Dian Fossey Tomb and Safaris
One of the most well-liked safari experiences at Volcanoes National Park is hiking to the Dian Fossey Tomb and Safaris during a gorilla safari. The trailhead access involves a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters to the Karisoke research camp. Hikers have to walk about ten minutes to get to the park boundaries from there. Walking from the park boundary to the research centre, where Dian’s burial is situated, takes around 1.5 hours. Elephants, hogs, and monkeys can all be seen along the route.
This walk is an amazing adventure on all levels—physical, mental, and intellectual. Finding out about someone who was so committed and created a legacy that endures to this day is incredibly motivating. Along with going up slopes and through forests, the hike also calls for a certain amount of patience and physical fitness.
The house where Dian Fossey was mysteriously killed in 1985 is located right here, but the place where she was buried is more serene—it is next to Digit, her favourite gorilla, and about 20 other mountain gorillas who were either killed by poachers or died for other causes.
American primatologist Dian Fossey dedicated her life to researching and defending mountain gorillas in Rwanda for eighteen years until gorilla poachers killed her. In the Volcanoes National Park, she established a Karisoke study camp between Mt. Visoke and Mt. Karisimbi while doing her research. This is where the two volcanoes that gave rise to the Karisoke moniker came from.
The customers arrive at the park headquarters by 7 a.m. for a briefing, as this walk begins at the same time as the Rwanda gorilla trip. The Karisoke walk is not very popular, so you or your group may be the only ones doing it, along with your guide or the ranger. Strong, waterproof boots with high traction are required for this walk because it is muddy.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund currently oversees 10 mountain gorilla groups in Rwanda, in addition to managing several other projects, to help conserve gorillas and other species in the area. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, the walk is an amazing experience. Finding out about someone who was so committed and created a legacy that endures to this day is incredibly motivating. Additionally, if you’re in Rwanda and ready for a challenge, I suggest this walk. The guide cost is included in the $75 per person parking fee for the Karisoke trip. The journey begins at the KinigParkrk headquarters at 7:00 a.m. as well.
Sigourney Weaver (voice) in Dian Fossey: Secrets in the Mist 1 “Gorilla Girl” from National Geographic, 2017.
Trekking to the burial of Dian Fossey: The Tomb and Safaris
The Dian Fossey Tomb and Gorilla Cemetery, which is close to her former Karisoke Research Camp/Centre between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, is a must-visit for everyone who loves mountain gorillas.
While going on a gorilla safari in Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park may be the major draw, a unique experience that may be had the day before gorilla tracking is seeing Dian Fossey’s grave (for those who have booked gorilla trekking in Rwanda).
It’s a wonderful way to honour one of the most prominent mountain gorilla researchers. You’ll discover more about her work with the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s isolated highlands and have the opportunity to support the work she began in 1967.
The walk will test your physical, emotional, and intellectual limits and provide you with ample opportunity for introspection. Perhaps you will be motivated, as she was, to fight for something you genuinely believe in, like wildlife protection. In addition to providing you with knowledge of Dian Fossey’s work and research facility, the activity will let you take in the breathtaking views of Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. You may see unique plants, birds, golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, antelope, and, most importantly, a gorilla family while trekking to Dian Fossey’s burial.
The only challenging part of the trip to Dian Fossey’s tomb is the mud and little gradient at the beginning, which could be tough for a novice hiker. For the walk to be enjoyable, one must be at a reasonable level of fitness. When compared to the more popular gorilla trekking, a trek to the Dian Fossey has fewer tourists. But you might wish to make reservations in advance, particularly from June to September, which are the busiest months. A fit hiker can finish the trail in no more than two hours.
Usually, the walk is scheduled for early in the morning. Early in the morning, visitors gather at the Kinigi Park office, where a ranger will provide a briefing. Since the park offices also serve as meeting places for activities like climbing with gorillas, bespoke hiking, Karisimbi hiking, and golden monkey trekking, they are frequently packed with visitors. Following the briefing, guests are driven for 30 minutes to the starting location, which lies at the base of Mount Bisoke. You will find hireable porters and armed rangers at the starting point. While porters assist in carrying more luggage over tough terrain, armed rangers guard you from wild animals and poachers. The main park guide will give you a walking stick to help you through some of the more challenging parts of the trip before you leave.
The Dian Fossey Tomb and Safaris, Outside of Volcanoes, National Park, the walk begins. You will eventually get to the park’s boundary and the stone walls that prevent elephants and buffaloes from entering gardens meant for humans. You’ll walk along the same path that hikers on Mount Bisoke take. With any hope, this trail will allow you to get a chance to interact with a gorilla family. If you happen to come across a gorilla troop, you will have a brief opportunity to observe them from a distance.
Dian-Fossey Rwanda Safaris
Taking pictures is not permitted. There will be regular pauses to admire the lovely scenery and take pictures of significant markers. You will go for the trail leading to the Dian Fossey cemetery after travelling approximately 2900 metres on the Bisoke trail. Views of the DR Congo and the Virunga hills can be seen from the graveyard and the former Karisoke research site. Since the early 1990s, the Karisoke research camp has been abandoned and neglected. The tombs of over 19 other gorillas and Dian Fossey’s favourite, Digit the Silverback, are situated adjacent to each other. The ruins of the home where Dian Fossey was killed should also be seen.
Inquire about Dian Fossey’s work with the guides, and take as many photos of the location as you can. Usually, lunch is made close to the location while you relax and get ready to head back down to the starting point. It takes one to two hours to return to the head trail. When you get to the starting point, your driver or corporate guide will be ready to take you back to your hotel. You will now be parting ways with your porters and park employees. Give them a tip for all of their hard work in assisting you.
