Visit the Dian Fossey Research Center
Starting from only two small tents in the wilderness of the Volcanoes National Park in the northern part of Rwanda, this is what would become an International renowned research institute used by students, researchers and tourists from all around the world for over 50 years. The Dian Fossey Research Center is worth visiting if you are planning a visit to Rwanda and are looking for unique experiences with Gorillas said to be sharing 98% of their DNA with human beings.
The Dian Fossey Research Center, also known as the Karisoke research Center from the combination of two names of Volcanoes namely Kalisimbi and Bisoke, this a work of Dian Fossey was an American primatologist and conservationist known for undertaking an extensive study of mountain gorilla groups from 1966. She studied them daily in the Volcanoes Mountains’ forests of Rwanda, the natural habitat of gorillas.
Her first objectives in founding Karisoke were to study gorilla ecology, demography and social organization which seem to be unique and different from other animals but also close to human being mode of life. At the center you will be able to see various publications, research reports and articles all on the living conditions of these unique creatures. The work of Dian Fossey is what will enable the habituation of gorillas to make them visitable by tourists. Tourists who are looking for a gorilla trekking in Rwanda, if their trip is spiced up with a visit at the Diana Fossey research center, they will get to better understand the real life of gorillas and the volcanoes biodiversity.
Also the Dian Fossey Research Center offers training for students and scholars who want to join the next generation of conservationists and scientists. The center holds various regional and international conservation meetings and workshops. Schedules might be requested to allow interested visitors to attend some. Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985 and her tomb is also one of the visited sights, that offers an occasion of being told the whole story of how Diana Fossey dedicated herself to study individual gorillas ecology and behaviors which later helped to make them accustomed to the presence of human being hence allowing the gorilla trekking by human beings without causing any harm to them. In addition to trekking gorillas in the Volcanoes National Park, Visiting the Diana Fossey Research Center will be an occasion of visiting a 50 year legacy of study and protection of gorillas which is the longest field study of any primate and the only conservation program that has led to an increase in a wild population. For a more and well elaborated itinerary reach out to our team at Rwanda Eco Company and Safaris who will also cater for your ground logistics including transportation and accommodation bookings.
