1-Day Dian Fossey Gravesite (tomb) Hike – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda.
Brief background about Dian Fossey.
One of the greatest and most well-known primatologists of the 20th century is Dian Fossey. She was born in 1932. From 1967 until her death in 1985, she was regarded as a specialist on all matters about the endangered mountain gorillas. To date, her legacy still stands and is highly credited for all her efforts in mountain gorilla protection and conservation of their habitat.
Dr. Richard Leakey, a renowned paleoanthropologist, invited Dian Fossey to Africa to do research on mountain gorillas in the wild because he believed that we could learn more about human origins by researching our closest relatives, the gorillas. it is also stated that gorillas share 98% of human DNA. Dian Fossey spent more of her time learning more about mountain gorillas in their habitat and set up her Karisoke Research Camp, which is located between Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke in Rwanda.
The works of Dian Fossey and advocacy for the protection of the mountain gorillas helped to control poaching and increased global awareness about the importance of mountain gorillas. Many people think that mountain gorillas would have gone extinct or had a drastic decline in population if it weren’t for her efforts. As a result of her efforts and determination, gorilla poaching has been completely eradicated in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her skill to make wild gorillas accustomed to human presence is her great achievement that has helped to boost the tourism industry in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, as may visitors from worldwide come to these countries to have an encounter with these gentle giant apes in the African wilderness.
Though Dian Fossey researched and worked hard to protect the mountain gorillas and also conserve their natural habitat, she did not recommend gorilla tourism in Africa as she thought it as a way of disturbing the gorillas and could lead to increased poaching.
Despite all her conservation efforts, she was murdered in her house in the mountains in 1985 and was buried close to her gorilla friends she had worked hard to protect. Though her ending was a sad one and remains a mystery, her legacy and work are still recognized, as seen from her famous book, “Gorillas in the Mist,” which was later made into a film.
Following the conservation efforts and dedication of Dian Fossey, the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, and DR Congo have taken all possible measures to protect and conserve the mountain gorillas, and it’s believed that there are over 1000 mountain gorillas in the world.
Mountain gorilla lovers always visit Volcanoes National Park for different activities like gorilla trekking, hiking the five volcanoes that comprise the park. Paying homage to Dian Fossey’s grave site is an activity that shouldn’t be missed for any gorilla lovers to this pristine park.
The 1-day Dian Fossey tomb hike.
With the one-day Dian Fossey tomb hike, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the primatologist’s death, you will have the chance to observe her Karisoke research center and visit the gorilla cemetery where she was buried close to her most beloved gorilla, Digit, and other gorilla friends.
As early as 4:30 a.m., your guide will pick you up at an agreed-upon location/hotel in Kigali and transport you to Volcanoes National Park, home to the endangered mountain gorillas popular for gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Upon arrival at the park, you will get to participate in the briefing session for the Dian Fossey tomb hike. After the session, you will be assigned to a guide who will lead you along the hiking trail through the park to the gravesite. From the briefing center, you will have a 30-minutes drive to the starting point at the base of Mount Bisoke. With your walking stick and porter, you will begin the hike.
The Dian Fossey tomb hike is not as easy as many think. it is strenuous, thus the need for enough physical fitness, commitment, and proper hiking gear. It’s quite short as it takes 4 hours from the starting point.
Along the hiking trail, you will see a variety of primates, including the Mona monkey, vervet monkey, black and white colobus monkey, and many others. On a lucky day, you will meet mountain gorillas, but you will not be allowed to take photos. You will watch them for a few minutes and later proceed with the hike. You will also have the opportunity to see a variety of bird species, so if you have a camera, carry it with you.
The trail provides scenic views of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke a after which she named her research center.
While on your way to the gravesite, you will get the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the legacy that Dian Fossey left behind. You will learn that she was the pioneer of gorilla trekking in Africa, and how her research is still being utilized today to conduct studies and raise awareness about the conservation of mountain gorillas.
At the gorilla cemetery, observe the graves of Dian Fossey’s friends who were killed by poachers. You will also have the opportunity to see her grave, which is adorned with a stone that shows how much she cherished gorillas as companions. Next to her grave site is the grave of her favourite gorilla, “Digit”.
The area around the graveyard provides amazing views of the Virungas and DR Congo. You can also visit the remnants of the house where Dian Fossey was murdered. You can visit the Karisoke research center, though its was abandoned since 1990, but it provides good memories of the primatologist.
Lunch is prepared near the site and served when you rest. Descending back takes 1-2 hours. When you are back at the starting point, you can tip the rangers and porters to appreciate their assistance and meet your driver for a transfer back to Kigali.
End of the 1 Day Dian Fossey grave (tomb) Hike.
Trip includes
- Safari vehicle & Fuel
- Full-time English/ French speaking driver/ guide
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Hiking permit
- Enroute meal
Trip Excludes
- Tips
- Rwanda Visa fees
- Air tickets
- All items of a personal nature, like porterage, phone calls, or any other luxurious drinks.
- Optional/ any activity not included in the itinerary
What do you need for the Dian Fossey grave (tomb) hike?
Since the hike is a bit challenging, you need to be physically fit because at some point, the trail is muddy. You need to have good hiking boots that are water-resistant and can help you traverse the slippery parts of the hiking trail.
A valid hiking permit is the most essential item for one to participate in this activity. You book it through your tour operator company, and it costs $75 per person. Hiking permits are only issued to persons of 15 years and above.
You ought to have good hiking gear like long trousers, hiking boots, stockings, long-sleeved shirts, waterproof jackets, and insect repellents, among others. Walking sticks will help to support you along the hike. The hike is so amazing and adventurous.
Hikers are advised to hire porters to help with carrying their backpacks. Each porter is hired at $10 -$15, depending on the size of your luggage.
For any inquiry regarding Dian Fossey’s grave site hike or any other activity in Volcanoes National Park, contact Active African Vacations for a tailored round trip that suits your interests and budget. They provide quality for your priorities.