Dian Fossey Tomb Hike

Overview

Dian Fossey spent nearly two decades studying mountain gorillas in the Virunga mountains and was killed in 1985. She is buried in the forest near the place where she worked, beside the graves of gorillas she loved. The hike to her tomb takes you through the same kind of montane forest that she lived in, and it puts the story of gorilla conservation in front of you.

This is not a gorilla trek. It is a guided walk with a different feel: quieter, more reflective, and open to anyone who wants to understand where Rwanda's conservation story began. Many guests do it on the day before or after their gorilla permit. For the wider park, see our Volcanoes National Park guide.

Who was Dian Fossey

Fossey was an American researcher who founded the Karisoke Research Center in 1967 on the saddle between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Her work drew the world's attention to the plight of mountain gorillas. Read her full story in our article on Dian Fossey's legacy in Rwanda, and see what the camp was in Karisoke: inside Dian Fossey's research camp.

The day, hour by hour

1. Morning: pick-up from your Musanze lodge, or an early drive from Kigali. See our page on Musanze tours for where to stay.
2. Park briefing: rangers assign your guide and explain the route.
3. The drive to the trailhead: a short, rough road through farmland at the edge of the park.
4. The hike: a steady climb through farmland, bamboo and montane forest. The path is often muddy.
5. The tomb: a quiet stop at the graves. Your guide explains the story and the gorilla graves nearby.
6. The descent: back the way you came, usually by early afternoon.

What the hike is like

Expect a hike of several hours, at altitude, on trails that rise steadily. It is not technical, but mud and roots make it tiring. Your guide sets a pace that suits the slowest walker. Buffalo and forest elephants are sometimes seen in the area, and rangers accompany walkers for safety. <!-- VERIFY: whether armed rangers accompany this hike and the current route to the grave -->

You may see golden monkeys, birds and many forest plants. Do not expect to see gorillas on this hike, since that needs a separate permit. Our page on gorilla trekking explains how to add one.

What to bring

• Waterproof hiking boots and gaiters if you have them
• Long trousers, a warm layer and a rain jacket
• Gloves and a hat, since altitude brings cold
• Water and a packed lunch, which we arrange
• A camera and a small daypack

Read our article on the Dian Fossey grave and Karisoke for further practical details.

How it compares with other hikes

For the volcano options, see our page on Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi hikes, or browse all hiking tours in Rwanda.

Best time to go

The forest is open all year. The drier months, June to September, make the path less slippery, though rain is always possible on the mountain. Mornings are usually clearer than afternoons.

What is included, and what is not

Our quote covers a private vehicle, a driver-guide, and the park booking for the hike. Park fees and any porter fees are itemised. Flights, visas, insurance, meals not stated, tips and personal items are not included. <!-- VERIFY: current park fee for the Dian Fossey hike -->

Combining with other experiences

The hike fits neatly into a Volcanoes stay. Combine it with gorilla trekking, a visit to the caves and the lakes, or our 6-day Rwanda primate safari. For other things to do nearby, see things to do in Volcanoes National Park besides gorillas.

Booking

Book ahead in June to September and December. Tell us your fitness level and any mobility concerns and we will be honest about whether the hike suits you.

Conservation today

The hike is also a way to see what has changed since Fossey's time. Mountain gorilla numbers in the Virunga region have grown over the decades, thanks to patrol work, veterinary care, and the involvement of local communities. Rwanda now shares part of its tourism income with the villages around the park. Read our article on how Rwanda saved the mountain gorilla and on where your park fees go.

Visiting with respect matters here. This is a burial site and a place of quiet, so we ask groups to keep voices low at the grave, and to follow the guide's instructions about where to stand.

Photography and pace

The forest light is soft and often dim, so a camera that copes with low light helps. Mist can drift across the trail, which makes for atmospheric pictures but wet lenses, so bring a cloth. Our photography guide to Rwanda has further advice. We keep a slow pace and stop when you want to look, so there is no need to rush.

Suggested pairing with other days

A common plan is to arrive in Musanze the day before your gorilla trek, do the Dian Fossey hike on the day after, and then move on. It gives your legs a lighter day between two big ones. If you want a longer stay, add the caves or a canoe trip. See our Musanze caves guide and canoeing on Burera and Ruhondo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Dian Fossey hike hard?

It is moderate. The trail is steady and often muddy, at altitude. Most reasonably fit walkers manage it, and a slow pace is fine.

Will we see gorillas?

Not normally. This is a hike to the grave and the old research site, not a gorilla trek. A gorilla permit is a separate booking.

How long does it take?

Plan on roughly half a day, including transfers. The exact time depends on the pace of the group and the trail conditions that day.

Do I need a permit?

The hike is booked through the park, and we arrange it for you. We will confirm the current requirements in your quote.

Can children do it?

Older children who are used to walking can usually manage it, but check the current age rules with us. <!-- VERIFY: minimum age -->

Can I do it on the same day as gorilla trekking?

We advise against it. Both are tiring, so most guests do them on separate days.