Karisoke setting
Stand at the saddle camp that shaped modern gorilla science.
Dian Fossey Hike in Volcanoes National Park
Walk to the Karisoke research site and Dian Fossey’s tomb on the saddle between Bisoke and Karisimbi — a full forest day steeped in gorilla-conservation history.
Karisoke trailHistoric research camp in the Virungas
Full day hikeTypically 4–7 hours return
Ranger guidedPorters available from the trailhead
Conservation storyThe grave of Digit and Fossey’s tomb
About this activity
A Walk Through Gorilla History
The Dian Fossey hike follows the route toward the former Karisoke Research Center, founded in 1967 between Mount Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. You will not visit a living gorilla family on this trail; you come for the forest, the graves, and the story of how mountain gorilla protection began.
The path climbs through farmland and then bamboo and Hagenia woodland. At the site you see Fossey’s tomb beside Digit and other gorillas she knew. It is a quieter, more reflective day than a permit trek, and a strong add-on if you have extra nights in Kinigi.
Fitness sits between a golden monkey walk and the Bisoke crater hike. We time it for a rest day after gorilla trekking or as a stand-alone Volcanoes activity.
