The Dian Fossey grave hike is one of the top experiences that tourists come to enjoy on Rwanda safari in Volcanoes National Park. Dian Fossey grave hike offers a deep insight into Dian Fossey and her gorilla conservation legacy.
Dian Fossey is an icon when it comes to mountain gorilla conservation in the Virunga Region in Africa. She left an incredible legacy, after her 18 years of research on mountain gorillas. Dian Fossey camped at the Virunga Volcanoes in 1967 and to facilitate her research activities, she established Karisoke Research Centre in Rwanda which still does several activities including research. In 1985, Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered and her body was laid to rest nearby her treasured silverback gorilla- Digit.
Dian Fossey is one of the world’s icons, a devoted personality who wholeheartedly invested her time not only in research but also to fight against poaching. As a result, she was able to share the plight of mountain gorillas with the rest of the world.
Today, an estimated population of about 1063 mountain gorillas still live on earth, and these reside in only Africa. In Africa, mountain gorillas are located in only Rwanda, Uganda, and D.R. Congo.
Hiking to Dian Fossey’s grave
A hike to the Dian Fossey graveyard takes about 2-5 hours and your adventure begins with a briefing at the Kinigi offices of Volcanoes National Park. From the foothills of Mt. Bisoke, begin your hike to the graveyard where Dian Fossey and her lovely gorillas were laid to rest. This is set at an altitude of 2967m and you will navigate around Karisimbi volcano while enjoying the sight of agenda at 2900-3000m.
Other than the breathtaking scenery, the hike will also reward you with incredible bird sightings. This area supports most of the Albertine rift endemic bird species, making your 4 hours trek a memorable one. This is a moderate hike and even persons with a basic fitness level can be in a position to engage in it.
Dian Fossey grave hiking fees
Dian Fossey tomb hiking permits are available for booking at USD75 per person. These can be obtained by the tour operator or directly with the park authorities. The cost excludes transportation to and from Kigali/from your home country to Rwanda, accommodation, porter fees, and other activities.
Other tourist activities to do in Volcanoes Park, Rwanda tour
Gorilla trekking
With 12 gorilla families, gorilla tourism in Volcanoes NP is possible while on Rwanda safari tour. These include Sabyinyo, Agashya or Group 13, Hirwa, Ugenda, Amahoro, Susa A, Susa B, Umubano, Karisimbi, Pablo, and others. To be permitted to visit any one of these families of gorillas, the park authority requires every trekker to have valid gorilla permits and each permit is issued at USD1500 per person per day. Unlike game drives, gorilla trekking is done once a day, and this is considering the fact that it is unpredictable – it can go for 2-6 hours less or more to find gorillas.
Golden monkey trekking
Volcanoes NP also supports a significant population of golden monkeys, and they can be trekked from here before or after your hike to the Dian Fossey tomb site. Like gorilla tours, golden monkey trekking is also done with lead of the park guide.
Birding
Birding in Volcanoes is a great opportunity to identify the diversity of Albertine rift and forest bird species. These include bronzy sunbird, grey-backed fiscal, Rwenzori double collared sunbird, palm nut vultures, lagden’s bush shrike, red chested sunbird, archer’s robin chat, African swamphen, Kivu ground thrush, Nirana trogon, black cuckoo, to mention but a few.
You can also add on your Dian Fossey hike, a visit to Musanze caves, Gorilla Guardians village, volcano hiking and others.
What to expect before & after Dian Fossey tomb site
Before the hike
1. Pack some higher energy-giving snacks, plus bottled water
2. Come along with gaiters or hire some at the park offices
3. Report at Kinigi offices early for registration and clearing.
4. Carry your passport and permit
During Dian Fossey’s hike
• You will be accompanied by the park guide.
• Expect to find a gorilla graveyard where Dian Fossey and her favorite gorillas plus 20 others are all buried.
• Hire a porter if you have heavy luggage to carry.
• Wear waterproof hiking boots for safety purposes and protect yourself from getting wet when walking. The boots should also be lightweight and comfortable on your legs.
Best time to go hike to the Dian Fossey grave
Dian Fossey tomb hikes are available at any time of the year, but the dry season is preferable. The dry months are ideal for trekking to Dian Fossey because Volcanoes National Park receives no or little rain during these months. The Dian Fossey trail remains relatively drier and it makes it easier for the walkthrough to the graveyard. The dry months to make on the travel calendar run from June to September, and December, January to February.
Volcanoes National Park is bamboo and tropical forest park, rains should be expected at any time of the year. This is why you must be prepared, and this involves packing right starting with essentials such as waterproof hiking boots, a good camera, long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, a pair of socks, a safari hat, snacks, bottled water, gloves, insect repellents, rain jacket, daypack (waterproof), and many others.
Accommodation in and around Volcanoes N/Park, Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park has all kinds of lodging options for guests to retire for the night. They include Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel, Bisate Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge, Mountain Gorilla View Lodge, Muhabura Hotel, Garden Place Hotel, Best view Hotel, Mountain Gorilla Nest Lodge, Virunga Hotel, Kinigi Guesthouse, Kwitonda Lodge, Bishops House, etc.
Getting to Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda from Kigali
Volcanoes National Park is lying in the far Northern Province, and accessing it from Kigali takes about 2-3 hours. The most comfortable way to get there is by using a 4×4 rental car. By air, you can also make the best use of helicopter tours from Kigali to Musanze airstrip.
