Silverback Gorilla Weight and Height: How Big Is a Full-Grown Silverback?
A silverback is the largest living primate: roughly 140 to 200 kg, and about 1.5 to 1.8 m tall when standing.
An adult male gorilla is called a silverback because of the band of silver hair on his back that appears at maturity, usually around 12 years old. Silverbacks are the largest living primates. Typical adult males weigh roughly 140 to 200 kilograms and stand about 1.5 to 1.8 metres tall on two legs, with an arm span that can exceed 2 metres. Females are about half the weight.
Sizes vary by subspecies, as the table shows. For a safari guide to seeing them, read Uganda gorilla safari packages and gorilla trekking fitness.
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 Ameera Africa Safaris.
At a glance
- Male weight: About 140 to 200 kg
- Female weight: About 70 to 100 kg
- Standing height: About 1.5 to 1.8 m
- Arm span: Over 2 m
Size by Type of Gorilla
| Type | Typical adult male | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain gorilla | About 140 to 200 kg | Bwindi, Mgahinga, Volcanoes |
| Eastern lowland (Grauer's) | Often heavier than mountain gorillas | Largest gorilla subspecies |
| Western lowland | About 140 to 180 kg | Smaller; Central and West Africa |
Figures are typical ranges; individuals vary and wild weights are hard to measure.
Silverback Versus Human
An adult male gorilla is roughly two to three times the weight of an average man and has much greater arm and upper-body strength. A standing silverback is comparable in height to a tall person but far broader.
See a Silverback
Silverbacks lead family groups you can visit on a gorilla trek in Bwindi or Mgahinga. Read silverback gorilla facts.
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
- Silverback Gorilla Facts: Strength, Speed, Behaviour and Role in the Group
- Gorilla Species and Subspecies: Mountain, Eastern Lowland, Western Lowland and Cross River
- Gorilla vs Chimpanzee: Differences in Size, Diet, Behaviour and Habitat
- Are Gorillas Dangerous? Aggression, Attacks and Safety on a Gorilla Trek
- 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 Uganda safari vacations for Uganda tours, our featured tours and the latest Uganda park fees.