Dian Fossey hike is remarkable and one of the most thrilling experience you need not miss on your Rwanda safari to Volcanoes National Park. You need about 1 and half hours or more to get to Dian Fossey and her research center which is set at an elevation of 3000m. Dian Fossey research campsite was once abandoned especially during the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s. However, some rehabilitation has been done for tourism. To explore about Dian Fossey and also graveyard, we have it all that you need to know.
Dian Fossey Grave
About Dian Fossey.
Dian Fossey was not only a famous primatologist but also a devoted conservationist the world today boasts about. She studied primates and most importantly, treasured animals since her childhood. Dian Fossey met Dr. Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey who got impressed by the passion for animals and it was from here that she was told of studying primates in Africa and specifically, she devoted herself to learn about mountain gorillas.
She conducted her research for about 18 years in the Virunga Mountain ranges where she even set a research center between the scenic Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcanoes to aid her research activities. She arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 1967 and began her research work and by September, she crossed to Rwanda where she established research center. Her lovely gorilla was ‘Digit.’
Dian Fossey did all she could to save mountain gorillas, strongly campaigned against poaching practices in the Virunga Volcanoes but unfortunately, she was mysteriously murdered in 1985 and buried near her most treasured gorilla-Digit. Currently, a hike to Dian Fossey grave yard is one most sought after experiences that you should count a must do while on Rwanda tour.
Hiking to Dian Fossey Tomb Site.
A hike to Dian Fossey graveyard starts at Volcanoes National Park headquarters at Kinigi at 7:00 am. Hikers are led by a trained Park ranger guide after the briefing. The actual trek begins at 8:00 am and the hike takes hikers to the foothill of Bisoke where trek usually begins. You will need a walking stick and perhaps a porter to help carry your luggage.
What to expect on this hike.
On Dian Fossey tomb trail hike, expect to hike through elevation of about 2967 meters from Bisoke Volcano hiking trail to Mount Karisimbi via stunning Hagenia forest zone between 2900 and 3000 meters. Because the hike to Dian Fossey tomb site is a bit challenging, you are advised to be physically fit. A hike through Dian Fossey tomb site may take you about 1 to 3 hours and gets you the best sight at scenic Karisimbi and Bisoke Volcano, distinct vegetation, birds, golden monkeys to mention but a few.
A hike through Dian Fossey tomb trail gets you a chance to explore not only her unique conservation legacy but also the hidden treasures within Volcanoes National Park. The Dian Fossey tomb site trail hike takes hikers via one of the Volcanoes distinct tourist sites with unique floral species and gets you the best of scenic views of the Virunga Mountains and a chance to spot out some incredible wildlife species including distinct bird species.
What to pack for the hike?
Hikers to the Dian Fossey tombs are encouraged to have good waterproof hiking boots, trousers, insect repellents to protect them from biting insects, walking stick, energy giving snacks, water, gardening gloves, long sleeved shirts/t-shirts, rain jacket and others.
Cost of Dian Fossey Hike.
Visitors are required to secured a hiking permit as well as other travel documents including a valid passport. This experience may cost you $75 and this also covers the park ranger guide fees. To get the best of Dian Fossey tomb site hike, June, August, September and December, January and February are preferably the best months of the year.
Best time of doing the hike to the Tombs.
Hiking the Dian Fossey tombs in Volcanoes, this is done all year round from January to December. However, visiting the Dian Fossey in Rwanda has its best time especially in Dry season, during this season, the walking trail is less slippery which makes the hiking easier and enjoyable. The dry season beings from June, July, August and Mid-September, December, January and February, these are dry months of the year and also regarded as the peak season in Volcanoes National Park and also other National Parks in Rwanda. We highly recommend our estimated guest to book their gorilla trekking permit (Gorilla Permit in Rwanda cost $1500 per Person Trek) earlier at least 5 months in advance before the date of trekking.
In summary, a hike through to the tomb trail is worth it and for any plans to spend your safari in Rwanda and add it to your bucket list as you plan to travel to Africa this season.