Dian Fossey Grave Hike in Rwanda: Karisoke, Mount Visoke and What the Walk Involves
A forest walk to the site where the woman who studied mountain gorillas is buried beside the animals she loved.
Dian Fossey arrived in the Virunga mountains in 1967 and founded the Karisoke Research Centre between Mount Karisimbi and Mount Visoke. She lived and worked there until her death in 1985, and she is buried at the old camp next to Digit, a gorilla she had known well, and other gorillas that were killed by poachers.
The hike to the grave starts from the park headquarters at Kinigi and climbs through farmland, a buffalo wall and then misty montane forest. It is shorter and easier than a long gorilla trek, which makes it a good choice for a second day in the park. See Volcanoes National Park for the full picture.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Trail: Forest hike to the old Karisoke site
- Typical time: Half a day, depending on pace
- Difficulty: Moderate, steep and muddy in places
- Best with: A gorilla trek on another day
What You See on the Walk
The route passes through bamboo and hagenia forest, where birds and primates such as golden monkeys are sometimes seen. At the site you will see the simple graves with their carved markers and the remains of the camp buildings, and your guide will explain the history of the research and anti-poaching work.
Preparing for the Hike
Wear waterproof boots, long trousers and layers, because the weather on the volcano changes quickly. Gloves help on the nettle-lined trail. Carry water and a rain jacket, and bring a camera that copes with low light under the canopy.
Why It Matters
The grave hike is as much about conservation as history. Visitors who walk it help fund the same protection that supports gorilla tourism today. Pair it with golden monkey tracking or a gorilla visit for a complete Virunga programme.
Planning Rwanda with Uganda? Tell us your dates and we will combine both countries in one smooth itinerary, with transfers and permits arranged.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Rwanda Gorilla Families: How Trekking Groups Are Chosen in Volcanoes National Park
- Golden Monkey Tracking in Rwanda: What to Expect in Volcanoes National Park
- Mount Nyiragongo and the Virunga Volcanoes: Lava Lake and Congo Border Mountains
- Things to Do in Musanze, Rwanda: Caves, Lakes, Villages and Volcano Views
- Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo: Rwanda's Twin Lakes Near the Volcanoes
- Rwanda Safari and Travel Guides: Gorillas, Volcanoes, Nyungwe, Akagera and Kigali
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