A Future for Gorillas and Conservation
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Explore the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
The Ellen Campus, which opened in 2022 near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park – home to the majestic mountain gorillas – is the realization of a 20-year dream. This world-class research and education center honors Dian Fossey’s legacy and furthers our mission to save gorillas from extinction.
The campus is open daily to the public, offering state-of-the-art exhibits showcasing nearly 60 years of gorilla conservation, a gift shop featuring locally made crafts, delicious meals and coffee at the Gorilla Café, serene nature trails and the opportunity to connect with our dedicated staff.
Watch a tour of our exhibits at the Ellen DeGeneres campus.
Visit the Ellen Campus
The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is open every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. and registration is required for all guests visiting the campus.
Self-Guided Tour
Explore our nearly six decades of gorilla research and conservation. Highlights include a replica of Dian Fossey’s forest cabin with original artifacts, a 360-degree theater with stunning gorilla footage and a virtual reality experience.
No pre-booking is required, but registration is required. A suggested $20 donation per adult supports our conservation work. Donations can be made online or upon entry.
VIP Experiences
Behind-the-Scenes VIP Tour
Enjoy a full tour of the campus with a Fossey Fund senior staff member as your guide. This option includes a tour of the conservation gallery and a visit behind the scenes, where you will gain a greater understanding of the multifaceted work being done to protect gorillas. These tours can be scheduled for any time of day, with the last booking at 3 p.m.
The tour duration is approximately 2 hours and requires pre-booking. The cost is $800 for up to five people, with $100 per additional person up to a maximum of 10 people. Contact the gallery team for large-group pricing.
Silverback Sundowner
A special evening gathering featuring breathtaking views of the mountains and light refreshments with Fossey Fund staff. Guests are invited to tour the conservation gallery first and then meet up with our gorilla experts on the Virunga Overlook. Here you can share experiences and speak directly with those in the know. A selection of non-alcoholic drinks, wine, specialty cocktails and light snacks are included. Silverback Sundowner experiences take place beginning as early as 4 p.m.and require pre-booking. The cost is $1,000 for up to five people, $100 per additional person for up to a maximum of 30 people.
Note: VIP Experiences are non-refundable but can be rescheduled with 24 hours notice.
Preferred Travel Partnerships
Preferred travel partners of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund receive exclusive benefits, including priority access to the campus as well as marketing and promotional opportunities to the Fossey Fund’s more than 1 million followers on social media and direct supporters.
To become a preferred travel partner of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, an annual donation of $15,000 is required as well as a signed partnership agreement.
For more information on how to become a preferred travel partner, please contact Megan Golder
Our Preferred Travel Partners
Travel With Us
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with the Fossey Fund’s luxury travel experiences to Africa, personally led by our President and CEO/Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Tara Stoinski. These exclusive journeys offer unparalleled opportunities to explore Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, witness mountain gorillas in their natural habitat and gain unique insights into conservation efforts. For more information about upcoming trips, contact us today!
General Travel Information
To find out more about accommodations, gorilla trekking, golden monkey trekking, and a trek to Dian Fossey’s gravesite, visit: https://www.volcanoesnationalparkrwanda.com/
To book a gorilla trek permit, visit: https://visitrwandabookings.rdb.rw/rdbportal/web/rdb/mountain-gorilla-tracking
Please note, the Fossey Fund is unable to book a permit on your behalf. Traveling with a group of six or more? Email us for more information and custom itineraries.
