Fossey was an American primatologist who is notably known for her gorilla conservation work in Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda where she is buried. Dian Fossey set up the Karisoke Research Center between Bisoke and Mount Karisimbi. Dian find out ways to habituate the mountain gorillas by first gaining the trust of the adult dominant male silverback. Dian Fossey was inspired by travelers returning from Africa and in 1966 decided to go on tour of parts of the continent. She was really captivated with the natural beauty and wildlife she encountered. Later, Fossey picked interest in studying the history of mankind and especially evolution. Mary Galdikas, Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey were one of the students of Dr Richard Leakey, a renowned paleo-anthropologist who was known for sending other zealous researchers into the wilds of Africa. Whereas Fossey studied mountain gorillas, Jane Goodall focused on the chimpanzees in Tanzania while Mary Galdikas studied Orangutans.

The Dian Fossey trail starts at the base of Mt Bisoke to the burial place then to Karisoke center. The trail offers a beautiful trek with superb views of the mountains and special mountain vegetation such as orchids and a chance to meet the mountain gorillas. Its a less vigorous hike with a round trip is about 3 to 4 hours.Dr Richard Leakey encouraged Fossey to study mountain gorillas. She came to Africa a second time and first settled in Virunga National Park of Congo before settling in the Volcanoes National Park. Dian She started studying mountain gorillas into their biological composition and social behavior. She would get close to a specific gorilla group and try to talk to them in their own language. With time the mountain gorillas started trusting her in their presence.

A gorilla named Digit had a strong bond with Dian Fossey and when he was later killed by poachers, Dian was deeply distraught thus forced to focus not only on research but also on gorilla conservation and the eradication of poaching as these were a threat gorilla survival. Volcanoes National Park was established in 1920, a law was set making poaching and hunting illegal in the area although enforcement of this law was weak and it didn't stop poachers from hunting gorillas or capturing them for sale as pets.

By the time Dian Fossey arrived in the park, poaching was soaring and the overall population of mountain gorillas was at an all-time low; she put all her resources and energy in the fight against trafficking of animals in the area. She would send out spies in the community to spy on known poachers and fight them or report them to the authorities. When reporting and fighting off poacher became futile she set up the Digit Fund and was able to finance patrols and tear down snares.

Through the Digit Fund she created cognizance about the mountain gorillas and how poaching was a threat to their existence. Dian's presentations and writing about the gorillas caught the attention of the world and this enabled her to raise resources. Along the road of conservation and survival of the gorillas, Fossey had many enemies especially those that benefited from the trade and this led to murder in 1985 in her cabin leading the end to her then 20 year old conservation career. The people who murdered her have never been found. Fossey was buried next to Digit a mountain gorilla who was her friend and from whom the digit fund was created which was renamed the Dian Fossey Fund International. The fund continues to support gorilla conservation.

Dian Fossey Grave/Tomb

For any tourist visiting the volcanoes national park, your trip will be incomplete if you don't visit the Dian Fossey grave and her Kariosoke Research Center. Dian is buried next her favorite gorilla Digit. The hike to the tomb gives tourists remarkable views of the park and the Virunga mountain rangers. While hiking, tourists through the park rangers will learn more about Dian Fossey's work about conservation of the gorilla. Her work contributed to the growth of mountain gorillas and if it wasn't for her, they would be few by now. Paying homage to Fossey's grave is appreciating her work. As you hike to her grave you will see antelopes, birds, golden monkeys, with luck gorillas and more.

The visit to the Dian Fossey tomb starts in the morning after a briefing at the park headquarter then the hike starts at the foothills of Mt Bisoke. Porters will be here waiting to help you with your heavy luggage. Carry a walking stick to help you navigate the terrain. By chance if you get a guide names Francois to take you to the hike you will be lucky as he worked with Fossey and currently guides tourist through the park. Dian Fossey Tomb is some distance away from the park offices and one need to be physically fit to trek. The Dian hike pernits costs $75 and can be acquired at the park headquarters and can be booked through a tour operator. You will need hiking boots, clothing, snacks and a drink.