Magical Wilderness Safaris at Rwanda's Bisate Lodge

Wilderness Safaris is proud to announce the opening of Bisate Lodge, situated next to the
renowned Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Comprising just six spacious forest villas, Bisate offers a luxurious base from which to enjoy an extraordinary gorilla conservation experience and life-changing journey to this beautiful region.

Bisate Lodge, living with nature

Situated within the amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, the 42-hectare Bisate site is incomparable in terms of its natural splendour, with sweeping views towards the Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes. It is close enough to Kinigi (the Volcanoes National Park Headquarters) to be convenient for guests’ morning gorilla treks, but far enough away so as to feel remote and even – as a result of the pioneering onsite indigenous reforestation project – part of the spectacular Park.

Bisate Lodge view over Bisoke Volcano

Each spacious forest villa comprises a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception area and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breathtaking views out across a private deck towards Mount Bisoke.

Bisate Lodge, Lunch is served on the balcony

Bisate’s sophisticated architectural and interior design is rooted in Rwandan building tradition as exemplified in the design of the Royal Palace of the traditional monarch. This spherical, thatched structure echoes the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape, while the richly-detailed interiors exhibit surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture.

Bisate Lodge, Wilderness Safari, Rwanda

Various interior design elements are drawn from aspects of the Rwandan lifestyle, particularly the colourful textiles and use of texture, such as the emerald-green colour in the textiles and chandeliers that is reminiscent of the verdant greens of the rainforests, as well as the vibrant markets that dot the villages throughout the country. Many of the furnishings are decorated using “imigongo”, an art form unique to Rwanda.

Bisate Lodge, bedroom with traditional Emerald design elements

As a Wilderness Safaris Premier camp, the overall design concept for Bisate is based on the principle that ‘purpose is the new luxury’, with the vision being to create a world-class venture that will make a dramatic and far-reaching positive impact on more than ‘just’ the mountain gorilla. The whole Bisate experience is based around Wilderness Safaris 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation. Its pioneering reforestation project, which has already seen nearly 15 000 indigenous trees planted to date, community engagement, cultural appropriateness and exposure, eco-friendly operational systems and more will take guests beyond the ‘gorilla express’ and enrich their experience in this inspiring country.

Bisate Lodge, Rwanda's indigenous trees

As Bisate Lodge is situated some 2 650m (8 700ft) above sea level, the fresh, healthy mountain air can give guests the feeling that they are at a spa or health centre from the moment they arrive. Since a typical day at Bisate is likely to be quite active – with a range of adventures on offer, such as gorilla or golden monkey trekking, nature or community walks and climbing Mount Bisoke Volcano – guests will be able to return to their luxurious forest villa for some much-needed rejuvenation and relaxation.

Bisate Lodge, Blissful bath soaks after a day of adventures

Overall, an incredibly real and life changing experience to live and breathe nature the way it is celebrated at Bisate. Wilderness Safaris sets a great example of how international hospitality can change local communities for the better - without forced integration, but by bringing culture to life.

Bisate by numbers infographic Feb 2018

Learn more about Bisate Lodge under www.wilderness-safaris.com 

©Wilderness Safari / Bisate Lodge