Hiking Dian Fossey tomb in Rwanda is one of the other best signature experiences you will enjoy, that are not only about wildlife and animals. This is why hiking to the Dian Fossey Gravesite is capable of providing travellers with an exceptional and once-in-a-lifetime experience. This is through having an insight into the life and journey of a famous primatologist who changed most people’s perception towards mountain gorillas.
The exhilarating hike to the Dian Fossey Gravesite is a wonder way for travellers to Rwanda. This helps them make the most out of their gorilla safaris to Volcanoes National Park by learning about a passionate woman who dedicated over 18 years of her life into studying and protecting the giant apes, in their natural environments.
Hiking to Dian Fossey tomb will allow visitors learn more about how her journey started until she lost her life in the cold hands of poachers. A good starting point for the hike to the Dian Fossey Gravesite is the Kinigi Park Headquarters, several minutes away on foot or by car, depending on the location of your safari lodge.
You will be required to be at Kinigi early in the morning, at least by 7:00am, for the briefing from park rangers, followed by a 30 minutes’ drive to Mount Bisoke base. This is the starting point that is actually outside the park. You will be required to have a walking stick and packed lunch before the actual hike begins.
More about hiking Dian Fossey tomb experience
For the next 10 or more minutes, you will be hiking outside the protected area while getting treated to the awe-inspiring views of the Virunga Mountains. Soon, you will see the stone wall that not only creates the boundary of the park but also keeps away the forest elephants that could cross to the community.
The next part is hiking Mount Bisoke, frequented by mountain gorillas, but you won’t be allowed to take photos after seeing them. You will instead divert to the slopes of Mount Karisimbi at 2,967 meters above sea level, while passing through a forested area. This is marked by Hygenia Hypericum from 2,900 to 3,000 meters above sea level.
At that point, you will begin enjoying views of Virunga massif from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. In no time, you will be ushered to the Dian Fossey Gravesite, close to one of her favorite Gorillas-Digit. The hike to Dian Fossey Gravesite lasts between 2-3 hours, depending on the pace of hikers as well as visitors’ level of physical fitness.
On the requirements needed to make Dian Fossey Hikes memorable, comfortable hiking boots, long sleeved shirts, safari pants, rainproof backpack, lightweight rain jacket, camera, and gardening gloves are a must have. You will also need a walking stick, a porter, enough drinking water, insect repellant, toiletries, energy-giving snacks, and a safari hat among others.