The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (Saving Endangered Mountain Gorillas. Helping People)

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (Saving Endangered Mountain Gorillas. Helping People). The longest-running studies of any animal species on Earth are conducted at the Karisoke Research Centre, which was founded in 1967 by Dr. Dian Fossey in the Virunga Mountains of Rwanda. Her reputation endures today because of the several environmentalists who have been motivated by her crucial gorilla work.

“When gorillas are protected, so are their forest habitats, which are critical ecosystems that support our planet and all life on Earth,” is the motto that guides the conservation efforts of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. The Fund’s comprehensive conservation initiatives also directly and favourably affect individuals and communities, enhancing the well-being and standard of living of those who reside close to the gorillas. Four major components form the foundation of this holistic conservation model:

  • Protecting gorillas – Protecting wild mountain gorillas on a daily basis has helped save these animals from extinction.
  • Conducting science – operating the longest-running gorilla research site in the world.
  • Training conservationists – collaborating together with educational establishments in Rwanda and Congo to annually teach hundreds of young scientists.
  • Helping communities – implementing conservation education programs in nearby schools and towns, as well as projects that try to address the fundamental needs of the community, such as access to clean water, food supplies, and medical care.

The Bespoke African Safari Co.’s Partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund


Dominant Silverback

Together with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF), the Bespoke African Safari Co. gives travellers a deeper and more rewarding gorilla trekking safari by giving them a choice of four unique gorilla conservation experiences that also help raise money for the DFGF. These immersive experiences are meant to make any gorilla trekking safari in Rwanda better. They include a private tour of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, which is a cutting-edge research and learning centre, a gorilla trek with a DFGF scholar, and a private gorilla conservation master class.

When travellers take part in these immersive experiences, they are asked to donate to the DFGF. For two of the events, The Bespoke African Safari Co. will match the donations. All the money goes to the DFGF’s local children’s outreach program, which brings Rwandan school kids to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus to learn about protecting gorillas and other animals.

How You Can Make a Difference with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Go on a Positive Impact Safari
Together, the DFGF and the Bespoke African Safari Co. have created four immersive gorilla conservation experiences. These offer a more in-depth and enjoyable gorilla trekking tour while also raising money for the DFGF. All of the money goes to the DFGF’s neighbourhood program that helps kids.

These interactive activities are intended to enhance any of our well-proven Rwanda gorilla trekking safaris: