Hike to the research site and grave of Dian Fossey on the volcano slopes, then trek the gorillas she gave her life to protect.
Dian Fossey studied the mountain gorillas of the Virunga volcanoes for eighteen years and is buried beside the gorillas she knew. The hike to her old research camp and her grave takes you through bamboo and montane forest on the slopes of the volcanoes.
It is a half-day walk, and the next morning you trek to a gorilla family of your own. It is a good trip for anyone who has read her story and wants to see where it happened.
Rwanda
Luxury safari
Handpicked luxury lodges and camps, chosen for their setting, service and guiding.
Private safari
Your own vehicle and guide for the whole journey, never shared with other travellers.
Made to measure
Change the pace, a lodge or an activity and we rebuild the itinerary around you.
Start any day
Travel on the dates that suit you, subject to lodge and permit availability.
Solo travellers welcome
Priced for one on request, with the single supplement shown under Rates.
Minimum age 15
Gorilla permits are only issued to visitors aged 15 and over.
Pace and fitness
Active, fitness: challenging.
Drive north from Kigali through Musanze and settle in at Wilderness Bisate Lodge, set in the rim of an old volcanic cone with the forest below. The afternoon is for the view, a walk in the grounds and an early dinner.
Overnight
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Hike with a guide from the park to the Karisoke research site and Dian Fossey’s grave, through bamboo and montane forest on the slopes of the volcanoes. It is a steep and often muddy walk, with a long view when the clouds lift. Return to the lodge for a late lunch and a rest.
Overnight
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
After breakfast go to the park headquarters for the briefing, then trek with your guides to find your gorilla family and spend an hour with them. You then drive back to Kigali, arriving in the evening.
Wilderness Bisate Lodge (opens the property’s website in a new tab)
Six forest villas on the slope of an eroded volcanic cone, facing Bisoke and Karisimbi.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Important to know
Rates per person
| Season | Solo | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5 people | 6 people | 7+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High season (Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb) | US$5,250 | US$4,450 | US$4,183 | US$4,183 | US$4,183 | US$4,183 | Get quote |
| Low season (Mar to May, Nov) | US$4,600 | US$3,900 | US$3,666 | US$3,666 | US$3,666 | US$3,666 | Get quote |
Prices are per person, in US dollars, and depend on the number of travellers sharing the vehicle and guide. They are sample rates for planning and will be confirmed when you enquire, as lodge and permit prices change each year. The gorilla permit is included at the current RDB rate and is subject to availability. The hike is steep and muddy, and the minimum age for the trek is 15.
Best time for this trip All year
For gorilla and chimp treks, bring sturdy waterproof hiking boots, long trousers you can tuck into your socks, a long-sleeved shirt, a light rain jacket and gardening gloves for grabbing vines. Porters are available at the trailhead and we recommend hiring one: it helps your trek and supports the local community.
Pack light, neutral colours for game drives, a warm fleece for early mornings, a sun hat and good sunscreen.
Made to measure
Every Uwera safari is private. Slow the pace, add a night by a lake, swap a lodge or bring the children: tell us in your request and we will rebuild the itinerary around you.
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