Dian Fossey Tomb Hike – Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike offers a unique journey into the life and legacy of Dian Fossey, the renowned primatologist who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas. This trek combines history, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery, making it a must-do for visitors to Volcanoes National Park.

Who Was Dian Fossey?

Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and one of the famous “Trimates” alongside Jane Goodall (chimpanzees) and Birute Galdikas (orangutans). While Jane studied chimpanzees in Tanzania and Birute focused on orangutans in Indonesia, Dian chose to study mountain gorillas in Africa.

From a young age, her love for animals inspired her to explore Africa. She borrowed $8,000 for a seven-week trip that took her to the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Olduvai Gorge, and ultimately to Mount Mikeno in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Due to political instability in DRC, Dian was once mistaken for a spy and kidnapped by Congolese soldiers but managed to escape to Uganda. Later, under Louis Leakey’s guidance, she established the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda to study and protect gorillas.

The Legacy of Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey became a passionate advocate for gorilla conservation, actively combating poaching by destroying traps and deterring hunters. Her dedication earned her enemies, and tragically, she was murdered on December 26, 1985 (Christmas Eve) in Volcanoes National Park.

Her favorite gorilla, Digit, inspired the creation of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which continues to protect gorillas and their habitats today.

About the Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

The Dian Fossey Tomb Hike is a unique trek that takes visitors to Fossey’s former living quarters, the gorilla cemetery, and her burial site near the Karisoke Research Camp, situated between Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi at an altitude of around 3,000 meters (9,800 ft).

Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for anyone with average fitness. The trail can be slippery and challenging during the wet season.

Starting Point: Kinigi headquarters at 7:00 AM for a briefing and provision of walking sticks. Porters are available for hire.

Duration:

30-minute drive from Kinigi to trailhead
10-minute stroll to the park boundary
2–3 hours ascent through the forest
1–2 hours descent

Wildlife Encounters: While this is not a gorilla trekking experience, hikers may spot mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, and other primates. The trail also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, including francolins, Rwenzori turacos, Rwenzori batis, and Shelley’s crimsonwing.

Highlights of the Hike

Karisoke Research Camp: Explore the ruins of Dian Fossey’s research station, where she lived and worked alongside her gorilla family.
Gorilla Cemetery: Pay respects to Digit and other gorillas lost to poaching.
Birding & Nature: Discover the rich biodiversity of Volcanoes National Park.
Educational Insights: Learn about Dian Fossey’s life, conservation efforts, and her fight against poaching.

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, formerly the Digit Fund, monitors ten gorilla groups in Rwanda and supports conservation education and community programs. Contributions to the fund help protect mountain gorillas for future generations.

Karisoke Research Centre Today: Located in Kigali, it houses Dian Fossey’s research materials and serves as a hub for conservation education.