Exciting 3 Days Gorillas and Dian Fossey Grave Hike in Rwanda
The 3 Days Gorillas and Dian Fossey Grave Hike is a compact yet profound adventure that combines an encounter with the critically endangered mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park with a pilgrimage to Fossey’s tomb at the historic Karisoke Research Centre.
This itinerary, blending physical challenge, emotional resonance, and cultural immersion, is perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful connection with Rwanda’s natural and historical treasures.
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Detailed Itinerary of the 3 Days Gorillas and Dian Fossey Grave Hike
Day 1: Arrival in Kigali and Transfer to Volcanoes National Park
The adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda’s vibrant capital, known for its cleanliness and resilience. Upon arrival at Kigali International Airport, you’ll be greeted by our English-speaking guide.
After a brief introduction to the itinerary, you’ll embark on a half-day city tour to acclimate to Rwanda’s culture and history.
Key stops include the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a sobering tribute to the 1994 genocide, and the bustling Kimironko Market, where you can purchase local crafts and souvenirs.
Lunch at a local eatery, such as Heaven Restaurant, offers a taste of Rwandan cuisine, featuring dishes like ugali and grilled tilapia.
Post-lunch, you’ll set off on a scenic 2–3-hour drive to Volcanoes National Park in Musanze province, located in northwestern Rwanda.
The journey winds through Rwanda’s rolling hills, dotted with terraced farms and smiling locals, offering a glimpse of the country’s agricultural heartland.
Volcanoes National Park, covering 160 square kilometers of rainforest, is Rwanda’s premier destination, home to five of the Virunga Mountains’ volcanoes and approximately 350 mountain gorillas—roughly a third of the world’s remaining population.
Upon arrival, you’ll check into your accommodation, ranging from luxury lodges like Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge to mid-range options like Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge or budget-friendly Muhabura Guest House.
In the late afternoon, you’ll visit the Gorilla Guardians Village (formerly Iby’iwacu Cultural Village), a non-profit initiative supporting reformed poachers and local communities.
Here, you’ll experience Kinyarwanda traditions through Intore dance performances, visits to a traditional medicine man, and hands-on activities like brick-making or cooking local dishes.
This cultural immersion not only enriches your understanding of Rwanda’s heritage but also supports conservation efforts. After dinner at your lodge, you’ll rest, preparing for the next day’s gorilla trek.
Day 2: Gorilla Trekking and Cultural Exploration
Day 2 is the highlight for many: an encounter with mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. After an early breakfast, you’ll transfer to the park headquarters in Kinigi for a 7:00 AM briefing by park rangers.
The briefing covers the dos and don’ts of gorilla trekking, such as maintaining a 7-meter distance and wearing face masks to protect the gorillas from human diseases.
You’ll be assigned to one of the park’s 10 habituated gorilla families, with groups limited to eight trekkers for minimal disturbance.
A gorilla permit, costing $1,500, is required and should be booked months in advance, especially during the dry seasons (June–September and December–February), when trails are less muddy.
The trek begins at the park boundary, a 30-minute drive from Kinigi, and can last 2–6 hours, depending on the gorillas’ location. Led by experienced rangers and trackers, you’ll navigate dense bamboo forests and steep, slippery slopes at altitudes of 2,500–3,000 meters.
En route, you may spot golden monkeys, forest hogs, or some of the park’s 180 bird species, including Albertine Rift endemics. The physical challenge is rewarded when you encounter the gorillas—a family led by a dominant silverback, with females, juveniles, and infants engaging in feeding, grooming, or playful antics.
You’ll spend one magical hour observing these gentle giants, capturing photos and videos (without flash) to preserve the memory.
After trekking back to the park headquarters, you’ll return to your lodge for a well-earned lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, you’ll revisit the Gorilla Guardians Village for a deeper cultural experience, perhaps learning traditional basket-weaving or sampling local banana beer.
This visit reinforces the link between community development and gorilla conservation, as former poachers now earn livelihoods through tourism.
Dinner at your lodge, accompanied by stories of the day’s adventure, prepares you for the emotional journey to Dian Fossey’s grave.
Day 3: Dian Fossey Grave Hike and Return to Kigali
The final day is dedicated to honoring Dian Fossey, whose groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of mountain gorillas.
After an early breakfast, you’ll head to the Kinigi park headquarters for another briefing. The Dian Fossey Grave Hike, requiring a $75 permit, is a moderately strenuous 2–3-hour trek through thick bamboo and afro-montane forests, covering a 1.5–2-hour ascent to the Karisoke Research Centre, located between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke at 3,000 meters above sea level.
Proper hiking boots, long-sleeved clothing, and a walking stick are essential, as the trails can be muddy and prickly with stinging nettles.
The hike offers stunning views of the Virunga Mountains, with opportunities to spot primates, forest elephants, and rare birds. Rangers share insights into Fossey’s life, from her arrival in Rwanda in 1967 to her establishment of Karisoke, where she studied gorilla behavior and fought poaching.
Fossey’s techniques, such as mimicking gorilla vocalizations to gain their trust, revolutionized habituation, making gorilla tourism possible today.
At the site, you’ll see the dilapidated remains of her research station and the house where she was murdered in 1985, likely by poachers or traffickers opposed to her fierce anti-poaching campaigns.
Her grave lies next to that of Digit, her favorite silverback, killed by poachers in 1977, along with about 20 other gorillas.
The inscription on her tomb reads: “No one loved gorillas more. Rest in peace, dear friend, eternally protected in this sacred ground.”
Visiting the site is a poignant experience, blending physical exertion with emotional and intellectual reflection.
You’ll learn about Fossey’s legacy, continued by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, which supports conservation across Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The fund’s efforts have helped increase the mountain gorilla population to over 1,000, a testament to Fossey’s impact. After spending time at the gravesite, you’ll descend to the trailhead, meeting your driver for the return journey to Kigali.
En route, you’ll stop for lunch in Musanze, perhaps at a local restaurant serving Rwandan staples like goat stew.
Time permitting, you may visit additional Kigali attractions, such as the Camp Kigali Memorial, before heading to the airport for your departure.
The drive back offers a final chance to soak in Rwanda’s breathtaking landscapes and reflect on the journey’s profound moments.
End of the 3 Days Gorillas and Dian Fossey Grave Hike
Practical Considerations
Permits and Costs: The gorilla trekking permit ($1,500) and Dian Fossey hike permit ($75) are non-negotiable expenses, often included in tour packages.
Fitness and Accessibility: Gorilla trekking and the Fossey hike require moderate fitness due to steep, muddy terrain and high altitudes.
The Fossey hike is suitable for those aged 15 and older, with no upper age limit for those in good health. Hiking boots, rain gear, and long clothing are essential to protect against weather and vegetation.
Accommodation: Options cater to various budgets:
- Luxury: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, Five Volcanoes Boutique Hotel
- Mid-range: Le Bambou Gorilla Lodge, Da Vinci Gorilla Lodge
- Budget: Kinigi Guest House, Muhabura Guest House
Best Time to Visit: The dry seasons (June–September, December–February) offer easier trekking conditions, though the park is open year-round. Rainy seasons (March–May, October–November) bring lush scenery but challenging trails.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs at the Gorilla Guardians Village, and adhere to park rules to protect wildlife. Tipping guides and porters ($5–10 per person) is customary and supports local livelihoods.
The Legacy of Dian Fossey
Dian Fossey’s work, chronicled in her book Gorillas in the Mist and the 1988 film, reshaped global perceptions of mountain gorillas.
Her habituation techniques allowed safe human interaction, paving the way for eco-tourism that funds conservation.
Despite her controversial methods and conflicts with poachers, her dedication saved the species from the brink of extinction.
The Karisoke Research Centre, now a museum, and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund continue her mission, ensuring the gorillas’ survival.
Why This Tour Matters
This 3 Days Gorillas and Dian Fossey Grave Hike itinerary is more than a wildlife adventure; it’s a journey into the heart of conservation and cultural resilience.
Trekking to see mountain gorillas offers a rare connection with one of our closest relatives, while the Fossey hike honors a woman whose sacrifice changed the course of history.
The cultural visits highlight Rwanda’s commitment to community-driven conservation, making your trip a contribution to a sustainable future.
As you leave Rwanda, you’ll carry not just memories but a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance between humanity and nature.