Highlights
- The grandest destination for mountain gorilla encounters in Volcanoes National Park.
- Home to just four sublime en-suite villas, each with expansive living areas, viewing decks and private hot tubs, promising unrivalled privacy and exclusivity.
- Guests also have access to the Bisate Kwanda Day Lounge, accommodating early arrivals and late departures in style.
Destination: On the edge of Volcanoes National Park, one of the world’s premier places for viewing mountain gorillas, Wilderness Bisate Reserve is situated at a breathtaking altitude, with an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view of the rainforested slopes of six majestic, extinct volcanoes, including Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno. Located within walking distance of iconic Wilderness Bisate, but out of sight, Bisate Reserve not only offers an elevated position that makes guests feel as if they are in the heart of the rainforest, but a sublimely uplifting experience, only for the most discerning connoisseurs of conservation.
Experience: While spending an hour with the mountain gorillas is no doubt the star attraction, there are many other thrilling encounters that await at Volcanoes National Park and surroundings – from golden monkey trekking to climbing Mount Bisoke, hiking to the ruin of Dian Fossey’s research centre, and her burial site, to visiting the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
Closer to home at Wilderness Bisate Reserve, guests will discover incredible birdlife on our nature trails, and can plant a tree towards Wilderness’ visionary reforestation project, or visit the surrounding communities, who form an integral part of our shared purpose – to preserve, empower and expand these iconic wild lands.
Traditional dining is equally inspired. Fresh, locally sourced, health-conscious cuisine is served with exuberant hospitality, completing an unforgettable guest experience.
Purpose: Every moment of your stay at Wilderness Bisate Reserve will remind you of our shared purpose to preserve, expand and protect this iconic wilderness.
From our pioneering reforestation project and local community upliftment programmes to our rehabilitation initiatives, every guest has the opportunity to join in our shared vision.
Wildlife: Volcanoes National Park provides a sanctuary to hundreds of the world’s 1 000 or so Endangered mountain gorillas. It is also home to the golden monkey, side-striped jackal, serval, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, bushbuck and Egyptian mongoose. Genets and squirrels can also be found here.
Bright and beautiful sunbirds like the Rwenzori double-collared can be spotted here, along with over 200 other bird species (13 of which are endemic to the Virungas area). These include the Archer’s robin-chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, mountain masked apalis and Rwenzori (collared) apalis.
Testament to our ongoing conservation and reforestation efforts, many of these species can now be seen on our property.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve: Paying homage to the rich traditions of Rwandan royalty and heritage, this architectural marvel of a lodge seamlessly echoes its surroundings in the interiors, with a warm palette of custom-designed fibre thatch, basket weave and timber interspersed with local volcanic stone. Here just four sublime en-suite villas are each a testament to the grace and elegance that defines Rwandan culture.
For moments of relaxation, various outside and inside seating areas beckon, with three fireplaces for spending time in a cosy, romantic setting. There’s also a climate-controlled wine tower, and a separate mudroom for preparing for gorilla trekking, where gaiters, gloves and rain gear are provided. Additionally, our Bisate Kwanda Day Lounge is a nod to the grandeur of Rwandan heritage.
Matching this superior hospitality and generosity of space are the exuberant staff, humbling cultural interactions and sophisticated cuisine – sourced from our own vegetable garden or from local farmers and artisans.