Visiting the Dian Fossey Tombs: Dian Fossey Grave Hike Top Guide

Plan your visit to the Dian Fossey Tombs with essential information on trekking permits, hiking routes, park rules, history, and what to expect in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park.

Visiting the final resting place of the woman who dedicated — and ultimately sacrificed — her life to protecting the mountain gorillas is one of the most moving activities you can add to a gorilla safari in Rwanda.

The Dian Fossey Tombs hike takes you deep into Volcanoes National Park, on the slopes of Mount Bisoke, to the grave of Dian Fossey — the American primatologist who studied and defended mountain gorillas from 1967 until her death in 1985.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Dian Fossey Grave hike: who she was, how the hike works, what it costs, when to go, and how to combine it with mountain gorilla trekking on a wider Rwanda safari.

Who Was Dian Fossey? The Story Behind the Dian Fossey Tombs

Dian Fossey was inspired to visit Africa after watching other travelers return with stories from the continent, and in 1966 she set out on a journey that would ultimately grow mountain gorilla numbers — but cost her life two decades later.

She was struck by the beauty of Africa’s landscapes and the diversity of its wildlife. Her early interest in human evolution led her to meet Dr. Richard Leakey, who instead steered her toward studying the endangered mountain gorillas of the Virunga Mountains.

On her second trip to Africa, Fossey settled in Congo’s Virunga National Park, but persistent insecurity forced her to relocate to Rwanda. She found refuge in what is now Volcanoes National Park, where she founded the Karisoke Research Center on the foothills of the Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes — a site that remains central to any gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda today.

There, she began her landmark study of the mountain gorillas, forming deep bonds with both the local community and the gorilla families she studied, while making enemies of those whose interests worked against gorilla conservation.

One gorilla, Digit, developed an especially strong bond with Fossey — a bond cut short when Digit was killed by poachers. His death pushed Fossey toward more aggressive anti-poaching law enforcement, a stance that made her more enemies still, and ultimately cost her life.

She was found dead in her cabin on December 25, 1985. In the years that followed, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund was established to carry her legacy forward.

How Is the Dian Fossey Grave Hike Done?

Like most tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park, the Dian Fossey Tombs hike begins with registration and a briefing at Kinigi Park headquarters.

The morning starts with a briefing covering the dos and don’ts of the hike. At around 8:00 am, visitors board their safari vehicles for a 30-minute transfer to the trailhead at the base of Mount Bisoke.

A walking stick is provided free of charge, and visitors who’d prefer extra support can hire a porter at the trailhead — a good option for anyone unsure how they’ll handle a full-day Volcanoes National Park hike.

Along the way, you’ll take in sweeping mountain scenery stretching from Rwanda into the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, along with excellent birding opportunities — including several species endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley, making this a worthwhile stop even for travelers primarily focused on Rwanda birding tours. Eventually the trail brings you to the Tomb of Dian Fossey, resting alongside her favorite gorilla, Digit.

The hike begins outside the park boundary, taking in views of the countryside and the Virunga Volcanoes, before reaching the stone wall marking the park’s edge — a barrier that keeps buffaloes and elephants from wandering into community farmland and homesteads.

From there, the trail climbs Mount Bisoke through terrain regularly frequented by mountain gorillas, and some Hail Tours guests have been lucky enough to encounter these giant apes along the way. When that happens, the Park Ranger allows about 10 minutes of viewing time (no photography permitted), alongside possible sightings of forest buffaloes, golden monkeys, and duikers.

At an elevation of 2,967 meters above sea level, hikers break off the Bisoke trail and continue toward Mount Karisimbi, passing through a striking zone of Hagenia-Hypericum forest between 2,900 and 3,000 meters. The full Dian Fossey Tomb hike takes one to three hours, depending on group fitness and pace.

Dian Fossey Tombs Permit Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit?

A permit to visit the Tombs of Dian Fossey costs just $75 per person. This fee doesn’t include Volcanoes National Park entry fees, accommodation, porter fees, transport, or tips for your ranger, driver, and porters.

Permit fees can be paid directly to the Rwanda Development Board in Kigali, or handled through your tour operator when you book your Rwanda safari. Because this hike is priced far below a full mountain gorilla trekking permit, it’s a popular add-on for travelers wanting a deeper, more reflective experience in Volcanoes National Park without booking a second gorilla trek.

Dian Fossey Hike

Dian Fossey Grave Hike vs. Mountain Gorilla Trekking: What’s the Difference?

Many first-time visitors ask how the Dian Fossey hike compares to standard gorilla trekking in Rwanda. The key difference is purpose and cost: gorilla trekking permits (around $1,500 per person) guarantee a full hour with a habituated gorilla family, while the Dian Fossey hike is primarily a historical and scenic trek to Karisoke, with any gorilla sighting along the way considered a bonus rather than a guarantee.

That makes the Dian Fossey Tombs hike an excellent complementary activity for travelers who’ve already done gorilla trekking and want a lower-cost, less physically demanding way to spend an extra day in Volcanoes National Park — or for those looking to understand the conservation history behind the gorilla trekking safaris in Rwanda they’re about to experience.

The Best Time to Visit the Tomb of Dian Fossey

The Tombs of Dian Fossey can be visited year-round, but the dry season is generally considered best. During January, February, June, July, August, September, and December, trails are drier and vegetation is scarcer, making the hike considerably easier to navigate.

The wet season — March, April, May, October, and November — brings heavier rain, muddier trails, and more slippery, challenging conditions underfoot.

That said, Volcanoes National Park’s mountainous terrain and thick vegetation mean rain is possible at any time of year, so it’s worth reading our full guide to the best time to visit Rwanda before locking in your travel dates.

Whatever the season, come prepared with hiking boots, a rain jacket, a safari hat, gardening gloves, a backpack, a long-sleeved shirt, and long trousers. Pack enough snacks and drinking water, a good camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and sunglasses.

Karisoke Research Center and the Gorilla Cemetery

The Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey in 1967, sits at the heart of the Dian Fossey Tombs hike and remains a working base for mountain gorilla research today. Nearby, the gorilla cemetery at Karisoke stands as a quiet tribute to the mountain gorillas Fossey studied and protected — Fossey herself is buried there, beside her beloved silverback, Digit.

The cemetery holds simple wooden markers for gorillas lost to poaching, disease, or natural causes, including notable individuals like Titus. Reaching this misty forest site is one of the most reflective moments of a Rwanda gorilla safari, offering visitors a chance to connect with Fossey’s enduring legacy and the deep bonds she formed with these endangered primates.

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Originally established as the Digit Fund in 1978, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a leading organization dedicated to conserving endangered gorillas and their habitat. Founded by Fossey herself, the fund focuses on daily gorilla protection, scientific research, conservationist training, and community engagement.

Operating mainly in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the fund manages the Karisoke Research Center and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus — both central to ongoing mountain gorilla conservation efforts across the Virunga Mountains.

Through this work, the fund has played a significant role in the recovery of Rwanda’s mountain gorilla population, underscoring just how closely wildlife preservation and community development are linked.

Dian Fossey’s Personal Life

Dian Fossey never married. She was engaged to Alexie Forrester, a Rhodesian man she met during her early years in Africa, though the engagement ended before they wed. She later had a significant relationship with National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell, who worked alongside her at Karisoke — though Campbell remained married throughout, and the relationship eventually ended. Fossey’s deep commitment to gorilla conservation consistently took precedence over her personal life, and she remained single until her death.

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How to Combine the Dian Fossey Hike with Your Rwanda Safari

Because the Dian Fossey Tombs hike takes place inside Volcanoes National Park, it pairs naturally with other park activities on a multi-day Rwanda gorilla trekking safari. Popular combinations include:

Gorilla trekking — spend one day tracking a habituated mountain gorilla family, then add the Dian Fossey hike on a second day for a deeper, more personal look at gorilla conservation history. Our 2 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari is a popular starting point.
Golden monkey tracking — Volcanoes National Park’s bamboo forests are also home to golden monkeys, easily combined on a 3 Day Gorilla & Golden Monkey Trekking safari.
A longer primates circuit — travelers wanting more time across Rwanda’s parks often extend into a 5 Day Rwanda Primate Safari, adding chimpanzee trekking in Nyungwe Forest to the itinerary.
A Kigali-based day trip — for travelers based in the capital, a Kigali to Volcanoes safari makes the Dian Fossey hike an easy addition without a longer, multi-park itinerary.

For a full picture of what else is worth seeing, our guide to Rwanda’s national parks and Rwanda safari activities covers everything from Akagera’s game drives to Nyungwe’s canopy walk.

FAQs About Dian Fossey Tombs

1. Who was Dian Fossey? Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist who dedicated her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda.

2. Why is Dian Fossey famous? She’s renowned for her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, chronicled in her book Gorillas in the Mist, and her tireless anti-poaching efforts.

3. Where did Dian Fossey work? She worked in Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda, where she established the Karisoke Research Center in 1967.

4. What challenges did Dian Fossey face? She faced threats from poachers, opposition from some locals, and limited funding — her strong anti-poaching stance made her a controversial figure.

5. What happened to Dian Fossey? Dian Fossey was tragically murdered in 1985 at her cabin in Rwanda. Her murder remains unsolved.

6. What impact did Dian Fossey have on gorilla conservation? Her work significantly raised global awareness of mountain gorilla conservation and contributed directly to their survival.

7. Is Dian Fossey’s work still continuing? Yes — the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues her legacy through gorilla protection, research, and community support.

8. Did Dian Fossey live with gorillas? Yes, she spent years observing gorillas in their natural habitat, gradually earning their trust.

9. How did Dian Fossey fight poaching? She established anti-poaching patrols, destroyed traps, and lobbied for stronger conservation laws.

10. Why did Dian Fossey write “Gorillas in the Mist”? To share her experiences and raise global awareness of the threats facing mountain gorillas.

11. How difficult is the Dian Fossey Tombs hike? It’s a moderately strenuous hike lasting one to three hours at high altitude, so a reasonable level of fitness is recommended — porters are available for anyone wanting extra support.

12. Do I need a separate permit from gorilla trekking? Yes. The $75 Dian Fossey Tombs permit is entirely separate from a standard mountain gorilla trekking permit, and covers a different itinerary within Volcanoes National Park.

Ready to add the Dian Fossey Grave hike to your itinerary? Get in touch with our Rwanda safari planners to build a gorilla trekking and Dian Fossey Tombs itinerary tailored to your travel dates.