A visit to Dian Fossey’s grave has become a must-visit tourist destination in Rwanda, especially for primate lovers embarking on a Gorilla Trekking or Chimpanzee Trekking Safari in Volcanoes National Park. The grave is located near her former Karisoke Research Camp/Center, nestled in a saddle between Mount Visoke and Mount Karisimbi. This site, known as Karisoke, is not only a tribute to Dian Fossey but also to the gorillas that she worked tirelessly to protect—many of which were killed by poachers, including her beloved Gorilla Digit, who was also laid to rest here.
Who Was Dian Fossey?
Dian Fossey was an American zoologist, primatologist, and anthropologist, best known for her groundbreaking work with the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda. Without her efforts, gorilla tourism might not be thriving today. Fossey dedicated much of her life to studying these incredible creatures from 1967 until her untimely death in 1985. Her research was based at the Karisoke Research Center, which she established between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in Volcanoes National Park.
Born in 1932, Dian Fossey faced a difficult childhood but found solace in animals, especially gorillas. After completing her degree in Occupational Therapy in 1954, she worked alongside famous anthropologists Louis and Mary Leakey in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. In 1967, she ventured to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish a research camp for studying gorillas. However, after a harrowing experience with Congolese soldiers, she moved her research to Rwanda and established the Karisoke Research Camp in Ruhengeri Province, at an elevation of 3000 meters (9,800 feet).
At the time, the Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda had never been habituated to humans and were fearful due to poaching. Dian Fossey launched anti-poaching campaigns, and her efforts led to the rescue of orphaned gorillas and the reduction of poaching within her study area. Her work not only helped protect gorillas in Rwanda but also in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they are still found today.
Fossey’s relationship with the gorillas was profound, and she even formed a bond with one special gorilla named Digit. Tragically, Digit was murdered by poachers in 1978, a devastating blow for Dian. On the morning of December 27, 1985, Dian Fossey was found murdered in her tent at Karisoke. She was buried at the Gorilla Graveyard, a place she herself had designated for deceased gorillas, including Digit.
Hiking to Dian Fossey’s Grave
The hike to Dian Fossey’s grave is not only a physically rewarding experience but also a deeply emotional tribute to her lifelong dedication to gorilla conservation. The trek to the grave typically takes around 3-4 hours and begins early in the morning at Volcanoes National Park Headquarters. The hike takes visitors to the Karisoke Research Center, which is now in ruins but still filled with dense vegetation.
Although the trail is not particularly challenging, it can be muddy and the initial incline is steep. Nonetheless, hikers should be reasonably fit to complete the journey. The hike passes through beautiful stretches of Hagenia-Hypericum Forest, offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
The Dian Fossey Grave hike is less crowded compared to other activities in the park, making it a peaceful and reflective experience. It is often undertaken in conjunction with a gorilla trekking safari. At the graveyard, you will find yourself reflecting on Dian’s incredible contribution to gorilla conservation and perhaps feeling inspired to continue her mission in your own way.
Conclusion
Visiting Dian Fossey’s grave is not just a simple hike; it is a journey into the heart of wildlife conservation. It serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the preservation of an endangered species and the importance of continuing the fight to protect nature. As you stand at her final resting place, you can’t help but feel the emotional weight of her legacy and the continuing efforts to protect the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda.
