The hike to Dian Fossey's grave and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Centre is one of Volcanoes National Park's most distinctive non-trekking activities — a walk through the same forest where the primatologist conducted her decades of gorilla research, ending at the site where she is buried alongside several of the gorillas she studied and named.
Quick facts
- Where: Volcanoes National Park, near the Karisoke Research Centre site
- Difficulty: Moderately demanding — roughly a 2–3 hour walk each way through forest terrain
- What's there: Dian Fossey's grave, the graves of several named gorillas, and the ruins of the original Karisoke camp
- Best for: Travellers with a genuine interest in gorilla conservation history, not a substitute for a gorilla trek itself
Why this hike is worth the time
Dian Fossey's research at Karisoke, beginning in 1967, was foundational to mountain gorilla conservation and to the habituation techniques still used across both Rwanda and Uganda today. The hike itself is a genuine physical undertaking, but doesn't require the same permit system as gorilla trekking, making it a realistic add-on rather than a competing full-day commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a gorilla trekking permit for the Dian Fossey grave hike?
No — it's a separate activity with its own booking, not part of the standard gorilla trekking permit system.
How difficult is the hike?
Moderately demanding, roughly 2 to 3 hours each way through forest terrain with some elevation gain; a reasonable baseline of fitness is recommended.
Add this hike to your Volcanoes National Park stay — see our 5 Days Rwanda Luxury Gorilla Safari.