In Kinigi, near the headquarters of Volcanoes National Park, stands the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
The original idea began back on September 24, 1967, and in 2022, the site was updated with modern buildings. The new campus includes a library, indoor and outdoor classrooms, and interactive exhibits. It was created to support the conservation of mountain gorillas in Africa.
The project honors Dian Fossey, a passionate wildlife scientist. Although she was not the first to study gorillas, she was the first to introduce the idea of habituating them for research and tourism.
This made future gorilla trekking safaris possible and gave many tourists a chance to experience gorillas closely, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Fossey spent most of her time in a cabin between the Karisimbi and Bisoke volcanoes. She worked hard to protect gorillas by fighting poaching. It is said that she personally patrolled the forest to make sure the animals were safe.
Sadly, her strong efforts caused conflict with some people, and she was killed in 1985. Her death touched many hearts around the world, and a movie based on her book Gorillas in the Mist was made to honor her courage. She is still remembered as a hero today.
Through the Ellen Fund, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus was built to carry on Fossey’s work. The campus helps local people learn about protecting the environment and supports gorilla conservation in both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is an educational center open to visitors from around the world, including students, scientists, and conservation workers.
Visitors can take part in many activities such as tree planting, visiting the live theater named after Leonardo DiCaprio, exploring the computer lab, or walking through the living lab that grows over 250,000 native trees. These trees fit naturally into the environment and offer a peaceful setting.
The campus has become one of Rwanda’s best eco-tourism attractions. When you visit, be sure to follow the country’s rules and guidelines.
Honor Dian Fossey’s legacy by visiting Volcanoes National Park during your Rwanda safari.
