Located at the edge of Volcanoes National Park, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is a must-visit destination for travelers interested in conservation, wildlife research, and Rwanda’s mountain gorillas. This state of the art facility honors the legacy of Dian Fossey, one of the most influential primatologists in history, while serving as a hub for education, science, and community outreach.
A World Class Center for Conservation and Learning
Opened in 2022, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus was created through a collaboration between the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and generous support from Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. The campus is designed to be a beacon of sustainability, research, and public engagement. It provides a powerful platform to educate visitors and locals alike about gorilla conservation, climate change, biodiversity, and ecological protection.
Key features include:
- Interactive exhibits on mountain gorilla behavior, ecosystems, and conservation history
- Research labs used by leading scientists studying gorilla health and forest biodiversity
- A public conservation gallery with immersive displays and educational storytelling
- Sustainable architecture powered by solar energy and eco-friendly water systems
- Outdoor classrooms and native plant gardens that reflect Rwanda’s rich biodiversity
Learn About Dian Fossey’s Legacy
The campus celebrates the extraordinary life of Dian Fossey, who dedicated her life to protecting mountain gorillas and founded the original Karisoke Research Center in 1967. Through multimedia displays, rare photos, and video footage, visitors can follow Fossey’s journey from her groundbreaking fieldwork to her powerful impact on global conservation.
A Perfect Add On to Gorilla Trekking Tours
For those visiting Rwanda for gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park, a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is the ideal complement. Located just minutes from the park headquarters in Kinigi, the campus is easily accessible before or after your gorilla trek. It adds deeper meaning to the experience, helping you understand the science and history behind the gorilla families you encounter in the wild.
Supporting Conservation and Local Communities
Proceeds from ticket sales and donations go directly to supporting the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s ongoing efforts, including:
- Daily monitoring of more than 50 gorilla families
- Habitat protection and anti-poaching patrols
- Education programs for Rwandan students
- Community development projects around Volcanoes National Park
By visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, you are contributing to the long-term survival of Rwanda’s mountain gorillas and empowering the communities that live alongside them. Book a gorilla trekking tour with us and we take you through what science and researches have said about the gorillas.