Dian Fossey Grave Hike
The Dian Fossey grave tour or Dian Fossey tomb trek is one of the activities that one must do on their Rwanda safari. Named after the great primatologist Dian Fossey, the Dian Fossey grave lies in Volcanoes National Park.
The park is located in the northern parts of Rwanda close to the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A gorilla trekking safari or golden monkey trekking tour in the Volcanoes National Park is never complete without a hike to the Dian Fossey grave.
Who is Dian Fossey?
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who dedicated almost all her life to the conservation of the mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey loved mountain gorillas and other primates in the Virunga Conservation area. The survival of these magical species in Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo is strongly attributed to her tireless effort.
Dian Fossey established a research center or a conservation center in the valley between two extinct volcanoes namely; Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. This is why the research center is known as Karisoke Research Center.
It is believed that Dian Fossey was killed by a poacher and her remains lie at the grave in Volcanoes National Park. At the Karisoke Research Center, you will get an opportunity to see some of the tools and items used by this legendary conservationist. A gorilla trekking tour in Rwanda will also give you a chance to track and see some of the mountain gorilla families that were trekked by Dian Fossey. A good example is the Susa A gorilla group or family. This mountain gorilla family split and gave birth to the Susa B gorilla family.
Hiking to the Dian Fossey Grave
Volcanoes National Park is part of the great Virunga conservation area and offers some of the best hiking adventure experiences in Africa. The Virunga Massif comprises 8 volcanoes including the most active volcano in Africa – Mount Nyiragongo. Dian Fossey hike takes place from Mount Bisoke and it comes with spectacular views of the other volcanoes making up the Virunga Massif.
The Dian Fossey grave hike starts as early as 7:00 am with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation facility. This is followed by the drive to the briefing point at Kinigi Park headquarters. You will then drive for some minutes to the base of Mount Bisoke where the hiking starts from.
For the first minutes, the hike is outside the park and trekkers enjoy scenic views of the neighboring areas. You will prove that Rwanda is indeed, “The Land of a Thousand Hills.” The higher you hike, the tougher the challenge, you therefore need to be physically fit to take on the Dian Fossey grave hike. You will be provided a walking stick and you have the right to hire a porter to carry your luggage while you do the hiking. The hike comes with spectacular animal views including mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
Volcanoes National Park is a perfect destination for bird lovers. During the Dian Fossey grave hike, trekkers get up close with multiple Rift Valley endemic birds. Some of the bird species encountered are elusive while others are restricted to the area.
Following the Dian Fossey trail which separates Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi, you will enjoy scenic views of the Virunga Mountains in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Before you know it, you will be at the Dian Fossey Grave for an amazing experience. You will be accorded enough time to pay your respects as well as relaxation. The Dian Fossey hike takes two to three hours depending on your hiking experience and physical fitness.
The majority of the travelers combine their Dian Fossey grave hike with mountain gorilla trekking, birding, and golden monkey trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
What to pack for the Dian Fossey Grave hike?
For an amazing experience during your Dian Fossey grave hike, the right packing list is an added advantage. Below are some of the items that you should pack while embarking on the Dian Fossey hiking tour or Dian Fossey grave hike safari;
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- Energy-giving snacks
- Reusable waterbody
- A camera or smartphone with fully-charged batteries
- Binoculars to capture distant attractions
- A porter may be hired from the park headquarters
- Hiking stick
- Rain jacket
- Insect repellants
- Antimalarial drugs
Note: Some of the above items can be bought from Kigali city upon arrival for your Dian Fossey Hike. You do not have to carry them from your home as it might be costly, especially with international flights. You may buy these items through your tour operator in Uganda or Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park
By taking on a gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda – Volcanoes National Park, you are directly contributing to the effort of the late Dian Fossey. Part of the money you spend in purchasing a Rwanda Gorilla trekking permit goes back to supporting conservation and the local communities around Volcanoes National Park.
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park can easily be combined with the Dian Fossey Grave hike. Gorilla trekking tours in Volcanoes National Park start early in the morning. Trekkers report to the park headquarters for briefing and grouping. With the help of an experienced gorilla trekking guide in the park, meeting a gorilla family in Volcanoes National becomes an easy venture.
Upon meeting the gorilla family trekkers are allowed to spend one precious hour in their presence. Ensure to follow the gorilla trekking rules and regulations during your gorilla trekking adventure in Volcanoes National Park. This is an opportunity to enjoy mountain gorillas as they dine, mate and play. You will appreciate the work done by the late Dian Fossey in conserving these endangered primate species.
Other places for gorilla trekking in Africa include; Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (Uganda), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda), and Virunga National Park (D.R. Congo).
What is the best time to go for Dian Fossey grave hike?
The Dian Fossey grave tour is an all-year-round safari activity in Rwanda. It can be done both on weekends and public holidays. However, the dry seasons of June to September and December to February offer less challenging hiking tours in Rwanda.
