This 3 Days Rwanda Gorilla Trekking and Dian Fossey Tomb hike is designed for those who are interested in learning about mountain gorilla conservation. With this tour package, you will have an opportunity to observe mountain gorillas in the wild, visit the grave of Dian Fossey and her former Karisoke Gorilla Research Centre which was built between two volcanoes (Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke). You will get to know everything there is to know about Dian Fossey and her work with mountain gorillas from the Guides. This tour will take you to the Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. The park is located in Musanze district which is in the north-eastern part of the country. The Volcanoes National park has 
stunning scenery with 5 imposing volcanoes which are separate attractions of their own. Apart mountain gorillas and volcanoes, the Volcanoes National Park is also home to golden monkeys, giant forest hogs, wild cats, elephants, butterflies and reptiles.
In Rwanda, mountain gorillas are found in the Volcanoes National Park. The park is home to approximately 350 mountain gorillas. The rest are found in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Volcanoes National Park has 10 habituated gorilla families. Many like to point out that it is the most accessible and therefore convenient park for gorilla trekking. By convenience we also mean it is less strenuous to find the primates because most groups live close to the park offices.
The Volcanoes National park became known to the world when Dian Fossey begun her gorilla research work between 1966 and the 1980’s. Dian Fossey is considered to be one of the greatest primatologists of 
our time. She studied mountain gorillas in detail and discovered many things about them including how to habituate them. Her work did not stop with research but she later initiated gorilla conservation programmes in the area. She actively fought against poachers and recruited a team to removes snares in the forests of Rwanda. Unfortunately, her strong stance against poachers rubbed many in the wrong way. She was found brutally murdered in her room up the mountains. Her Karisoke research centre has now been turned into a museum by the government of Rwanda. Tourists can pay homage by visiting her tomb as they learn about her work with gorillas. After visiting her tomb, tourists can also visit the new Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International offices in Kinigi.
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Airport pickup in Kigali – City tour – Volcanoes National Park
Day 2: Gorilla trekking – Iby’iwacu Cultural village tour
Day 3: Visit the former Karisoke Research Centre and Dian Fossey tomb – Departure
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Airport pickup in Kigali – City tour – Volcanoes National Park
Our company driver will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel or Kigali International Airport to start the trip. You will first go for a city tour around Kigali to see some of its historical and famous sites. The places to visit during the city tour are the Kigali genocide memorial, the former presidential palace, the central market and souvenir shops. You will have lunch after the city visit and then begin the journey to Musanze district where the Volcanoes national park is located. On arrival, you will check in at your lodge, shower and relax as you wait to start activities the next day.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (high end), Hotel La Palme (Moderate) and Muhabura Guest House (basic).
Day 2: Gorilla trekking – Iby’iwacu Cultural village tour
Wake up very early in the morning, take breakfast and wait for the driver to take you to Kinigi. This is where the head offices of Volcanoes National Park are found. While at the headquarters, you will be briefed about the rules and requirements for gorilla trekking. You will also be registered and have your permits validated. After the briefing and registration, you will be assigned a gorilla group. Only 8 people may track a gorilla group in a day. After the allocation of gorilla groups, you will be led deep into the forest and mountain slopes to look for the primates. As you track the gorillas, ask as many questions about the vegetation and wildlife you encounter because the Rangers know everything about the park. The Rangers will share information about the gorilla groups and character of each of the individuals.
The search for the gorillas will take between 2 to 4 hours. Each gorilla group contains between 8 to 20 individual that are led by the dominant silverback. Once you meet the primates, follow instructions given to you by the Park Ranger and only begin taking photos when cleared. You should spend the one hour watching the gorillas feed, play around, communicate, mate, prepare nests and take afternoon naps. Never get carried away or do something that could alert the silverback. Never attempt to touch a gorilla even when they come close to you. Gorillas are very gentle creatures and will allow you in their midst but only if you do nothing that alerts them.
After the one hour with the primates, you will walk back to the starting point where you will find the company Guide/Driver waiting. The driver will take you back to your lodge for lunch, shower and 
refreshment as you prepare for the next activity. Later in the afternoon, you will drive to the Iby’iwacu Cultural village for cultural entertainment in form of dance and traditional songs. The site is now known as the Gorilla Guardians Village. It was set up to showcase Rwanda’s interesting cultural values and heritage while also employing the local communities around the park. While at the village, you will visit the traditional medicine man, local beer makers and traditional craft shops. You might also be invited to dress up in traditional garments for photos or learn how to make bricks and prepare a local meal. After completing your tour of the Gorilla Guardians Village, you will go back to the lodge for relaxation.
Accommodation options: Mountain Gorilla View Lodge (high end), Hotel La Palme (Moderate) and Muhabura Guest House (basic).
Day 3: Visit the former Karisoke Research Centre and Dian Fossey tomb – Departure
Wake up early in the morning for breakfast and wait for the driver to take you to the park offices once again. You will find many tourists in the park who have come for different activities. You will join the group being prepared for the Dian Fossey grave Hike. After the briefing, the Rangers will lead you to the slopes of Mount Karisimbi and Bisoke. The Dian Fossey tomb and former Karisoke research centre are found in-between the two mountains. Getting to it requires one to be fit and mentally prepared. The Research Centre is now dilapidated with little to show that is was once a world renown site. A graveyard is close to the centre where Dian Fossey and her favorite gorillas like Digit are buried.
The Guides and Rangers will share information about Dian Fossey and her work with the gorillas. She would treat injured gorillas from her research Centre, host international interns and make international presentations to raise awareness about gorillas. When she died in 1980s, the research centre continued to work until it was shifted to Kinigi in 2012. The old research centre remains on top of the mountains as a museum. After touring the old research centre, you will go to the tomb to pay tribute to her. After the tour, the park Rangers will lead you down the mountain slopes where you will find out driver waiting to take you back to Kigali.
Safari Inclusions and Exclusions
The 3 days gorilla tour and Dian Fossey hike cost includes: –
- Transportation in a standard tour van with fuel
- A tour Guide/Driver with English speaking skills
- Full board accommodation for 2 nights
- Gorilla permits
- A tour of the Iby’iwacu cultural Centre
- Visiting the Karisoke research centre and Dian Fossey grave
- A tour of Kigali
- Meals while traveling and lunch
The 3 days gorilla safari and visiting the grave of Dian Fossey excludes tips, personal expenses, air tickets, visas, travel and personal insurance.
Accommodation
Mountain Gorilla View Lodge: This is one of the popular and affordable luxury lodges around the Volcanoes national park. The lodge is built on the slopes of Mount Sabyinyo. Because it offers lower rates than other luxury lodges, it is very popular with tourists. The lodge has a 30 private cottages. Each cottage has a balcony overlooking the Virunga mountains. The rooms are self-contained with large beds, a study desk and a swimming pool among others. There is also a bar and restaurant serving both local and continental dishes. The hotel staff are very friendly and hospitable.
La Palme Hotel: Most of the rooms in La Palme are standard rooms but it has some executive rooms including a presidential palace. Regardless of the extra luxury offerings, it is rated and regarded as a mid-range lodge. La Palme Hotel is a very convenient lodge for those who want easy access to the park while in Musanze town. Like the name suggests, the lodge is noted for its French cuisines. La Palme Hotel has a bar, restaurant, lounge area, an extra terrace and a safe parking lot.
Hotel Muhabura: Hotel Muhabura is one of the best budget hotels close to the Volcanoes National Park. This is where Dian Fossey would hang out and meet dignitaries. It was built at the foot of one of the volcanoes in the area. It’s a basic lodge but with self-contained rooms. Each of the 30 self-contained rooms has free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, comfortable beds and veranda. Other amenities include laundry services, a green garden for relaxing and a kid’s park. There is a camp site set for travelers who wish to spend the night out and admiring the African sky.If you want to sleep in the former Dian Fossey room, expect to pay slightly more.
