Luxury Lodges · Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Wilderness Bisate Reserve
Overview
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.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Twin/Double Villas
Wilderness Bisate Reserve boasts four generous 212 square metre villas, sleeping just eight guests. With two fireplaces in each villa, outdoor hot tubs on the decks, a separate lounge for in-room dining, and plenty...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Bath, Electrical Outlets, Fireplace, Heated Towel Rails, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Ideal for
Birding, History & Culture, Nature, Wildlife
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Massages, Natural History Tours, Walks (Guided)
Services
Credit Card Facilities
Nearby activities
Cultural Tours, Gorilla Tracking, Historical Tours
Property facilities
Bar
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
We Are Wilderness
Discover Earth’s ultimate, untamed places with Wilderness. Let us take you on an unrivalled journey through a collection of the world’s most iconic wild destinations. Our company exists to make sure the world will always have a version of its iconic wild places that is unfenced, wild, unpredictable. It’s not our reputation as one of the first, or the largest, in the conservation tourism space that makes us Wilderness. It’s our determined push to keep going. To keep protecting, exploring and expanding Earth’s ultimate, untamed places. To then bring guests to discover the beating pulse of each one.
Plains & Peaks: Rwandan Itinerary
Imagine seeing lions, leopards, and mountain gorillas in one seamless journey, across two of the grandest lodges in Rwanda. From rainforest and misty mountains in the west, to wide open savannah and shimmering lake waters in the east, this journey will show you a side of Rwanda you never expected, in the most exclusive camps in our Collection.
Discover Rwanda: The Land Of A Thousand Hills
Discover Rwanda: The Land Of A Thousand HillsExplore an unforgettable Rwanda safari Nothing can prepare you for it. The moment you encounter a mountain gorilla in the wild. As you close in quietly to see a mother cradling her baby, just metres away from you in the legendary mist-shrouded Virunga Mountains, there’s a palpable sense of interconnectedness. From the land, to the wildlife, to the people. Everything is seamlessly woven into every level of the ecosystem. And the ripple effects are seen everywhere
Wilderness Bisate Reserve: Reserved for Connoisseurs of Conservation
Wilderness Bisate Reserve: Reserved for Connoisseurs of ConservationDiscover a place enveloped by the rainforest, where ancient volcanoes rise over every vista, and the profound presence of mountain gorillas is within your reach. Inspired by the palaces of Rwandan nobles, each sublime villa is fit for royalty and imbued with the spirit of the rich local culture. With otherworldly views over Volcanoes National Park, the pace of the everyday becomes a distant memory here, and gives way to the rhythms of the rainforest. Retreat to sanctuary worlds apart and lose yourself in wild Rwanda. Bisate Reserve awaits…
Activities
What you can do
Wilderness Bisate Reserve - The Sanctuary
Wilderness Rwanda is set to elevate the concept of holistic travel with the unveiling of a dedicated wellness centre – The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate. Embraced by the country's volcanic highlands and natural beauty of the forested foothills just outside Volcanoes National Park, Bisate's Sanctuary is a serene haven for gorilla trekkers and wellness seekers alike. The Sanctuary has been designed to offer a grounding space where guests can re-centre and unwind. A heated, salt-water indoor lap pool provides both relaxation and quiet reflection, while a steam room and ice bath introduce the revitalising benefits of contrast therapy. Cocoon-like meditation pods offer moments of solitude and stillness. A fully equipped gym and yoga area allow guests to continue movement practices at their own pace, while dedicated body treatment rooms offer signature massages and beauty treatments, including head massages, hair washing, and blow-drying.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Bisate Kwanda Offering
Bisate Kwanda accommodates early arrivals and later departures, providing more flexibility with transfers in and out of the lodge. Further enhancing our guest experience, the offering at Bisate Kwanda allows guests to shower, change, have a light meal, visit the Wilderness Bisate Boutique stocked with hand-crafted items from Rwandan artisans (purchases at an additional cost), have a massage (treatments at an additional cost), or simply relax in the informal lounge with fireplace, while enjoying the sweeping views overlooking the organic vegetable garden and the reforestation efforts towards Volcanoes National Park.Kwanda is a Kinyarwanda word meaning growth or expansion; a place to gather; a gift – all three of which perfectly sum up the day lounge’s unique offering. Located close to the main lodge, tucked out of sight, Bisate Kwanda has local craftspeople to thank for its uniquely Rwandan flavour. From hand-tooled wooden utensils and food boards to delicate crockery, striking entrance floors and hallways, volcanic rock walls and facings, hand-woven baskets and placemats, and garden pots, everything here has been designed and hand-crafted by Rwandans to create a truly authentic ambience.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Golden Monkey Trekking *
View this beautifully colourful primate, endemic to the area, which lives in groups of between 30 to 80 individuals in the Park’s bamboo forest. * All Volcanoes National Park activities require permits (per person) at additional cost.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Gorilla Trekking *
The legendary Virunga Mountains in the north-east are home to volcanoes, swathes of cloud forest and half the world’s total population of Endangered mountain gorillas. The primates of Rwanda are unparalleled, and Wilderness Bisate Reserve is the perfect base for mountain gorilla trekking. This thrilling excursion takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests are allocated to one of the 12 habituated gorilla families for a one-hour awe-inspiring encounter.To elevate this experience, it is possible to arrange a private gorilla trek, where guests will be given a choice of gorilla family and park guide exclusively theirs for the day. Departure for the trek is direct from Bisate Reserve rather than via park headquarters. * All Volcanoes National Park activities require permits (per person) at additional cost. The private gorilla trek is at a further additional cost.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Guided Walks In Volcanoes National Park *
Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, and an easy drive to the park gate, Wilderness Bisate Reserve is located at a vantage point that feels part of the park, offering breathtaking views.A full-day guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3 711 metres) can be strenuous; however, it is well worth the effort, offering sweeping views of the rainforest and crater lake. Explore the diversity of habitats, and discover the visibly flourishing wildlife.* All Volcanoes National Park activities require permits (per person) at additional cost.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Hike To Dian Fossey’s Grave & Karisoke
A spectacular, challenging hike to Dian Fossey’s burial site and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Centre, set in the saddle of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of some 3 000 metres.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Meet The Community
Guests can join a privately guided visit to the nearby community and members of the co-operative, including meeting the farmers who cultivate and sell their vegetables to Wilderness Bisate and Wilderness Bisate Reserve.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – Nursery Visit & Tree Planting
One of the Wilderness Bisate Reserve agronomists will show you around the tree nursery and help you plant a sapling as part of our visionary reforestation project. Includes a visit to the Bamboo Greenhouse to see our greater indigenous tree nursery efforts.
Wilderness Bisate Reserve – The Ellen DeGeneres Campus Of The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund *
Established in 1967, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund works to protect and study gorillas, and their habitats, as well as to empower people who live near their forest home. With a team of hundreds working in Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest-running and largest organisation dedicated entirely to gorilla conservation.In 2022, the organisation moved to its first permanent, purpose-built home, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Nestled in a beautiful, reforested landscape near Volcanoes National Park it is well worth visiting, with a stop at the campus easy to add during a stay at Wilderness Bisate Reserve, Wilderness Bisate or Wilderness Sabyinyo.https://gorillafund.org/ellencampus/* No additional costs besides the entrance fee, and may be experienced either on arrival or departure, or in the afternoon after gorilla trekking.
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