Dian Fossey Hike: Visit Karisoke Research Center
Dian Fossey Hike: Visit Karisoke Research Center Rwanda to learn about Dian Fossey who was Killed. Dian Fossey Hike: Visit Karisoke Research Center 2023 Rwanda is your destination to visit in Rwanda to learn more about Dian Fossey who died saving the Gorillas.
Dian Fossey is a prominent primatologist who sacrificed her life to save the Gorillas that were hunted illegally at the time.
Dian Fossey was Born in 1932 and spent most of her life studying the Mountain Gorillas in their natural habitat and at her Karisoke Research Camp/center situated between Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi in Rwanda.
She introduced the Mountain Gorillas and advocated for their protection against extensive poaching and illegal hunting. It’s widely believed that without her efforts, mountain gorillas would have been extinct.
Due to her work and strong focus to end the poaching, illegal hunting, and trade of the Gorillas, poaching of the gorillas has been reduced in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo. This has helped the Gorillas not to run into extinction hence the reason they still trek today in the giant green forest vegetation habitats of Bwindi Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park (Uganda), Volcanoes National Park (Rwanda), Virunga National Park and Kahuzi Biega National Park (DR Congo).
Short Facts about Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey was welcomed by the great paleoanthropologist Dr. Richard Leakey to Africa to study the lives of Mountain Gorillas in the wild. DR Leakey thought that studying our closest human relative i.e Gorillas would give them a better understanding of human origin.
As Dian Fossey looked further into the Gorillas, she focused her effort on protection and Gorilla Conservation from all the uncertainties that were happening to these fragile primates at the time. She stood up against poaching and the methods she applied were very hard with the Gorillas at heart.
Dian Fossey’s Death
After her dedication and good work towards the Gorillas, unfortunately, Dian Fossey got killed in a far distant house at the top of the Mountain in 1985. With no evidence of who killed her, it is still believed that the reason behind her death was that she dedicated all her life to saving the Gorillas from poaching enhancing the Conservation of these amazing primates.
Dian Fossey was buried close to some of the Gorillas she worked so hard to protect in a tomb that is referred to as the Dian Fossey Tomb today.
Today, people from all worlds get to know more about her sacrifice at the Dian Fossey Research Center located along the slopes of Mount Bisoke Volcano. Dian Fossey also wrote a book titled “Gorillas in the Mist” from which a movie was played forecasting her way of life and how she did whatever it took to save the lives of the Gorillas that were fiercely hunted at the time illegally for bush meat and illegal trade.
Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGF) proceeds to work towards the conservation of Mountain Gorillas by running several projects like taking care of Gorilla groups in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
The population of Mountain Gorillas has been increasing to more than 1000 Mountain Gorillas inhabiting the vast green forests and mountain slopes of Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo.
Hiking to visit the Dian Fossey tomb
Hiking to Dian Fossey Tomb is very exciting as you transfer in groups with a lead guide to the top slopes of mount Bisoke volcano at the Karisoke research center. On reaching here you are briefed and informed about Dian Fossey who sacrificed her life to save of the Mountain Gorillas that were hunted so much at the time.
After you are led to the Dian Fossey tomb where you view her grave, take photos to keep with you about the Dian Fossey tomb visit. Visiting the Dian Fossey Tomb is an exciting adventure to do a day before trekking the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda. While at the Karisoke research center, you will learn about her work with mountain gorillas in the far distant mountains of Rwanda and then contribute towards the work she began in 1967.
The hike also offers stunning views of Volcanoes National Park as you go higher watch wildlife like golden monkeys, forest elephants, buffaloes, antelope, and birds.
How Much is the Dian Fossey Hike
After the briefing session, you transfer for a 30-minute drive to the base of Mount Bisoke (the starting point). This starts in the morning hours and if you want a porter to help carry your luggage, you pay them US $10.
Dian Fossey hike Permits
When interested in hiking to the Dian Fossey tomb, you Must carry your hiking Permit so as to get to the Karisoke research center and these cost US $75 per person interested. Part of the money obtained is distributed to support gorilla conservation Projects.
What to carry for your Dian Fossey hike in Rwanda
- Hiking or waterproof boots
- Clothing like long pants/trousers, long socks, warm hand gardening gloves, and long-sleeved shirts
- Packed snacks and drinking water
Tourists are advised against making erroneous, incomplete or false applications. Such cases may include among others, applying for the wrong product, uploading a false ID /Visa, and uploading an expired ID/ Visa. Please be advised that verification of tourist documents is done at the park entry gates. Tourists who made erroneous, incomplete, or false applications WILL be denied entry to the park regardless of whether they paid and acquired a system-generated permit.
In case of any doubt about your application and supporting documents please send your supporting documents to RDB Tourism Reservation Office on email reservation@rwandatourism.com.
Rwanda Development Board accepts no liability for erroneous, incomplete, or fraudulent applications
| Visitor Category | Fee for Adult | Fee for Student / Child |
|---|---|---|
| Foreigner | $ 75 | – |
| Foreign resident in Rwanda | $ 60 | $ 45 |
| Rwandan citizen | RWF 4000 | RWF 2000 |
| East African citizen | $ 55 | $ 45 |
| East African Foreign resident | $ 65 | $ 45 |