Highlights

• The ultimate destination for mountain gorilla encounters.
• Award-winning, sustainable lodge with breath-taking views of six volcanoes, adjacent to Volcanoes National Park.
• The first of its kind in Rwanda, Bisate Kwanda (day lounge) accommodates earlier arrivals and later departures in comfort and style.

Destination: Wilderness Bisate’s six Forest Villas, tucked into a swathe of rehabilitated Virunga Massif cloudforest, are exceptional, inside and out. Perched dramatically on the edge of an eroded volcanic crater at Volcanoes National Park in north-western Rwanda, the lodge has breath-taking views of the brooding Bisate and Karisimbi volcanic peaks, and is within easy driving distance of the park’s headquarters, where daily gorilla treks begin. 

Experience: While spending an hour with the mountain gorillas is no doubt the star attraction, there are many other thrilling encounters that await you 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, guests will discover incredible birdlife on our nature trails, and can plant a tree towards Bisate’s 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 Bisate 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 Virunga 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: Since opening in 2017, Wilderness Bisate has been awarded numerous accolades for its visionary sustainability impact, and continues to inspire superlatives. Both the architecture of the lodge, and the interiors of the six opulent en-suite Forest Villas elegantly embody the traditions of Rwandan royalty. Edifying cultural interactions, sophisticated, health-conscious dining, and exuberant hospitality all make your stay superior. 

The thoughtful architecture is inspired by Rwandan building traditions and beautifully embodies the design of the Rwandan royal palace. The mindful use of local materials further weaves in a truly authentic ambiance.

It’s interesting to note that the spherical, synthetic thatched structures echo the Land of a Thousands Hills, which the Rwandan landscape is renowned for.