Among the greatest and most well known primatologists of the 20th century is Dian Fossey. From 1967 until her death in 1985, she was regarded as an authority on all matters pertaining to the critically endangered mountain gorillas.
Dian Fossey, who was born in 1932,
devoted the most of her life to researching mountain gorillas in both their
natural environment and at her Karisoke Research Camp/Center, which is situated
in Rwanda between Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Trekking to Dian Fossey’s tombFossey
promoted the protection of mountain gorillas from widespread poaching and
increased public awareness of these animals. It is generally accepted that
mountain gorillas would have gone extinct or had a sharp decline in population
in the absence of her efforts.
Due to her efforts and resilience, DR
Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda have successfully eradicated or significantly
decreased gorilla poaching. Her biggest accomplishment may have been figuring
out how to make wild gorillas feel at ease in the company of people.
Gorilla habituation was made possible
for many more gorilla groups by winning the trust of mountain gorillas who had
previously been afraid of humans as a result of widespread poaching. Instead of
hearing about some ferocious monsters living deep in the African woods,
visitors may now witness these kind and fascinating creatures up close.
The renowned paleoanthropologist Dr.
Richard Leakey invited Dian Fossey to Africa so she could conduct research on
mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. Dr. Leakey believed that we could
learn even more about the origins of humans by researching gorillas, who are
our closest cousins.
With
her growing knowledge of the great apes, Dian Fossey shifted her focus from
study to gorilla conservation and preservation.
In
contrast to many who believe that gorilla trekking is morally righteous, Dian
Fossey opposed gorilla tourism in Africa and believed that gorillas should be
allowed to remain unaltered in their natural habitat. Though some of her
tactics against poachers may have been deemed harsh, she never lost sight of
the mountain gorillas’ best interests.
Unfortunately,
good deeds sometimes draw evil. In 1985, Dian Fossey was killed in a secluded
home perched on a mountain. Some of the gorillas she devoted her life to
defending were interred next to her.
Visiting
Dian Fossey’s grave
Her murder’s circumstances are still
unknown, but it has thought that her strong resolve to stop poaching and defend
the gorillas was a factor in her murder. Despite a tragic end, Dian Fossey’s
impact and contributions endure. Her well-known book Gorillas in the Mist
inspired a film that explores her personal life and work with gorillas; it is a
must-see.
Her
efforts were not in useless, despite her passing.
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International
(DFGF) manages a number of projects, such as providing care for gorilla groups
in East and Central Africa, as part of its ongoing efforts to conserve mountain
gorillas.
The population of mountain gorillas
continues to grow.
Indeed, it is estimated that over a thousand mountain gorillas may currently reside in the DR Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda’s wide mountain ranges and forests.
Trekking
to Dian Fossey’s burial
Outside the national park of volcanoes
is where the hike begins. You will eventually come to the park boundary and the
stone barriers that prevent elephants and buffaloes from entering human gardens
after a little while of walking. Dian Fossey Fund Gorilla You will hike along
the same path that hikers on Mount Bisoke do.
With any hope, this trail will allow
you to get a chance to interact with a gorilla family. If you come across a
gorilla troop, you will have a brief opportunity to observe them from a
distance. Photographs are not permitted. There will be regular pauses to admire
the lovely scenery and take pictures of significant markers.
You will depart for the trek to after
utilizing the Bisoke trail for roughly 2900 meters. Magnificent views of the DR
Congo and the Virunga hills may be seen in the vicinity of the graveyard and
the former Karisoke research site. Since the early 1990s, the Karisoke research
camp has been abandoned and neglected.
The tombs of over 19 other gorillas
and Dian Fossey’s favorite, Digit the Silverback, are situated adjacent to each
other. The ruins of the home where Dian Fossey was killed should also be seen.
Ask the guides about Dian Fossey’s work and take as many pictures of the
location as you can.
Usually,
lunch is made close to the location while you relax and get ready to head back
down to the starting point.
It
takes one to two hours to return to the head trail. When you get to the
starting point, your driver or corporate guide will be ready to take you back
to your hotel. At this point, you will be saying goodbye to your porters and
park employees. Give them a tip for their excellent assistance.
Items
required for the hike to the Dian Fossey burial (tomb)
Hike
Dian Fossey authorizes:
Obtaining
a permit is the first step in organizing a hike to the Karisoke research center
and Dian Fossey’s tomb. Prior to embarking on the head trail, hikers must
present their permits during the briefing. A permit is expensive.
The legacy of Dian Fossey and Mountain
Gorillas costs $75 and may be obtained in Kigali via the Rwanda tourism offices
or the office of the national park for volcanoes. Projects to conserve gorillas
receive a percentage of the fees earned for the permit.
Accommodations:
Your decision and budget will determine where
you stay both before and after your hike. There is no lack of lodging in the
Rwandan national park of the volcanoes. Here is a compilation of information
regarding lodging options in Rwanda that you may find useful.
Transportation:
To go to the park offices for
registration and the trailhead, you will need to rent a driver and a car.
The
majority of tourists typically use the assistance of a reputable tour operator,
such as Mission Africa Safaris, to help plan the entire trip. Among many other
services, Mission Africa Safaris assists customers in obtaining hiking permits
and arranges lodging and transportation.
Travel
documents:
Your passport and VISA in particular
should always be carried when traveling. Before you can enter the hike’s
beginning site, you must present your identity documents at the park
headquarters.
Hiking Shoes or waterproof boots: Hiking shoes or waterproof boots are
recommended because the trip takes more than an hour and can be muddy and
slippery, especially in the rainy season. Hiking boots are essential for
navigating challenging terrain. Make sure there is adequate grip on the shoes.
Clothes:
Long sleeves, long socks, hand gloves,
and a pair of decent pants can assist shield you from stinging insects and
jagged branches.
Bring
water and a packed food because you can become thirsty and hungry on the trip
to the Dian Fossey Site before noon.