Visiting Dian Fossey Tombs – Dian Fossey Grave Hike at only $ 75
Visiting the final resting of the woman who dedicated and sacrificed her life to protecting the mountain gorillas is one of the activities undertaken during gorilla safaris in Rwanda. Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who embarked on mountain gorilla studies from 1967 until she died in 1985.
Dian Fossey was inspired to visit Africa after seeing different travelers returning from Africa and in 1966, she embarked on a journey that would see mountain gorilla numbers grow but also cost her life two decades later.
She was amazed by the sheer beauty of Mother Nature as well as the diversity of wildlife she sighted. She later developed an interest in studying mankind’s evolution hence meeting Dr. Richard Leakey, who instead encouraged her to undertake studies on the endangered mountain gorillas.
During her second visit to Africa, she decided to settle in Congo’s Virunga National Park but due to constant insecurity, she decided to move to Rwanda. She found refuge in Volcanoes National Park, where she set up the Karisoke Research Center on the foothills of Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes.
She began studying these Giant Apes and developed a deep love and passion for them. During her time in Volcanoes National Park, she formed friendships with communities and mountain gorillas and became enemies with different individuals whose interests weren’t in mountain gorilla conservation.
One of the mountain gorillas who developed a strong bond with Dian Fossey was Digit but unfortunately was killed by poachers. This broadened Dian Fossey’s focus to law enforcement as well as a way of protecting the mountain gorillas and in so doing, she made more enemies that cost her life in 1985.
Dian Fossey was found dead in her cabin on 25th Dec of that year and in subsequent years, the Dian Fossey Fund was established to continue her legacy.
How are Dian Fossey Grave Hikes done?
The visit to Dian Fossey tombs, like most tourist activities in Volcanoes National Park, starts with registration and briefing at Kinigi Park headquarters.
It usually starts in the morning with a briefing on the dos and don’ts of the activity. Later at 8:00 am, visitors hop into 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 at this point and visitors interested in hiring porters are also allowed to do so.
Here, beautiful mountain sceneries stretching from Rwanda to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo are enjoyed, together with lots of bird species, especially the ones endemic to the Albertine Rift Valley. Before long, you will be ushered to the Tomb of Dian Fossey, alongside her favorite gorilla Digit.
Start by walking outside the Park while taking in views of the countryside and Virunga Volcanoes, then approach the stone wall forming boundaries between the Park and surrounding areas but also keeping the big animals (buffaloes and elephants) from crossing into community farmlands as well as homesteads.
Slowly start hiking Mount Bisoke while passing through the area frequented by mountain gorillas and some Hail Tours visitors have been lucky to encounter these Giant Apes at this point.
The Park Ranger will give 10 minutes to see the mountain gorillas but no photography is allowed at this point. Besides mountain gorillas, other forest buffaloes, golden monkeys, and duikers are commonly sighted during this hike.
On reaching 2967 meters above sea level, hikers break off from the Mount Bisoke hike trail and move towards Mount Karisimbi while traversing a stunning area of Hygenia Hypericum within an altitude of 2900 to 3000 meters above sea level.
The entire Dian Fossey Tomb hike takes one to three hours depending on the pace of the slowest person and level of physical fitness.
How much does it cost to visit the Tombs of Dian Fossey?
It will cost you only $75 per person to buy a permit, which will allow you to visit the Tombs of Dian Fossey. However, this amount doesn’t include the Park entry fees, your accommodation, porter fees, transportation, and tips (Ranger, driver, and porters).
This money can be paid directly to Rwanda Development Board offices in Kigali or to the tour operator with whom you booked your trip.
The best time to visit the Tomb of Dian Fossey
The Tombs of Dian Fossey can be visited all year round but the dry season is always considered the best. During these months (January, February, June, July, August, September, and December), the hiking trails are drier, vegetation is scarcer hence making it easier to maneuver through while on the hike.
The wet season (months of March, April, May, October, and November) is marked by heavy rains which make hiking trails muddier, more slippery, and more challenging to walk through.
However, Volcanoes National Park has a generally mountainous landscape and vegetation is thicker hence rains are expected at any time.
You should always be prepared by wearing hiking boots, a rain jacket, safari hats, gardening gloves, a backpack, a long-sleeved shirt, and long trousers regardless of the weather. Also carry enough snacks and drinking water, a good camera, binoculars, insect repellant, and sunglasses.
Read: Best Time to Visit Rwanda
FAQs About Dian Fossey
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 is renowned for her groundbreaking research on mountain gorillas, chronicled in her book “Gorillas in the Mist,” and her tireless efforts to combat poaching and habitat destruction.
3. Where did Dian Fossey work?
She worked in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, where she established the Karisoke Research Center in 1967.
4. What challenges did Dian Fossey face?
Fossey 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 increased global awareness of mountain gorilla conservation, contributing to their survival.
7. Is Dian Fossey’s work still continuing?
Yes, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues her legacy by protecting gorillas, conducting research, and supporting local communities.
8. Did Dian Fossey live with gorillas?
Yes, Fossey spent years observing gorillas in their natural habitat, gaining their trust and studying their behavior.
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”?
She wrote it to share her experiences and raise awareness about the plight of mountain gorillas and the need to protect them.
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Gorilla cemetery at Karisoke Research station
The gorilla cemetery at Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is a poignant tribute to the mountain gorillas studied and protected by primatologist Dian Fossey. Established in 1967, Karisoke became a sanctuary for gorillas, and Fossey herself was laid to rest there in 1985, beside her beloved silverback Digit.
The cemetery contains simple wooden markers for gorillas lost to poaching, disease, or natural causes, including notable individuals like Titus. Visitors can hike through misty forests to this serene site, reflecting on Fossey’s enduring legacy in gorilla conservation and the deep bonds she formed with these endangered primates.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, originally established as the Digit Fund in 1978, is a leading organization dedicated to the conservation of endangered gorillas and their habitats. Founded by primatologist Dian Fossey, the fund focuses on daily protection of gorillas, scientific research, training conservationists, and community engagement.
Operating primarily in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, it manages the Karisoke Research Center and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, both pivotal in conservation efforts.
Through its holistic approach, the fund has significantly contributed to the recovery of mountain gorilla populations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of wildlife preservation and community development.
Dian Fossey husband
Dian Fossey was never married. She was engaged to Alexie Forrester, a Rhodesian man she met during her time in Africa, but the engagement ended before they married .
Later, she had a significant romantic relationship with National Geographic photographer Bob Campbell, who worked closely with her at the Karisoke Research Center.
Although their relationship was intimate, Campbell remained married to his wife, and the affair eventually ended . Fossey’s deep commitment to gorilla conservation often took precedence over her personal relationships, leading her to remain single throughout her life.