What Do Gorillas Eat? Gorilla Diet, Foraging and Feeding Habits
Gorillas are mainly herbivores that spend much of the day eating.
Gorillas eat mostly plants: leaves, stems, shoots, roots and bamboo, and fruit when available. Insects such as ants and termites are an occasional addition. Mountain gorillas eat mainly foliage, while lowland gorillas eat more fruit.
Because plant food is low in calories, they spend a large part of the day foraging. See gorilla species and Bwindi, where you can watch them feed.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Uganda safari holidays with Ameera Africa Safaris.
At a glance
- Main diet: Leaves, stems, shoots
- Mountain gorilla: More foliage
- Lowland gorilla: More fruit
- Extras: Ants and termites
Foods in the Forest
- Leaves of herbs and shrubs.
- Stems and pith of plants.
- Bamboo shoots in season.
- Fruits where available.
Watching Them Feed
On a trek you will see gorillas pulling and stripping plants. See gorilla safari packages.
Want to see them in the wild? Send us your dates and we will arrange permits and a guide.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Are Gorillas Dangerous? Aggression, Attacks and Safety on a Gorilla Trek
- Gorilla Lifespan and Life Cycle: Mating, Pregnancy, Infants and Old Age
- Gorilla Species and Subspecies: Mountain, Eastern Lowland, Western Lowland and Cross River
- Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Grauer's Gorilla): The Largest Gorilla and Where It Lives
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
Ready to Plan Your Uganda Safari?
Tell us your dates, group size and interests and our Kampala team will reply with a clear, personal itinerary.
Explore Ameera Africa Safaris for Uganda safari packages, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.