Bisate Lodge

Bisate is Rwanda’s first genuinely luxurious and eco-sensitive safari lodge, centred on Africa’s most immersive wild primate experience. Located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcanic cone, with dramatic views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rearing up through Afro-alpine forests. Encountering one of the gorilla groups in the nearby Volcanoes National Park is a unique experience.

The en-suite forest villas maximise comfort and views while adhering to environmentally responsible principles and reflecting the rich culture of rural Rwanda. Each of the 6 91 square metre villa’s has breathtaking views out across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke.

Each villa contains: En-suite facilities with indoor shower, indoor bath, double basin vanity, heated towel railing and separate toilet. Central fireplace, easy chairs, luggage rack, electronic safe, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, “gym in a bag” [includes a yoga mat and weights (1 x 0.5 kg and 1 x 5.0 kg). Balcony with seating area. Complimentary in-villa Wi-Fi.

Exploring around Bisate incudes community visists, birding, golden monkey tracking, and helping reforest the area, Gorilla Guardian Village, the Twin Lakes of Ruhono and Burera, and Dian Fossey’s grave.

Bisate aims to enrich the gorilla viewing experience for its guests by providing depth and knowledge through evening presentations and informal chats with an on-site gorilla expert, researcher or scientist who will share his or her knowledge with guests about these charismatic creatures. Basate is within easy driving distance of the Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily.

Aside from the area’s iconic mountain gorillas, other mammals that call Volcanoes National Park home include the golden monkey, side-striped jackal, serval, black-fronted duiker, buffalo, elephant, tree hyrax, bushbuck and Egyptian mongoose. A variety of squirrel and genet species are also to be found here. Of the 178 bird species in the area, at least 13 are endemic to the Virunga area such as Archer’s robin chat, mountain black boubou, strange weaver, Rwenzori batis, mountain masked apalis and Rwenzori (collared) apalis.

Images by Wilderness safaris, David Crookes, Dana Allen & Caroline Culbert.