Dian Fossey Tomb Hike & Karisoke Memorial Trek

Walk to the grave of Dian Fossey and the site of her Karisoke Research Center, high in the Virunga forest.

Dian Fossey founded the Karisoke Research Center in 1967, in the saddle between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke. Her work, told in Gorillas in the Mist, helped save the mountain gorilla.

This trek climbs through montane forest to the remains of her camp and to the graveyard where she is buried beside Digit and other gorillas she studied. Along the way, look out for golden monkeys and forest birds.

Itinerary

1. 1

   07:00 · Kinigi park headquarters

   Check in and a briefing on Dian Fossey and the history of gorilla research.

2. 2

   Drive to the trailhead

   Short drive to the foothills of Bisoke. Transport can be added at checkout.

3. 3

   Climb through the forest

   Steady climb of about 1.5–2 hours through bamboo and hagenia forest.

4. 4

   Karisoke camp & Dian Fossey’s grave

   Visit the remains of the research camp and the graveyard of Fossey and her gorillas.

5. 5

   Descent

   Walk back down to the trailhead.

Times are approximate. Pairs well with gorilla trekking or the Bisoke hike.