Wilderness Bisate Reserve

OVERVIEW:

Wilderness Bisate Reserve is the sister camp to the already iconic Wilderness Bisate. Tucked into the forest just outside Volcanoes National Park, this exceptional property offers an entirely private, exclusive base for your gorilla-trekking expedition. The suites are spacious and skillfully designed, featuring dedicated staff and facilities that allow you to remain completely self-contained. While the reserve is intended as a fully private villa experience – complete with in-suite dining and a hideaway screen for private talks – the lodge’s main areas are an inviting space to connect with other guests if you choose, with delightful dining locations at various spectacular viewpoints! Complete your energetic gorilla-trekking expeditions with a visit to the wellness sanctuary for some well-earned rejuvenation.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Wilderness Bisate Reserve is located just outside the southern border of Volcanoes National Park and has a prime position, just a 20-minute drive from park headquarters, giving it perfect trekking access. The setting is truly dramatic, with views out towards Mount Bisoke and the range of volcanoes that surrounds you. The amazing villas are on a hillside, nestled between ancient eroded and extinct volcano cones. Bisate means ‘pieces’, which refers to the erosion of the volcanic cone on which the lodge is built. The camp is usually accessed by helicopter, with Bisate helipad just a 5-minute transfer to the lodge, or Musanze helipad around a 30 minutes’ drive away. It’s also possible to drive from Kigali, and this takes about 2 to 3 hours.

AMENITIES & FACILITIES AT WILDERNESS BISATE RESERVE:

The villas are truly state of the art, beautifully designed in thatch, stone, and glass, and inspired by the King’s Palace at Butare to represent the traditions of Rwandan royalty and heritage. Modern, incredibly spacious at 212 square metres apiece, and with guests’ comfort and privacy in mind, these are certainly the finest lodgings in the region. It’s a fantastic living space, with large double or twin beds, comfortable seating areas, a day-bed, a writing station, a large fireplace (at the property’s altitude this can be delightful!), a mini-bar, and a tea-and-coffee station, as well as a dining room for taking meals in your villa. Each en-suite bathroom is sublime, with twin washbasins, a flush toilet, a large shower, bathrobes and luxury toiletries, and an outdoor hot tub that is a first in the area – an incredible way to relax after a trek! Outside, you have a private veranda with sweeping views over the park, a great place for morning coffee or relaxing after a morning trek. Interestingly, the thatch on the villas is synthetic (though you wouldn’t know by looking) and made from recycled plastic, which increases insulation during the colder months and is more durable than traditional grass! Other extras include a tablet loaded with useful information – details of the gorilla families, local community projects, Rwandan history, and local wildlife and birding species. They really have thought of everything!

The hilltop communal lounge and restaurant is a spectacular space where forward-thinking design meets contemporary art, local crafts, and unrivalled views of the Virunga mountains. In the evenings, crackling fireplaces are fuelled by invasive eucalyptus wood, harvested as part of the area’s reforestation efforts. The lodge bar is a design feature in itself, including a bespoke chandelier made out of recycled glass. There’s also a unique climate-controlled wine tower, where guests may select fine vintages or premium cigars. The cuisine follows an ‘earth-to-plate’ philosophy, celebrating African-inspired flavours and the finest locally sourced ingredients. In preparation for the day’s adventures, a dedicated mud room stocks professional-grade gaiters, gloves, and rain gear for gorilla trekking. For guests wishing to unwind completely, The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate further embraces Bisate’s holistic philosophy and the call to disconnect. This extraordinary wellness space is dedicated to the art of relaxation, with a heated saltwater indoor lap pool, a steam room, a rejuvenating ice bath, meditation pods, a fully equipped gym and yoga area, and private rooms for signature massage and beauty treatments.

ACTIVITIES AT WILDERNESS BISATE RESERVE:

From gorilla treks to immersive spa days, here are the activities available at Wilderness Bisate Reserve. All gorilla and golden monkey treks will be enjoyed in the presence of highly experienced park rangers, who know the gorilla families intimately.

• Gorilla trekking

  - The main activity here is trekking to see the mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park, which is home to ten habituated groups of mountain gorillas. Be ready for a potentially 1-8 kilometre trek, depending on exactly where the gorillas are on any particular morning. There may be mud underfoot and steep climbs, but Bisate can provide all the necessary gear (waterproofs, backpacks, gaiters, walking sticks), including boots, and these can be rented from the lodge. Coming face to face with a gorilla group makes the climb worthwhile! They will dazzle you with their behaviour, whether grooming, eating, or play-fighting, and you can see the intelligence in their eyes. Gorilla permits are not included in the accommodation rates. It’s good to chat to one of our consultants who has seen the gorillas, as they will have top tips on what to bring and what to expect.

• Golden monkeys

  - This is also a real highlight, similar in form to the gorilla trek, and the golden monkeys are always fun to observe! Your first morning of acclimatisation is usually spent trekking to see the golden monkeys – and if you are feeling sprightly, you can hike all the way up Mount Bisoke volcano, where the views from the top are truly breathtaking.

• Conservation, guided walks, birding, cultural trips and Dian Fossey’s grave

  - You can decide how far you’d like to travel. For example, you could enjoy an easy walk on the lower slopes – a simple stroll around Bisate Reserve’s gardens, planting a tree in their nursery where over 20,000 trees have been planted in their reforestation project! There’s also a good array of birding and guided nature walks. Simply discuss with your guide what you’d like to do, and they will give great advice on what not to miss! The twin lakes of Ruhondo and Burera, the Musanze caves with their amazing lava tunnels, and a cultural trip to meet the locals of Iby’wacu village are some of our favourites. Another pilgrimage you can make is to visit the grave of Dian Fossey, at high altitude and next to the remains of her old research centre, alongside some of her favourite gorillas.

• Volcanoes hikes

  - Bisate Reserve also offers opportunities for visitors to ascend the park’s steep volcanoes. For instance, you could head up the Bisoke volcano. The views from the top, which include a crater lake, are breathtaking!

• Wellness sanctuary

  - The Sanctuary at Wilderness Bisate is a stunning space where guests can disconnect and enjoy a range of restorative treatments and wellness activities. A grounding retreat surrounded by nature, this is the perfect place for a restorative spa treatment, a yoga class, a gym session, or laps in the indoor saltwater pool. There’s also a steam room and a revitalising ice bath.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns.