Tourists experience very close encounter with enormous gorilla

This is the heart-stopping moment a group of tourists had a very close call with probably the world's most peaceful silverback gorilla.

The footage shows the huge ape walking towards the tourists and passing by them as if he did not notice their presence.

The tourists can be seen turning their backs to the gorilla in order to avoid exchanging looks with the animal.

The filmer writes: ''Time seemed to stand still but race at the same time.

''I think I may have held my breath for most of the time.

''I couldn't believe we were so close and that they were so content.

''It was a once in a lifetime experience and I can't think of anything else that hits the mark.''

The clip was filmed in Rwanda in May 2017.