DIAN FOSSEY GRAVE SITE HIKE:
The hike to the Dian Fossey grave site offers an insight into the life of Dian Fossey, who sacrificed her time and life for the conservation of Mountain gorillas.
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist who founded the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in 1967. She is known for dedicating her life to studying the Mountain gorillas until 26th December 1985 when she was murdered – although the mystery to her murder is still unresolved.
During the Dian Fossey Gravesite hike, visitors may have a chance (although not guaranteed) to encounter the Mountain gorillas, as well as other residents of the Park like golden monkeys, elephants, bushbucks, duikers, waterbucks, buffaloes as well as several unique bird species.
HOW THE DIAN FOSSEY HIKE IS CONDUCTED:
The Dian Fossey Gravesite Hike lasts from 1-3 hours and begins with a briefing at the Park Headquarters at 7:00am. You will be assigned an armed ranger, tour guides and porters (if required), and before departing, you will be provided with a walking stick and then driven to the base of Mount Bisoke which is the trailhead of the hike.
After 10-15 minutes of hiking outside the Park, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Virunga Volcanoes. See the stone wall that demarcates the Park boundaries and keeps the large mammals like buffaloes and elephants from crossing over to community land. Hike along Mount Bisoke with chances to see the rare endangered mountain gorillas and on a lucky day.
Upon reaching 2967 meters above sea level, hike towards the famous Mount Karisimbi while transversing the stunning extension of the Hygenia Hypericum forest between 2900 and 3000 meters above sea level.
PERMITS FOR DIAN FOSSEY HIKE:
Permits for the Dian Fossey gravesite hike cost $75 and can be acquired y your Tour operator / Agent from the Rwanda Development Board Head offices in Kigali or the Kinigi Park Headquarters (Volcanoes National Park).
WHERE TO STAY:
Volcanoes National Park as well as the neighboring Town of Musanze has several facilities ranging from luxury to Budget accommodations for every traveller’s desires. Options include: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge and One & Only Gorillas Nest, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Kinigi Guesthouse, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Muhabura Guesthouse among others.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE DIAN FOSSEY HIKE:
Packing list includes: Long sleaved shirt, sweater, insect repellant, enough drinking water, passport, energy giving snacks, a rain jacket, a backpack. Also wear waterproof hiking boots, long pants to cover your legs from stinging nettle, long sleeved shirt and gardening gloves to protect your hands from stinging nettles and other unpleasant vegetation while hiking.
HOW TO GET TO VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK:
Volcanoes National Park located in north-western Rwanda is approximately 3 hours’ drive from Kigali City and can be reached by both private and public means. If you wish to use public means, you will need to catch a bus (between 9:00am and 6:00pm) from the Nyabugogo Bus Station in Kigali heading to Musanze Town. You will later need to hire a cab/taxi or motorcycle to the Park. For private means, hire from reputable car hire companies that will take you to your final destination-Park, accommodation facility or any other tourist sites.