Bisate Wilderness Lodge

The six guest villas, with their sophisticated architecture and authentic interior design, reflect Rwandan building traditions and culture. The spherical, thatched structure is reminiscent of the many hills in the Rwandan landscape.

Each 91-square-meter villa consists of a bedroom (double or twin), reception room, and bathroom. A fireplace provides cozy warmth, and your private deck offers breathtaking views of Mount Bisoke. 

Description of the villa

– En-suite facilities with indoor shower, bathtub, and double sink, separate toilet, fireplace, armchair, luggage rack, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe, and minibar.

– Free wireless Internet connection only in the villa.

– Two-way emergency radios have been installed in the villas at Bisate Lodge, which guests may only use to contact the lodge manager in an emergency. These radios operate on a closed circuit and communication between the villas is not possible.

– Bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, toiletries including cotton swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, laundry detergent (for small children), umbrella, and room spray are provided in each villa.

Bedroom at Bisate Wilderness Lodge in Rwanda

The main area of the lodge comprises a lounge, dining and bar area, wine cellar, and viewing deck. Both the architecture and the interiors are rooted in Rwandan cultural tradition—an ambiance in which you will feel right at home.

The highlight: gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Early in the morning, you will be taken to the entrance of Vulcanoes National Park. After a briefing by the rangers, you will be divided into groups according to your fitness level. No group will have more than 7 people, with your ranger guide at the front and a second ranger with a rifle (for safety reasons only) at the end of each trekking group. 

The trail leads you through the dense rainforest, always on the trail of these impressive primates. Good physical condition and sure-footedness are necessary, as your ranger guide will have to clear the path for you with a machete in some places: through thick trees, over huge roots, across damp and slippery ground, up and down mountains. It can take 4 to 6 hours before you encounter "your" gorilla family. 

Once you have encountered them, the clock starts ticking. You now have exactly one hour to study the family and take photos. The ranger guide will explain the dos and don'ts of the encounter: remain calm, keep a distance of at least five meters, and avoid direct eye contact with the head of the family.

> Read more about gorilla trekking here.

Then you begin your return journey. 

This experience will stay with you for a long time to come. Enjoy the evening at your Bisate Wilderness Lodge with a leisurely dinner accompanied by fine wine and sweeping views of the Virunga massif.

Please note

• The gorilla permits in Rwanda cost US$1,500 and are issued immediately after you book your trip. They cannot be returned if you cancel your trip, even if you are unable to participate in the trek due to a sudden bout of flu while you are there.
• Your trip will be conducted in English with different guides.
• Animal sightings: Please understand that we cannot guarantee that animals will actually be sighted. The animals live 100% in the wild and move freely. If animals are not sighted, which is very unlikely, a refund of the tour price is not possible (not even partially). Of course, we will do everything we can to make animal sightings possible on site.
• Requirements: Good physical condition and sure-footedness are necessary for gorilla trekking. Participants are also expected to have a high degree of team spirit and be willing to forego comfort. To visit Vulcanoes National Park, all participants must be in good health and not suffer from infectious diseases (cough, cold, flu) that can be easily transmitted to the gorillas.
• Minimum age: The minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years.
• Mobility information: This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

On the trail of other primates in Vulcanoes National Park

On another trekking tour through another part of Vulcanoes National Park, you can discover many more endangered species: another highlight are the rare golden monkeys that can be spotted. In addition, there are striped jackals, servals (lynxes), black-fronted duikers, buffalos, elephants, tree hyraxes, bushbucks, and Egyptian mongooses. At least 13 of the 178 bird species native to this region are endemic.

Golden Monkey Trekking

Observe these beautifully colored primates, which are endemic to the area and live in groups of up to 30 animals in the park's bamboo forest.

Visit to Dian Fossey's grave

Today, you can visit the grave of Dian Fossey. The American scientist devoted her entire life to mountain gorillas. She lived with the "gentle giants," as she christened the majestic primates, in the rainforest, gave their offspring names, raised them, and drew public attention to the endangered species in order to generate funds for her research. She was not comfortable for everyone, and so on December 26, 1985, at her request, she was buried next to her "babies" in the gorilla cemetery next to her Karisoke Research Center. One thing is certain: without her, there would be no mountain gorillas today. 

Meet the community

Guided tour of the nearby community and the members of the cooperative, including the farmers who grow their vegetables and sell them to Bisate.

Guided hikes in the Volcano National Park

A full-day guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711 m) can be strenuous, but it is well worth the effort as it offers sweeping views of the rainforest and crater lake.

Visit to a tree nursery and tree planting

Jean-Moise, Bisate's agronomist, shows you his tree nursery and helps you plant a seedling as part of the reforestation project.