Things to do in Rwanda

Trek the Dian Fossey Trail

Learn about the famous primatologist Dian Fossey, who studied Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, on this hike to her research base …

By Natasha and Nico

Managers of Wilderness Sabyinyo

Follow in the footsteps of famous primatologist Dian Fossey on this trek to her former research base in the Volcanoes National Park. The hike is run by the Rwandan Development Board (RDB) and begins at 7am from their headquarters in Kinigi, where you will meet your local guide. During the three-to-four-hour return hike, they will tell you about the surrounding forest, its gorillas and of course Dian, who studied Rwanda’s mountain gorillas here until her tragic death in 1985.

The trail passes through some of the national park’s most beautiful Hagenia-Hypericum forest. Apart from the first 45-minute incline, the hike is not particularly challenging. It’s a beautiful trek and one that is surrounded by ancient trees, lichens, thistles and colourful birdlife. Eventually, you reach the site where Dian set up her research centre, Karisoke, which was named after two surrounding volcanoes, Mount Bisoke and Karisimbi. This is where Dian lived for 18 years and became the world’s leading expert on mountain gorillas.

Abandoned and overgrown, all that really remains now is the graveyard where Dian was laid to rest alongside her beloved gorillas, including her favourite, Digit. A lot of people have read Dian’s book Gorillas in the Mist or seen the 80s film with Sigourney Weaver, so she’s become this iconic character. Even though the site is dilapidated now, it’s amazing to visit the place where she lived and worked, it puts everything into perspective. Dian made such a huge impact on conservation and taking this hike really contextualises your visit to Rwanda.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Majestic Rwanda
by Vicki Bramley

Length8 Days

Price range£5,450 - £5,750pp
Itinerary

Rwanda's Gorillas and Kenya's Maasai Mara
by Paul Doig

Length8 Days

Price range£5,995 - £7,350pp
Itinerary

Ultimate Rwanda
by Vicki Bramley

Length11 Days

Price range£7,495 - £7,950pp

Alfred & Natasha and Nico

Natasha and Nico are the managers of Wilderness Sabyinyo. While Nico has worked all over the world in the hospitality management field, Natasha has a background in art history, journalism, PR and events. Together, they moved to Rwanda and now co-run Sabyinyo, bringing a passion for sustainability and farm-to-table cuisine.

Natasha and Nico, managers of Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Vicki, who's travelled extensively in Rwanda. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the guides who track mountain gorillas day and night to ensure you get the best sightings, the Kigalians who'll give you a real insight into their vibrant city and the coffee-growers who'll tutor you in the art of tasting.

Vicki Bramley

Sales Manager for Alfred&

Vicki was already well travelled when she joined Kuoni, fast forward 18 years and that experience has grown dramatically. Initially inspired by a two-year backpacking trip around Australia and New Zealand, her wanderlust led her to venture further and further afield. More recent adventures in South Africa, Kenya, Zanzibar, and Rwanda have positioned her perfectly as an Africa expert. Trekking the slopes of a volcano to spend time with gorillas in Rwanda is one of her favourite memories.
Alissa Ruxin

Founder and CEO of Heaven Holdings Ltd

San Franciscan Alissa Ruxin moved to Rwanda on her honeymoon in 2005 and never left. Three years later, inspired by her foodie upbringing, she founded Heaven, a restaurant and hospitality training facility which has helped more than 1,500 Rwandans to date. Over the years, the Heaven portfolio has expanded to include hotels, restaurants, tours and experiences, a journey partly documented in husband Josh’s book, A Thousand Hills to Heaven.
Ian Munyankindi

Tourism and Hospitality Manager at Akagera National Park

Rwandan-born Ian Munyankindi has been with African Parks since 2012. Prior to this, he gained his hospitality expertise in some of Rwanda’s best hotels and worked as a freelance guide. He joined the Akagera team as manager of Ruzizi Tented Lodge and has worked his way up to Tourism and Hospitality Manager. Ian’s passion for wildlife ensures that guests depart with a deep appreciation of the beauty of Akagera National Park – which he jokingly refers to as his wife!
Protais Niyigaba

Nyungwe Park Manager and CEO

Born in one of the districts bordering Nyungwe, Protais Niyigaba grew up with a passion for conservation. Since completing his MSc in Biodiversity Conservation from the University of Rwanda, he has undertaken various roles in his field. He joined Nyungwe Management Company in June 2021 as Park Manager, having previously been a guide and nature interpreter there. A keen birder and botanist, he enjoys working and living in his favourite environment and being paid for doing what he loves.
Micheline Habineza

Director of Operations for Question Coffee

As Question Coffee's Director of Operations, Micheline Habineza oversees, manages and grows multiple areas of the social enterprise, including the Academy, Café, Wholesale, Roasting and Quality Control. She joined the company as a Wholesale Account Coordinator in 2016, before taking on the position of Retail Operations Manager. Prior to that, she spent three-and-a-half years with the international in-flight catering company ASL Rwanda EPZE in Kigali as their customer liaison.
Marie Aimee Umugeni

Managing director of Umutima Cooperative at Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Marie Aimee Umugeni is one of the co-founders of the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre in Kigali, which was set up in 2007 to provide support to local women. It offers literacy and computer classes and teaches tailoring, enabling participants to work at the centre producing items for its Umutima Cooperative, of which Marie Aimee is managing director.