Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike

The Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike takes you to Dian Fossey’s Graveyard. She was an American primatologist known for her work on mountain gorillas. This was conducted at the Karisoke Research Center. She travelled to Rwanda in 1963 to research mountain gorillas, and for 18 years she worked not as a community activist but as a mountain gorilla conservationist. She had many enemies at the time because there were many poachers and people trying to turn gorilla land into farmland. Though she is believed to have been murdered in cold blood, her legacy is clear. Most of her work is depicted in the film Gorillas in the Mist.

The Dian Fossey Graveyard Hike is a must-do activity when visiting Volcanoes National Park. The 160-square-kilometer park is woodland. Dian Fossey is buried near the gorilla graves she loved and studied in Karisimbi, and the long-hidden mystery leading up to her assassination suggests that she may be related to mountain gorillas. It is said that a strong belief to protect is related. Even with her passing, her great achievements were not in vain, and at least gave an example of the gorilla adaptation process. Gorillas must have been very afraid of humans because of the poaching that was rampant at the time, but the gorilla’s assured protection and adaptation to the presence of humans slowed the gorilla’s adaptation process.

Gorilla numbers continued to rise as poaching declined. To date, there is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which has worked on several projects to protect mountain gorillas. Gorilla trekking may be one of Volcanoes National Park’s main attractions, but hiking to Dian Fossey’s burial ground is also a beautiful experience. What a great way to pay tribute to the great mountain gorilla explorer! You can learn a lot about mountain gorillas. There are beautiful forests and the hike is not too strenuous and starts early in the morning at 7am. Along the way, you might have a chance to spot other park animals such as mountain gorillas, forest elephants and duikers.

The trek starts at Karisoke Research Center. We will meet at the park headquarters for a morning briefing. Afterwards, head to the hiking trails. A poster of Dian Fossey is pasted at the trailhead. There are frequent breaks during the hike, and walking speed and walking speed are determined by the speed of the last person. Follow the Bisoke Trail for approximately 200 meters to reach the Dian Fossey Trail. The area surrounding the research center offers spectacular views of the Virunga volcano and this campground. The trail has been abandoned since her 1990s, so the chance to tour the house where she was murdered is also recommended. The descent takes 1-2 hours. There you will find guides to complete the activities.

A hiking permit is required when planning a hike to Dian Fossey’s Cemetery. Permits must be presented during the explanation time. It is important to have warm clothes, walking shoes, a waterproof case or jacket for your cell phone, a good camera and other personal items. If you want another carrier, rent a carrier if you need to bring heavy tools along the way. This activity can be combined with other park activities such as Golden Monkey Tracking, Gorilla Trekking Safari and Cultural Experience. Accommodations are located around the park, but you can also stay in Kigali. It offers travellers excellent amenities ranging from affordable to luxurious.