Visiting Dian Fossey Grave offers tourists on Rwanda safari an insight into Dian Fossey’s gorilla conservation legacy. A hike to her graveyard starts from Volcanoes National Park headquarters and you head to the trailhead to hit the jungles to Karisoke Research Camp where it is set between Visoke and Karisimbi Volcanoes. Hiking to Dian Fossey tomb site offers the best and memorable experience to anyone in love with mountain gorilla conservation and protection in Rwanda.
Visiting Dian Fossey Grave lets you have an in-depth exploration about her gorilla conservation work which she began in 1967. It is an inspirational trekking experience which allows you reflect on numerous things while also challenge yourself physically, emotionally and intellectually. Hikers also stand a chance to enjoy the general beauty of Volcanoes National Park as you will come across several birds including the Ruwenzori Batis, Dwarf Honeyguide, handsome francolin, Dusky crimson wing and a lot more; buffaloes, forest elephants, antelopes, monkeys as well as plant species.
Trekking to the Dian Fossey tomb site isn’t hard apart from when it is during rainy season when the ground can be muddy. However, it is generally less challenging than gorilla trekking. A complete hike may take you between 1 and 3 hours or more depending on your hiking speed and nature of the habitat.
About DIAN FOSSEY
Dian Fossey is one of the renowned primatologists who began her conservation journey on gorillas in 1967 until she passed on in 1985. She was born in 1932 and she spent most of her life exploring more about mountain gorillas in the wild. She wholeheartedly advocated for mountain gorilla conservation and protection against poaching.
She was invited by Dr. Richard Leakey to conduct a study on the life of mountain gorillas. Upon arrival, she channeled her efforts from research to gorilla protection and conservation and helped spread the plight of these critically endangered species to the rest of the world.
Dian Fossey is remembered for a number of things including research centre (Karisoke Research Centre) she established to aid her 18 year research work, wrote a book-Gorillas in the Mist which later was made a film to give insight into her personal life and tireless work to save gorillas. She is a brain behind the Digit Fund which later turned to be Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International whose objectives are still in line with mountain gorilla conservation and protection. Today, mountain gorillas remain not more than 1063 in the world and they exist only in Uganda, Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
How much is Dian Fossey grave/tomb hike
Dian Fossey tomb hike permits are a must-have if you are participate in this memorable experience. Each permit is obtainable at US Dollars 75 and it is possible for you to book one via Volcanoes National Park offices or Rwanda tourism offices in Kigali. The fees paid for this hiking adventure is used to support gorilla conservation projects in Volcanoes National Park.
What to pack on Dian Fossey grave hike
- A good camera for photography
- Bottled drinking water
- Energy giving snacks
- Long sleeved shirts
- Hiking boots-preferably waterproof
- Insect repellents
Where to stay on Dian Fossey hiking tour
The available accommodation options to spend a night on Dian Fossey hiking tour in Volcanoes National Park include;
- Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge
- Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel
- Mountain Gorilla View Lodge
- Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Virunga Lodge
- Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge
- Bisate Lodge