DIAN FOSSEY TOMB TRAIL HIKE

The Dian Fossey tomb trail hike is remarkable that one most thrilling experience you need not miss to be part while on safari in Volcanoes National Park. You need about 1 and a 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.

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 a 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.

Hike 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 Dian Fossey tomb trail hike

On Dian Fossey tomb trail hike, expect to hike through elevation of about 2967 meters from the 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 the 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 Volcano’s 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 Dian Fossey tomb trail hike

Hikers on Dian Fossey tomb hike 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 Tomb trail hike

To hike to the Dian Fossey tomb site, you need a valid 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. 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.

In summary, a hike through Dian Fossey tomb trail is worth it and for any plans to spend your holiday in Rwanda Volcanoes National Park, count it a must in your travel plan.