Discover Dian Fossey! Being born in San Francisco – California, she came to Rwanda as an American zoologist who considered undertaking an extensive study of gorilla groups for over 18 years. She studied them on a daily basis in the mountain forests of Rwanda, with her experience in the jungle wrote a book about the gorillas in the mist, which combines her scientific study of the mountain gorilla at Karisoke Research Center with her personal story. However, she was murdered in 1985.

She Was buried near Volcanoes national park, the place in which she dedicated her entire life in Rwanda and it’s also adjacent to the gorilla cemetery which is in the former Karisoke Research Centre. Her Tomb has greatly attracted many tourists who have engaged in gorilla trekking adventure in the jungle forest of volcanoes national park. The safari to the tomb involves a 30 minutes drive from the park headquarters in order to trail head and 10 minutes to the park boundaries, this tomb also provides an opportunity to view many bird species and other creatures in the park which include; the elephants, monkeys, butterflies and the mountain gorillas. The hike will take to the house from where Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985, and this is where she was buried next to her favorite gorilla which was killed by the poachers.

Numerous travelers do hike to this adventurous place with an aspect of acknowledging knowing the history behind it. This wonderful site is full of cultural outlook which was set up in the memory of Dian Fossey, Her love for the rare mountain gorillas kept her in the wilderness and even ended up becoming a special friend to the primates. Her death was a mystery to the entire primates lovers as it occurred during her busy days the jungle forests. In order to keep her legacy, it was decided that her body should be buried in volcanoes national park on the top of the mountain where she used to do most of her work.

Tourists from all corners of the world who yarn for gorilla adventure safaris are on a great increase because of Dian Fossey‘s work and love for mountain gorillas. About 60% of the tourists specifically come to gorilla trekking and they also end up extending their safari visits by hiking to Dian Fossey‘s Tomb.
This Dian Fossey hike starts at 8:00am in the morning and it takes almost a full day , before starting your hike, you will be well briefed by the guides who are there to answer all the questions about the site. Small groups of the people are allowed to hike at the time to avoid overcrowding in the paths each with the guides who direct and advise you.
The hike is usually muddy and the tourists are advised to wear waterproof boots with good traction plus a walking stick for your support. This trek is strenuous because of the straight up movements involved. The Karisoke trek is USD$ 75 per person and this includes the fees for the guide. Even though the hike is tiresome, it’s worth once you reach the site as you see the house where Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985. Your eyes will not keep a distance away from the touching words written on Dian Fossey tomb’s grave which reads;

No one loved the gorillas more
Rest in peace, dear friend
Eternally protected
In this sacred ground
For you are home
Where you belong
The death of Dian Fossey did not kill her efforts and currently, since the fund monitors over 15 mountain gorillas and managing other projects which are aimed at protecting these endangered species and other wildlife in the region.