The Dian Fossey tomb hike is an opportunity to find out about the conservationist Dian Fossey and her legacy- The gorilla fund program. she turned the around the history of mountain gorillas.
WHO IS DIAN FOSSEY?
Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and one of the “trimates” members alongside Jane Goodall and Birute Galdikas. They are also called Lous Leakey’s angels’ as Jane was a chimpanzee specialist in Tanzania while Birute was an orangutan specialist in Indonesia. Whereas Dian chose to specialize in mountain gorillas.
How did Dian Fossey come to Africa?
From her childhood love for animals, Dian borrowed $8000 and embarked on a 7-week trip to Africa where she visited several places like the Ngorongoro crater, lake Manyara, Olduvai gorge, and lastly Mt Mikena in DRC.
Dian Fossey escape from Congo
The political instability in DRC cut short Dian Fossey’s reign as Congolese soldiers mistook her as a spy, and kidnapped her only for her to escape later to Uganda. The need to pay back her loans meant Dian Fossey would return to America only to be back on Louis Leakey’s invitation and later established a research centre in Congo at Karaba.
How was Karisoke research founded?
Dian Fossey later continued her research in Rwanda and established a research centre at Karisoke with the primary intention of studying gorillas as she could mimic their behaviour to fit them, and eat celery leaves to reassure the gorillas of the bond they share but later realised poaching was the gorillas’ next danger.
Why was Dian Fossey murdered?
Dian Fossey started anti-poaching patrols where she destroyed gorilla traps, and hunting dogs and even went ahead to burn the poachers’ huts. This is because of her connection and attachment to these gentle giants. She could not watch her new family members killed and nothing was done. Through all this, she made enemies especially poachers, and was later murdered in cold blood in 1985.
When was Dian Fossey murdered?
Dian Fossey was murdered in cold blood on (26th )the Christmas Eve of December 1985 following her anti poaching strategies in volcanoes national that left poachers no space to breath
THE DIAN FOSSEY TOMB HIKE ADVENTURE
Let’s find out why the Dian Fossey tomb trek is a hike like no other.
Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is famous for Dian Fossey’s Tomb and the adjacent gorilla cemetery in the former Karisoke Research Camp.
The Karisoke scientific research base is in place in the saddle area between two volcanoes by Dian Fossey. Mt Visoke and Mt Karisimbi (to derive the name Karisoke). The campsite stands at an altitude of between 3000m (over 9000 ft). It was abandoned during the instabilities of the 1990s in Rwanda.
How difficult is the Dian Fossey tomb hike?
Anyone with moderate fitness can take up the hike. However it can be tougher during the wet season due to the mud.
You can do the hike in the morning starting from the head office in Kinigi at 7 am. Meet the ranger guides for briefing, and setting off an hour later. It is at the headquarters that you will obtain a walking stick. A porter for hire to carry your bags or give you a push through the hike.
How long is the Dian Fossey hike?
The trek can last 30 minutes on a drive from the park headquarters to the trailhead. Then a 10-minute stroll to the park boundary. From there, ascend through the forest for about 2 to 3 hours depending on your fitness. How often you stop to enjoy the scenery while the descent takes 1-2 hours. Soon you will get over the stone wall on the park boundary. This stops forest elephants and buffaloes from encroaching on community territory.
Can I see mountain gorillas on a Dian Fossey hike?
Soon or later, you can encounter mountain gorillas but no permission to take pictures with them since it’s not a gorilla trekking experience but will allow a minute of sight. Fossey’s old living quarters – which she nicknamed the mausoleum – are now in ruins, and several other landmarks in the camp have signposts
What else can I see on a Dian Fossey hike?
The hike offers a good opportunity to do birding and see birds like the handsome francolin, Rwenzori turaco, Rwenzori Batis, Shelley’s crimson, dwarf Honeyguide, dusky crimson, and other creatures typical of the Virunga en route.
The Dian Fossey Graveyard today
At the site you will find the house from where Dian Fossey was mysteriously murdered in 1985. The more peaceful is the place of her burial just next to her favorite gorilla, Digit. About other 20 other mountain gorillas either killed by poachers or suffered death for other reasons.
The Dian Fossey Tombstone reading
On the tombstone, there is a reading:
No one loved gorillas more
Rest in peace, dear friend
Eternally protected
In this sacred ground
For you are home
Where you belong
Dian Fossey’s Final words
In her journal, Dian Fossey’s final words were. “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past. Then concentrate more on the preservation of the future.”
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Before Dian Fossey’s death, she had established the Digit Gorilla Fund in remembrance of her favourite buddy gorilla digit. It was later named the Dian Fossey Fund after she died in 1985
Planning your next safari to Rwanda and Volcanoes National Park in particular? A Dian Fossey tomb trek will be worth it.
What does the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund do?
Today, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund monitors ten Gorilla groups (out of 15 Total) in Rwanda. It also has many other projects to help conserve the gorillas and other animals in the region. It is one of the biggest gorilla research centers in the world.
What does the karaoke research centre do today?
The Karisoke research centre is now located in the centre of Kigali city. Here you can have access to some of Dian Fossey’s remaining literature. Office work takes place here and on your next Dian Fossey hike, be sure to make a visit here.
Contribution to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Initiative
Yes. Your contribution towards the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund initiative is one to conservation for the current and future generations.
The research centre has also enabled equipping students and conservationists with the skills and knowledge of several conservation programs. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continues to benefit people’s lives through its conservation practices.
Where to stay while on your Dian Fossey tomb hike
A variety of accommodation facilities are readily available offering both local and international cuisines . Several classes are open for choice from budget to super luxury. Da Vinci Lodge, La Bamboo Gorilla Lodge, la Palme Hotel, Gorilla Volcanoes Hotel, Sabinyo Silverback Lodge, Virunga Lodge, and One and Only Gorilla Nest are some of the options available on your next Rwanda safari.
What is special about the Dian Fossey tomb hike?
Also referred to as ‘’many in one’’, Visitors on a Dian Fossey hike will assure you of multiple benefits and will get way beyond more value than intended.
An encounter with mountain gorillas, and several other primates like chimpanzees, and monkeys. A birding experience, panoramic views, and an interactive commentary from our knowledgeable guides will make it a whole package. All this comes before the cemetery experience.
What to carry on a Dian Fossey hike?
- A camera for the eye-catching moments.
- A water bottle to quench the thirst.
- Hiking books to maneuver the slippery terrain.
- Long-sleeved trousers and shirts to avoid nettle scratches.
- Insect repellants to stay safe from mosquito bites.
How to do Dian Fossey tomb hike and contribute to conservation?
At discover gorillas we make your Rwanda-Uganda primate safari a one to remember with tailor-made itineraries and local guide in your preferred language.
The dian Fossey tomb hike adventure assures you fun, thrill, knowledge, and interesting facts on your hike to and fro the famous Volcanoes National Park. Take the next step and Get In Touch with one of our expert guides to take you through a commentary trip.
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