Dian Fossey Grave Hike to Karisoke Research Center
The Dian Fossey Hike is one outstanding trek a tourist can do while near the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Around the same place, is a gorilla cemetery in the formerly Karisoke Research Camp. Karisoke scientific base was set up by Dian Fossey in the supportive area between the two volcanoes; Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Combining both names, the name name Karisoke was derived. The Karisoke campsite stands at a height of around 3000 meters or 9000 feet above sea level and had been neglected during the political turmoils of the 1990’s.
A hike to the Dian Fossey grave encompasses a 30-minute drive from the park headquarters at Kinigi to the trail head and then a 10-minute walk to the park edges. It is at this point that ascendance via the woodland starts and takes something between 1:30 hours to three hours, basing on one’s fitness and the duration or the extent of one’s scenery enjoyment. On the other hand, descending back to the starting point takes between 1-2 hours. The Dian Fossey grave trekking gives an opportunity for visitors to watch birds and other wildlife creatures found in the Virungas en route. When you reach the summit of your hiking at the grave site, you will see a house where Dian Fossey was brutally slain in December 1985 but the more comfortable place is where she was laid to rest next to her beloved gorilla, Digit plus roughly 20 more mountain gorillas buried there and were either lynched by poachers or just faced natural deaths.
Dian Fossey was a notable primatologist who committed much her lifetime to studying, researching and conserving the mountain gorillas in Rwanda. Her love for the gentle endangered creatures prompted her to set up the Karisoke Research Center in 1967. In 1974, she got a Ph.D in zoology from Cambridge and also tentatively lectured at Cornell. She took much of her time in Africa working on research and fighting poaching by speaking out against it. Dian Fossey’s gorilla work corrected many myths about mountain gorillas as savages. On a sad note, her commitment to gorillas eventually led to her brutal death on December 25, 1985. She was found murdered in her cabin and her killers were most likely the poachers she was always critical of. Her heartless murder still remains an unsolved one in Rwanda. Fossey death was a big blow to the conservation of mountain gorillas in the Virunga Conservation area. Even though now gorilla trekking in Rwanda and its neighbors is strengthening the efforts to preserve these endangered primate species.
Taking Dian Fossey’s Work Ahead
Dian Fossey’s legacy continues to thrive through various research institutions and conservation programs dedicated to the protection of mountain gorillas. Her groundbreaking work in primatology and wildlife conservation has inspired generations of researchers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts. The impact of her efforts is still felt today, ensuring the survival of these majestic creatures in the Virunga Mountains and beyond.
The Influence of Dian Fossey’s Work
Fossey’s work was further brought to the public’s attention through the 1988 Hollywood movie Gorillas in the Mist, starring Sigourney Weaver as Dian Fossey. The film, based on her journal and experiences, portrayed the challenges she faced in her fight against poaching and habitat destruction. One of her most famous quotes, extracted from her journal, reads: “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.” This statement continues to resonate with conservationists worldwide, serving as a guiding principle for ongoing wildlife preservation efforts.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Currently, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund plays a vital role in protecting and monitoring gorilla populations. The fund actively conserves ten out of the fifteen known gorilla families in Rwanda. In addition to direct conservation, the organization supports research, anti-poaching initiatives, and community engagement programs to promote sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the increase in mountain gorilla populations, which were once on the brink of extinction.
The Dian Fossey Trek Experience
For those passionate about wildlife conservation and adventure, the Dian Fossey Trek offers an immersive and educational experience. This trek allows visitors to explore the region where Fossey conducted her groundbreaking research and to visit the remnants of her Karisoke Research Center. It provides an opportunity to understand the challenges she faced, the dedication she exhibited, and the profound impact of her work.
The trek is not just a physical journey but an emotional and intellectual one as well. Visitors gain insight into the remarkable story of a woman who devoted her life to protecting gorillas. The experience is highly recommended for conservation enthusiasts, researchers, and anyone interested in wildlife protection in Rwanda.
Trekking Details and Costs
The Dian Fossey hike is organized by the Rwanda Development Board and begins at the Kinigi Park headquarters at 7:00 AM. From there, visitors are transported to the starting point of the trek. The hike itself takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the pace and fitness level of the group. The journey passes through lush vegetation, offering stunning views of the Virunga Mountains.
The cost of the Dian Fossey trek is USD $75 per person, which includes the fees for a professional guide. The funds generated from the trek contribute to ongoing conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of gorillas and their natural habitat.
In a nutshell, Dian Fossey’s legacy lives on through continued research, conservation programs, and dedicated individuals committed to preserving mountain gorillas. Her fearless fight against poaching and habitat destruction set a precedent for modern conservation strategies. By participating in the Dian Fossey trek or supporting conservation initiatives, individuals can contribute to her mission and help safeguard these incredible creatures for future generations.