A Visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Gorilla Campus in Musanze

Tucked away at the foothills of Rwanda’s mist-covered Volcanoes National Park lies one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation landmarks — the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. A visit to this stunning campus in Musanze is a journey into the heart of mountain gorilla conservation, a rare opportunity to witness how science, community, and compassion come together to protect one of the world’s most endangered species.

Arrival in the Land of a Thousand Hills

The journey to Musanze, Rwanda’s lush northern district, is an experience of its own. Winding roads cut through emerald hills and terraced farmlands, offering sweeping views of the Virunga Volcanoes — Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabyinyo, Muhabura, and Gahinga — standing majestically against the horizon. As you approach Musanze town, the air grows cooler, and the volcanic soil gives the landscape an almost surreal vibrancy.

Just a few kilometers from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park stands the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, its architecture blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The complex feels more like part of the landscape than an intrusion upon it, framed by gardens of native plants and the distant silhouette of Mount Bisoke.

The Story Behind the Campus

The campus was born from a vision to continue Dr. Dian Fossey’s legacy — the legendary primatologist who devoted her life to studying and protecting mountain gorillas. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund had long operated in Rwanda, but this modern facility, funded by The Ellen Fund, gave their mission a new, global stage. The idea came as a surprise gift from Ellen DeGeneres’s wife, Portia de Rossi, in 2018, recognizing Ellen’s deep love for wildlife and her admiration for Fossey’s work.

Construction began soon after, culminating in a world-class conservation center that officially opened in 2022. Today, the campus serves as a hub for research, education, and public engagement, drawing visitors, scientists, and students from across the world to learn about gorillas and the ecosystems that sustain them.

The Visitor Experience

Visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus is both educational and deeply moving. The entrance leads you through peaceful walkways shaded by indigenous trees and surrounded by birdsong. Inside the main Conservation Gallery, you’re greeted with immersive exhibits that tell the story of Dian Fossey’s early days in the Virungas, her groundbreaking discoveries about gorilla behavior, and the tireless efforts that continue to safeguard these gentle giants.

Interactive displays and multimedia installations allow you to experience the gorilla world up close. You can listen to real gorilla vocalizations, explore life-size models that demonstrate family dynamics, and even trace the journey of a gorilla from infancy to adulthood through vivid photography and storytelling.

As you move through the galleries, you also learn about the science behind conservation — how field researchers track gorilla movements, collect DNA samples, and study social behavior. The facility includes a working Research Center, where Rwandan and international scientists collaborate to monitor gorilla populations and their habitats.

Outside, beautifully landscaped gardens mirror the biodiversity of Volcanoes National Park, showcasing native flora that attracts butterflies and birds. The campus’s sustainable design — powered by solar energy and built from locally sourced materials — reflects its environmental mission, demonstrating how modern architecture can coexist with nature.

Education and Community Connection

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is not just a research space; it’s a living classroom for Rwandans. Local schools frequently visit for guided educational tours, inspiring the next generation to value wildlife conservation. The Education Center offers training for young conservationists, workshops for teachers, and seminars that connect rural communities with environmental stewardship.

Community involvement lies at the heart of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund’s philosophy. The campus supports nearby villages with programs in reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and livelihood development. By improving local well-being, it helps create harmony between people and gorillas — ensuring that conservation benefits everyone.

A Tribute to Dian Fossey

One of the most poignant parts of the visit is the tribute area dedicated to Dian Fossey herself. Her words, etched on stone walls, echo through the quiet gardens: “When you realize the value of all life, you dwell less on what is past and concentrate more on the preservation of the future.” This space invites reflection — a reminder that her courage and compassion continue to guide conservation work decades after her passing.

Walking through the campus, it’s easy to feel her presence — in the photos, in the stories of local guides who admire her, and in the thriving gorilla populations that now number over one thousand individuals thanks to her enduring influence.

Planning Your Visit

The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is located about 2.5 hours from Kigali by road, making it a perfect addition to any Rwanda safari itinerary. Many travelers visit the campus either before or after their gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. The center is open to the public, and guided tours are available, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits and learn directly from the staff of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Nearby accommodations in Musanze range from luxury eco-lodges like Bisate Lodge and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest to comfortable midrange and budget options. Visiting the campus complements the emotional power of gorilla trekking, offering a deeper understanding of the science, effort, and dedication behind every trekker’s one-hour encounter.

A Place of Inspiration

Leaving the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, most visitors carry with them a renewed sense of hope. It is more than just a museum or research facility — it is a symbol of collaboration, resilience, and faith in the possibility of coexistence between humans and nature. It bridges generations, linking Dian Fossey’s solitary fieldwork in the 1960s to the global conservation movement of today.

In the quiet breeze of Musanze, surrounded by rolling hills and the distant call of birds, you realize that this place is not only about gorillas — it’s about humanity’s capacity to protect what truly matters. The Ellen DeGeneres Campus is a testament that kindness, when turned into action, can save entire species.