What might have saved mountain gorillas from extinction?
During the early 1960’s when mountain gorillas were being extensively poached and their natural habitats being encroched upon, Dian Fossey, an American primatologist was one who pioneered the need to conserve and protect gorillas to the global scene from the time 1967 when she established a research center called Karisoke located in Volcanoes National Park. Dian based from karisoke center to conduct research on the life of gorillas in the wild and eventually trained a few gorilla groups to overcome human fear which enabled her to study the apes closely.
The 2-3 hours trail to Dian fossey grave site is a special hiking experience for tourists to learn about the life of Dian and various projects she left behind before her mysterious murder in 1985.
About Dian Fossey: An American primatologist and conservationist, Dian is well known for her work “Gorillas in the Mist” a book and movie that describes what she did to protect gorillas including introducing anti-poaching techniques like ranger patrols that dramtically reduced poaching and illegal encrochment. Dian also hired gorilla doctors to treat gorillas that would be found injured by snare traps as well as arrest poachers. Her campaigns yielded hatred from the local people who perceived that Dian was restricting them from using the forest to get bush meat, water, fire food and to grow crops or graze cattle. Nevertheless Dian was determined looking to the survival of gorillas in the future. She published her book “gorillas in the mist” and started the gorilla fund international, one of the organizations suporting gorilla tourism and conservation in Virunga Conservation Area. Unfortenately, Dian was murdered in 1985 and buried next to gorillas that were also killed by poachers.
How to hike to the Dian fossey Grave site
Dian’s tomb is located at high altitude between Mount Karismbi and Mount Bisoke about 2900 to 3000 meters above sea level hence it requires fitness. The hike to dian Fossey grave site is recommended to everyone who visits volcanoes national park to track gorillas and golden monkeys. The hike starts early morning from Kinigi tourist center where you register and purchase your permit. the trail takes visitors through dense forests where a variety of bird species can be spotted. You then reach Dian grave site, pay tribute and get a views of the virunga volcanoes as you descend back to kingi.
The trail takes about 1-3 hours and not tough to hike. however, during the rainy season, right clothing such as hiking boots, stick, rain jacket, long pants are necessary. you need to prevent yourself from stinging nettles. The hike to Dian Fossey will touch your soul and make you appreciate and celebrate her life as a conservationist every year on 26th December.