Dian Fossey Tomb Trail Hike: A Tribute To Gorilla Conservation.
Dian Fossey Tomb Trail Hike
Dian Fossey was a famous American primatologist known for her great works of protecting and studying mountain gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. She was passionate about wildlife and conservation. She spent most of her life studying the Mountain Gorilla species widely until she died in 1985 at the Karisoke research center situated between Mountain Bisoke and Karisimbi. Through her research, she made the Mountain gorillas known to the world and made endless efforts to conserve the critically endangered species. Because of her great research, strong laws and policies against gorilla poaching evolved, which reduced the risk of extinction of the primates.
The Mountain Gorilla habituation process in Rwanda was sparked at the time of her research. Despite discouraging gorilla tourism in Africa, the gorilla habituation process makes gorillas comfortable doing their day-to-day activities in the presence of humans, which makes it possible for visitors to be able to participate in the gorilla trekking activities. Mountain gorillas are gentle giants characterized by their large fur bodies and brown eyes. They live in the forest without being captured in groups of 9-12 individuals led by a male silverback. They feed on forest plants, insects, tree branches, tree trunks, and occasionally small insects. Despite her efforts, unfortunately, good works attract hatred. Dian Fossey was murdered in cold blood, and to date, her death remains a mystery. She was buried next to some of the gorillas she loved most and protected.
Conditions around her death are related to her strong desire to end poaching and the strive to protect the Mountain gorilla species. Despite her death, her greatness was carried forward in a movie that was based on her book “Gorillas in the Mist”. The work was also promoted in the foundation known as the Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation (DFGF)through several projects.
Dian Fossey Tomb trail hike pays tribute to the great primatologist, it begins at the Karisoke research center, giving you an insight to learn more about the work of the mountain gorillas at the tomb you will find the house from which she was murdered and a place she was buried next to her favorite Mountain gorillas, it is a less strenuous hike taking about 2 hours to reach the research center, enroute expect to see plants species, tree species, birds and butterflies. The hike involves walking through the forest and up slopes; these conditions can be challenging, hence important to prepare for the hike.
A hike to the Dian Fossey attracts a cost of about $75 per permit. These can be bought through the tour operator or directly on the ground upon arrival. The tombs are best experienced during the dry season between December, February, June, July, August, September, when the trails of the forest are less slippery and easier to access. Despite visiting in the dry season, hiking can be done all year round. It is advisable to buy permits before the date of hiking.
Dian Fossey Tomb Trail Hike can be combined with other activities in the Volcanoes National Park, including Mountain gorilla trekking. This is conducted in the morning, beginning at 8:00 am, and it takes 2-3 hours of tracking, depending on how far the gorillas have moved. Upon finding them, an hour is allowed to enjoy, take pictures, and return. A Rwanda gorilla permit costs $1500 this year.
Golden Monkey tracking in Volcanoes National Park, the monkeys are endemics of the great Albertine rift valley region, just like the gorillas, they are tracked within the bamboo area of the park, they are pretty fast creatures and give the best pictures in their golden-brown color. Other things to do in Virunga volcanoes include visiting the twin lakes, enjoying volcanic hiking on the 5 volcanoes present in the national park, or enjoying a guided nature walk through the park.
Volcanoes National Park is the closest conservation area to Kigali city, it can be reached in approximately 2-3 hours by road, passing through beautiful plantations and a backdrop of the mountains. Upon arrival, there is vast accommodation ranging from the best budget to Luxury facilities hosting travelers, for example, Bisate lodge, Mountain gorilla view lodge, Le Bambou lodge, Davinci Lodge, Virunga volcanoes Lodge, to mention a few.