The Tour to Dian Fossey’s Gravesite is one of the unmissable activities offered in Volcanoes National Park, and gives a special insight into the works and sacrifices of an American Primatologist and Conservationist who dedicated almost two decades of her life to study and protect the mountain gorillas.
Dian Fossey established her base between the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke, naming it the “Karisoke Research Center”. During the tour of Dian Fossey Gravesite, visitors learn about her relentless work in protecting these Giant Apes, which landed her into endless conflicts with “negative forces of conservation” like poachers hence leading to her murder on 27th December 1985. She was later laid to rest close to her favorite gorilla (Digit), near the Research Center.
Even in her death, Dian Fossey’s legacy still lives on, and she is highly accredited to the survival of the Giant Apes and during this guided tour, you will not only learn about her works but also pay respect. During her research, she was fundamental in changing people’s negative perceptional towards these lovely creatures that were always thought and portrayed as “aggressive”.
How the Dian Fossey Gravesite tour is done
First and foremost, the Dian Fossey Gravesite Tour is not just about learning on the works of this American Primatologist but also exploring some of the beautiful parts of Volcanoes National Park where lots of birds, butterflies and wildlife ae encountered along the way. Kinigi Park Headquarters (in Volcanoes National Park) is the starting point for this tour that kick-starts with briefing and meeting with the Park Rangers. Later, grab a walking stick, hire porters and make sure you have enough drinking water and energy-giving snacks. Afterward, drive for about half an hour to the trailhead at the base of Mount Bisoke (just outside the park)
The next 10 or more minutes is spent hiking outside Volcanoes National Park while taking in magnificent views of the extensive Virunga Mountains. Shortly, you will encounter the Stone wall that is used to create a boundary between the Park and surrounding places, and also keep buffaloes and forest elephants from intruding into community land.
The next phase of your Dian Fossey Gravesite tour is hiking Mount Bisoke, one of the places loved by the mountain gorillas and if you are lucky, you might see them but won’t be allowed to take any photos. However, forest buffaloes, golden monkeys and duikers are common at this point. The Trail will break off from the Mount Bisoke hiking trail at an area of 2967 meters above sea level, then you will continue with the hike towards Mount Karisimbi through an outstanding stretch of a forested Hygenia Hypericum zone at an altitude of 2900 to 3000 meters above sea level. The jaw-dropping mountain scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes extending from Rwanda to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo is relished at this point. Additionally, look out for the birds especially the Albertine Rift endemics and many other plant species. It is at this point that you will know you are getting close to the Dian Fossey Gravesite, near that of her favorite Gorilla named “Digit”. Take some time to learn about Dian Fossey from the Ranger guide, take photos and return back to the starting point. The whole Dian Fossey Gravesite takes about 2-3 hours, and this depends on pace of the slowest person and the level of physical fitness.
What to wear and carry for the Dian Fossey Gravesite tour
Dian Fossey Gravesite adventure involves walking through the forest and for this reason, there is a certain way you need to dress and this includes a long-sleeved shirt, breathable and light safari pants, an insect repellant, gardening gloves, cotton socks and sturdy hiking boots, gaiters and a safari hat. For the things to carry, you need a waterproof backpack for storing items used during the hike, enough drinking water, energy-giving snacks, a lightweight rain jacket, a walking stick, a good camera with enough memory space and extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, to mention but a few.