Tucked away in the misty forest canopy of Volcanoes National Park is a sacred ground: the grave of Dian Fossey. A hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in Volcanoes National Park is not an ordinary hike, but rather an experience to honour a fallen hero and legend of the mist forests of Virunga. In history and beyond, the name Dian Fossey will forever be associated with the countless conservationists and primatologists who are passionate about mountain gorillas. Much as the story of the legend Dian Fossey may seem heroic and a tale through history, many continue to honour her memory through such a hike to pay their respect.
For nation to nation, there are a few names that continue to be used across the world as top conservationists and champions of the environment through their work, and the name Dian Fossey is not missing on this list. A hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in Volcanoes National Park also tests one’s physicality to work the talk and discover the legendary tales of the great Dian Fossey. Throughout this hike, visitors receive a briefing that offers much insight into the early years of Dian Fossey and some of her last and famous works in the forest.
About Dian Fossey
From the time of birth on 16th January 1932 in California, Dian Fossey was known to be an animal lover, as her early teenage years involved horse riding. Fast forward to the later years, and she met with the famous paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who interested her in the primate world. Leakey further encouraged her to focus her study on the endangered mountain gorillas, and what better way to study these primates than finding them in their own turf.
With guidance from Louis Leakey, she flew to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the shadow forests of the Virunga National Park. However, with much rising insecurity and instability, Dian Fossey switched her focus to Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park. Little did she know that this was the journey that would forever define her fate.
After arriving in this park in 1966, she quickly felt at home and, with much ease, began her work. She established her base at two volcanic mountains of the Virunga, Bisoke and Karisimbi, naming her base as Karisoke Research Center. Her main focus was to study the endangered mountain gorillas and discover their behaviours. However, her focus changed after a few years in the forest to conservation. This followed reports of poaching and human encroachment on the natural habitat of these primates.
She went to the United States and started up a Dian Fossey Conservation Fund after the publication of her book called ‘Gorillas in the Mist.’ This book brought much awareness and funding that facilitated her conservation work, as she established foot patrols to disable the traps across the forest. Her conservation spirit was built on heartbreak after her favorite gorilla, called Digit, was murdered. On 26th December 1985, the forest went dark as the world fell into shock after the great Dian Fossey was murdered. She was buried close to her friend’s grave, Digit the gorilla.
How long does the Dian Fossey hike take?
It is estimated that the hike to Dian Fossey’s grave lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is because this hike is a moderate type of hike, meaning it lasts for a relatively short period. This hike, however, does not start at the park headquarters where a briefing is carried out. This hike begins from the edge of Volcanoes National Park. It takes an average of an hour to drive to this point from the park headquarters.
What is the cost of a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave?
The cost for a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in Volcanoes National Park is USD 75. This money is paid to the Rwanda Development Board through a reputable tour company like Monteero Safaris. After this payment, a visitor is issued a hiking permit, which grants them access to the forest to embark on their hike. It is quite easy to get this permit when you use a local and experienced tour operator, just like us. This money goes to the conservation fund that protects the mountain gorillas and their habitat. A portion also goes to looking after the grave site of the great Dian Fossey. It is important to note that this site rests close to the Karisoke Research Center, which is also a gem to explore.
What else to do in Volcanoes National Park besides the hike?
Volcanoes National Park is indeed a fortress of incredible adventures written by its great inhabitants that make the forest come alive. Below are some of the activities to couple with or do besides a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave.
Gorilla trekking
Gorilla trekking is the major tourist activity in Volcanoes National Park, since the mountain gorillas are the face of this park. Gorilla trekking involves searching for these ultimate primates by navigating through their habitats and spending an hour in their presence after locating them. This activity is the most interesting and adventurous experience since it gives visitors a chance to be close to the mountain gorillas in their natural environment.
Golden monkey trekking
Smaller than the mountain gorillas are the golden monkeys, which can also be encountered in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey trekking is quite easy since these golden monkeys leave a trail of leftovers of bamboo shoots. Golden monkeys are very unique, and this activity gives visitors a chance to spend an hour with them. Their body colour differentiates them from the other monkeys as they often have golden fur on their cheeks and back. These monkeys are social animals and can be encountered in large groups, hence adding to the excitement.
Birding
From the primates, Volcanoes National Park provides a more elegant experience of birding. The birding experience takes visitors through a wide range of bird species, both migratory and endemic. This park hosts over 200 recorded bird species, thus making it a birder’s paradise and a nature lover’s delight. Among the birds here, the park harbors 17 of the 24 Albertine Rift Valley endemics. This adds to the interesting experience of spotting some of the best species.
In conclusion, embarking on a hike to Dian Fossey’s grave in Volcanoes National Park is an impressive way to explore the life of the great primatologist while in the park. Visitors are required to have a hiking permit at a cost. Each visitor must be at least 15 years old to embark on this incredible adventure. Due to the altitude of this park and the terrain, the dry season is the best time to have this hiking experience.