Karisoke Research Center

This research center was founded in 1967 by the Late Dian Fossey after she had come to Africa. Specifically, it was for research about primates and mountain gorillas. Karisoke Research Center is located near Volcanoes National Park. It is formerly made of two small tents, but later turned out to become a big international research Centre. The name Karisoke was coined by Dian Fossey herself. The strategic location between Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains in the Virunga massif was the reason.

Karisoke Research Center plays a big role in Rwanda and Africa at large. This includes training the next generation of experts in conservation all over the world. It offers employment to over 100 people hence income generation to improve standards of living. Also, protection of the environment and biodiversity. As they protect gorilla habitats, other species that live in the forest are also protected. These include birds, other mammals, trees, butterflies and other living organisms.

The local communities around this research center have benefited as well. They have got affordable education, and community programs like safe water projects, construction of health centers, feeder roads etc.

About Dian Fossey

Dian Fossey was born in San Francisco, USA and her first saving was meant to fund her maiden safari to Africa. She established a research center intending to study the ecology, demography and social organization of gorillas. During this process, she came to realize that she needed to study individual gorillas on daily basis. As a result gorillas had to be habituated. She wanted gorillas to get accustomed to her presence.

Dian is credited for being a world icon in primate conservation who saved a good number of gorillas from poachers. As mentioned, she introduced gorilla habituation in Africa and started up the Karisoke Research Center. This continued her legacy and is now being used by students and researchers all over the world. Today the research centre is funded by Dian Fossey Gorilla fund. The aim is protecting these endangered species in Volcanoes National Park.

The efforts of Dian Fossey led to an increase in gorilla population within Virunga Mountains and until now the research center is concerned with protecting endangered mountain gorillas from poachers and dangerous activities like forest burning, collecting firewood and much more that can interfere with the lives of gorillas and this is done through daily monitoring and critical supervision.

After the death of Dian Fossey in 1985, the research Centre continued to operate, though with a few hiccups; thanks go to the Rwanda government for the support in mainly offering peace and security in the country and the funders who offer financial support to continue the conservation works meant to protect these endangered species.

Around the 1990s during the Rwandan civil wars, this research center got some challenges as many of its properties and belongings were looted and destroyed and in 1998 the research center was relocated and reconstructed in Ruhengeri following serious destruction for about 3 times. Presently it’s located in Musanze area which is a new regional center of Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Visit Karisoke Research Center

Tourists willing to visit this site normally have to book through the park offices. It is preferably done after a gorilla trekking experience. The trek to Dian Fossey graveyard rewards you with sightings and sounds of different primates, birds and flora. The site presents a small museum showcasing videos, conservation lectures and stories about Karisoke research center.

Best time to visit Karisoke Research Center

As you plan to visit Karisoke Research Center, plan your safari in the dry season which occurs from June to September and December to January. During this time, you can hike easily because the trails are dry and there’s limited interference from unsuspected rains unlimited in wet seasons of March to May and October to November.

Our expert team of travel consultants is ready to put together your best safari package to Rwanda and a visit to Karisoke Research Center. You can contact us by clicking here to get a customized itinerary that incorporates this visit.

Soledad Gomez

Fun Safari. Loved it. Godwin was an amazing guide! He was informative, funny and took us around well. He was able to find so many animals and the weather was amazing. He allowed us to take time at each spot when we saw an animal we were looking forward to seeing. All our lodges were carefully chosen by Coleb and we all loved them. We booked the 6 days safari and highly recommend it to everyone visiting Uganda. We had a wonderful time!. 10/10 recommended!!

Maria Torondel

We rated this experience top of everything, because it truly was outstanding in every way! From our pickup which was punctual, quick and comfortable to our Safari in Murchison falls, Kibale and Bwindi NP, Standard safaris delivered to the dot. Our guide was a very Kind, punctual and extremely knowledgeable person who could tell us many facts about each and every animal we encountered. Due to his insights we were able to spot 4 of the Big Five, the Rhinos, buffaloes, lions and Elephants multiple times, as well as Hippos, Crocodiles, Giraffes and many more. Thanks to his calm and patience we were even able to watch an elephant fight right in front of us without any safety concerns. It was truly a very memorable day with a lot of fun and also good food.This is truly an experience for everyone, from solo travellers to big groups! Great tour company with a great guide!!!!!!!

Alexis F

This was an amazing experience organised by Standard Safaris through Coleb. During the tour itself, we got a chance to see so many animals and we learned a lot of interesting facts from our tour guide Godwin. He was funny and made sure we all got a chance to speak and see the full beauty of Uganda. We had an excellent time and a good tour for the whole family.

Elena Hoya

It was my first time in Uganda and honestly it was an amazing tour. Our pick up and drop off were comfortable. Our guide throughout the safari was excellent at his job. He was attentive with everyone and was very knowledgeable about all the cultures and landscapes of the country. During planning, Coleb did his best in tailoring our itinerary to fit our travel needs. I'm so glad we booked this tour. It was one of a kind.

E A

My wife and I had the trip of a lifetime, an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From gorilla trekking to game drives, every moment was magical and the wildlife encounters were simply breathtaking. Our guide Godwin was knowledgeable and attentive, and every detail of the trip was perfectly organized. Uganda’s beauty exceeded all our expectations, and the team took wonderful care of us throughout. Thank you for showing us the Pearl of Africa, we’ll cherish these memories forever. Highly recommended

KLAU conde

I LOVE MY SAFARI WE DID GORILLA TREKING AND WE WERE LOOKING FOR THE BIG FIVES, Everything was phenomenal the drivers the lodges my favorite one was Acacia Lodge, where you open the door of your lodge and you have the Elephants and hippos there . we also went to the Ecuatorian line very cool

Elisa Peralta

We spent a WONDERFUL time in Rwanda, thanks to Standard Safaris and especially thanks to our amazing driver George. If you plan to go on safari in Rwanda with Standard Safaris, ask him as your driver guide. He will share all his knowledge and experience about animals, nature, people, food etc… He drives very safely and is friendly. Thanks to him we saw a lot of animals ( especially the big 5😃 in Akagera NP) and Know so much more about Rwanda. We were travelling with our 2 children (7 and 11 years old), and they were delighted. We feel very lucky and we are grateful for this wonderful safari in East Africa.

Susana Lara Valenciano

We booked a 9-Days safari in Uganda with Standard Safaris, all-inclusive with a driver guide, all tour activities, permits and lodges. Honestly, we were very happy to have George as our guide. He drove us safely around the country and explained many things along the way. Thanks to him, we were able to spot many animals in the national parks, and we always stayed on track with our itinerary. The jeep was new and well maintained, however, the seats in the back were quite high with small windows, which made it difficult to look outside. But nevertheless, we still had a 10/10 safari experience in Uganda. We look forward to returning for another safari next year and telling our friends about Standard Safaris.

Pablo Sanchez Rubio

My wife and I had a gorilla safari of a lifetime in Uganda late last month. Our driver/guide Denis was incredible. He gave us so much information about Uganda and was so knowledgeable about the wildlife, cultures, people, politics, the geography, etc. By the end of the week we considered him a friend and we will recommend him and Standard Safaris to anyone looking to go to East Africa. Thank you so much guys!

Salome Ochando

If there were 10 stars I would give them. From my first "Hello" with Coleb to our last set of selfies on the equator with Denis, this tour company out-did themselves!! Absolutely professional and helpful from beginning to end. We're already booking another trip for next year! They had organised everything- gorilla permits, chimpanzee permits, all national park entrance fees, lodgings, every meal included. It was so easy I didn't even know where we were going until we were there! Pure relaxation. We had a few extra free days at the end so Coleb suggested adding on Mabamba Wetland and this was a wonderful experience with the shoebill and all these beautiful birds. Denis is the best tour guide I've ever met. 100% knowledgeable and professional and accommodating and..a new friend😊.. Thank you Standard Safaris!!