This research center was founded in 1967 by the Late Dian Fossey after she had come to Africa for her research about primates and mountain gorillas specifically. Karisoke Research Center is located near Volcanoes national park; 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, because of its strategic location between Karisimbi and Bisoke mountains in the Virunga massif.
Dian Fossey was born in San Francisco, USA and her first saving was meant to fund her maiden safari to Africa and establish a research center intending to study the ecology, demography and social organization of these uncommon species of gorillas. During this process, she came to realize that she needed to study individual gorillas on daily basis, which resulted to habituation since Dian 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, introduced gorilla habituation in Africa and started up the Karisoke Research Center to continue with her legacy. It is being used by students and researchers all over the world. Today the research Centre is funded by Dian Fossey Gorilla fund aimed at protecting these endangered species in Volcanoes National Park.
Karisoke Research Center plays a big role in Rwanda and Africa at large, ranging from training the next generation of experts in conservation all over the world. It offers employment to over 100 people hence income generation leading to improved standards of leaving. Also, protection of the environment biodiversity because as they protect gorilla habitats, other species that live in the forest such as birds, other mammals, trees, butterflies and other living organisms are also being protected.
The local communities around this research center have benefited through affordable education, and community programs like safe water projects, construction of health centers, feeder roads among others.
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.
Tourists willing to visit this site normally have to book through the park offices, and it is preferably done after 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.
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.
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.
Best time to visit Karisoke Research Center in Volcanoes national park.
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.
