curious. But while they argue online, Rwanda’s mountain gorillas face a real challenge: staying alive.

Could 100 people beat a silverback? No. A silverback is about 10 times stronger than a human. It can run 20 miles per hour and has a bite stronger than a lion.

But here’s the important part: gorillas do not want to fight. They are peaceful, shy animals. In the wild, silverbacks use their strength to protect their family, not to attack. Their goal is to avoid conflict whenever possible. The real problem is not fighting people – it’s fighting extinction.

The good news is, Rwanda’s mountain gorilla numbers grew by 26% over the last 10 years. This success is thanks to strong conservation efforts, mainly funded by tourism. When you visit, you help protect these amazing animals. Your support has real results. More gorillas are being born, and their families are thriving.

See: The easiest Gorilla family to track in Rwanda

The story of mountain gorilla conservation would not be complete without mentioning Dian Fossey. Her groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 70s brought global attention to the plight of these gentle giants. Fossey dedicated her life to studying and protecting Rwanda’s gorillas, even risking her own safety to stop poachers. Her legacy lives on today through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the continued efforts of local conservationists.

However, threats still exist. Farms and buildings are taking away their home. As human populations grow, forests shrink, leaving gorillas with fewer places to live and find food. Traps set for other animals can injure or kill gorillas, even though they are not the target. Climate change brings new problems too, like changing rainfall patterns that affect the plants gorillas need to survive.

Every trekking permit helps protect 3 acres of forest. When you trek with Beyond Kigali Tours, you are part of a bigger story. We offer safe and respectful gorilla encounters that prioritize the well-being of the animals and the environment. Your visit funds rangers who patrol the forests, keeps vital conservation programs running, and supports local communities who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.

When you choose responsible tourism, you are choosing to stand with Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. You are helping to ensure that future generations will be able to see these incredible creatures in the wild, not just in books or documentaries.

Skip the online debates and come meet a silverback gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. See their true power , and help save them. Watch them interact with their families, care for their young, and move through the misty forests. It’s an experience you will never forget. Let’s turn “100 men vs one gorilla” into a question of how to protect the gorillas.

Book your trek today.

Every visit matters. Every permit sold is a step closer to a safer future for Rwanda’s silverbacks.