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.
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.
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.
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 thatch, basket weave and timber interspersed with stone. Here just four sublime en-suite villas are each a testament to the grace and elegance that defines
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.
Twin/Double Villas
(4 ROOMS)
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 of space for dressing, relaxing and even a private massage, they represent the pinnacle of luxury.
Villas 1, 2 and 3 are easily accessible and just one level down from the main area, while Villa 4 is positioned further away, and is ideal for honeymooners, or guests who want exceptional privacy. Villas 1 and 2 can also be interlinked via a corridor for families traveling together.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For more information on Bisate Reserve, click HERE