Today, visitors to Volcanoes National Park can hike to the site of the former Karisoke Research Center, where Dian Fossey’s grave lies beside her beloved gorillas.

Karisoke Research Center – Dian Fossey’s Legacy in Rwanda

The Karisoke Research Center, founded in 1967 by the legendary primatologist Dian Fossey, is one of the most important gorilla conservation institutions in the world. Nestled between Rwanda’s Mount Karisimbi and Mount Bisoke in the Virunga Mountains, Karisoke was originally a small camp of tents. Fossey established it with a bold mission: to study and protect the critically endangered mountain gorillas that were facing extinction due to poaching and habitat loss.

Over the years, Karisoke Research Center grew into a globally recognized hub for scientific research, conservation, and education. Today, it is managed by the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International and continues to honor Fossey’s pioneering work. Through decades of research and hands-on protection, the center has played a key role in transforming the mountain gorilla into the only great ape species whose population is increasing.

What Karisoke Research Center Does Today

The work of the Karisoke Research Center extends far beyond gorilla monitoring. Its programs include:

  • Daily Gorilla Protection: Trained trackers and researchers follow habituated gorilla families every day to ensure their safety.
  • Scientific Research: Long-term studies of gorilla behavior, health, and ecology provide invaluable insights into conservation strategies.
  • Community Engagement: Karisoke invests in education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for local communities living near Volcanoes National Park, building strong partnerships for conservation.
  • Training the Next Generation: The center supports Rwandan students and budding scientists through scholarships, internships, and hands-on field research.

Why Karisoke Matters for Gorilla Treks in Rwanda

For visitors joining gorilla treks in Rwanda, the success of Karisoke Research Center is visible in every thriving gorilla family encountered on the slopes of Volcanoes National Park. Without Fossey’s groundbreaking efforts and the continued work of Karisoke, these intimate, once-in-a-lifetime experiences might not exist today.

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    When you book a trek with Go Safaris Africa, part of your permit fee contributes to these conservation programs. This means your adventure directly supports the survival of Rwanda’s gorillas and the communities that share their home.