The hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb takes you through the forest of Volcanoes National Park to the old Karisoke research camp, where the famous American primatologist lived and worked. She is buried there among the gorillas she spent her life protecting.
Who was Dian Fossey?
Dian Fossey was born in San Francisco in 1932. Encouraged by the anthropologist Louis Leakey, she came to the Virunga mountains to study mountain gorillas. In 1967 she founded the Karisoke Research Center on the saddle between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke.
For 18 years she observed the gorillas every day, earning their trust and changing how the world understood them. She also fought hard against poaching. Her book Gorillas in the Mist and the film of the same name made the gorillas famous worldwide. She was murdered at Karisoke in 1985, and the case was never solved.
The hike to her grave
The trail starts near the foot of Mount Bisoke and climbs through farmland, then bamboo and Hagenia forest to the ruins of the research camp. The walk takes a few hours there and back. It is steep and often muddy, so good boots and a reasonable level of fitness are needed.
At the camp you will find Dian Fossey’s grave, next to the graveyard of the gorillas she knew, including Digit, her favourite, who was killed by poachers. It is a quiet, moving place.
Practical information
- The hike needs a permit and starts with a briefing at park headquarters in Kinigi at 7:00 am.
- A park guide and rangers accompany every group.
- Bring waterproof boots, a rain jacket, long trousers, water and snacks.
- Look out for forest birds and, with luck, golden monkeys along the way.
Dian Fossey’s legacy
Fossey’s research changed how the world saw gorillas: as gentle, intelligent animals living in close family groups, not the monsters of old films. Her campaign against poaching laid the foundations for the protection that mountain gorillas have today. The research centre she founded continues its work, now based outside the park.
What you will see at Karisoke
- The remains of the camp buildings, now overgrown by the forest
- Dian Fossey’s grave, with its simple headstone
- The gorilla graveyard, including Digit’s grave
- Views of the Hagenia forest between Karisimbi and Bisoke
Tips for the hike
- Hire a porter and use a walking stick on the steep, slippery sections.
- Bring a rain jacket even on a dry morning; the weather changes quickly.
- Pack water and snacks; there are no facilities on the trail.
- Take your time at the camp: it is a quiet, reflective place.
Read before you go
Many travellers read Gorillas in the Mist before visiting, or watch the film of the same name. It adds a lot of meaning to the walk.
Combining it with other activities
The hike takes most of a morning. Many visitors combine it with a gorilla trek on another day and a golden monkey trek on a third, spending three nights in Musanze.
How difficult is the hike?
The hike is moderately strenuous. You start at the edge of the park and climb steadily through bamboo and Hagenia forest on muddy, uneven paths. The altitude, above 2,500 metres, makes the climb harder than it looks. Anyone with reasonable fitness who walks slowly and takes breaks can do it.
Best time to do the hike
The dry seasons, from June to September and from December to February, offer firmer paths and clearer views. In the rainy months the trail can be very muddy, so good boots and gaiters are essential.
Dian Fossey’s tomb: a place of reflection
Many visitors find the graves deeply moving. The wooden markers in the gorilla graveyard carry names of individual gorillas Fossey knew, including some killed by poachers. Take time to sit quietly before heading back down.
Dian Fossey’s tomb with other activities
If you only have one extra day near the park, choose between the Dian Fossey hike and golden monkey tracking depending on your interests: history and a longer hike, or primates and a gentler walk.
Dian Fossey’s tomb: who will enjoy it
History lovers, wildlife fans and anyone who has read about Fossey’s work will find the hike deeply rewarding. It also suits travellers who want a forest hike without the cost of a gorilla permit.
Getting to the trailhead
After the briefing at Kinigi, you drive to the starting point near Bisoke. The last section is rough, so a 4×4 with good clearance makes the drive easier, especially after rain.
Dian Fossey’s tomb: when to go
Go early in the morning, when the forest is cool and quiet, and choose the dry seasons if you can for firmer, less muddy paths.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the hike to Dian Fossey’s tomb?
Allow a few hours there and back, plus time at the camp. It is a steep, often muddy walk.
Will I see gorillas on the hike?
This hike is not a gorilla trek, so a sighting is not expected. For a gorilla visit, book a gorilla permit.
Is the hike suitable for everyone?
You need reasonable fitness. Porters can carry your bag, and walking sticks are available at the trailhead.
Getting there
Kinigi is about 2.5 hours’ drive from Kigali. The road to the trailhead is rough in places, so we recommend a 4×4 such as the Land Cruiser Prado. Combine the hike with gorilla trekking or golden monkey tracking, and read more about Volcanoes National Park.
