Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda
Wilderness Bisate Reserve
Trek with rare mountain gorillas and marvel at dormant volcanoes
Seated on a scenic slope blanketed in dense forest, Wilderness Bisate Reserve, sister property to Wilderness Bisate Lodge, is a sustainable sanctuary on the doorstep of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, which is reigned by endangered mountain gorillas.
With its base near the national park’s headquarters, you’ll be able to observe gorillas and golden monkeys in their natural habitat alongside expert park rangers and hike lush nature trails listening to various birdsong, like the whistles of endemic strange weavers and the jangling melodies of the Archer’s robin-chat. As part of Wilderness’ conservation efforts, as a guest, you are also invited to participate in reforestation programmes, like tree planting and visits to neighbouring communities.
Since Wilderness Bisate Reserve consists of only four villas, you can luxuriate in exceptional exclusivity. Their architecture, emerging from dark-green foliage, takes its cues from the original Bisate property, in which cocoon-shaped villas awash in fibre thatch, basket-weave, timber and volcanic stone salute royal Rwandan traditions. Meanwhile, vivid hues and prints, including original artwork by Rwandan artists, reflect the magnetic spirit of the local community.
While you’ll discover an interior of superior craftsmanship, step out onto the private deck to be astounded by glorious vistas spanning across six of Virunga Mountain’s dormant volcanoes, best revelled in from the wood-fired hot tub. Given their intimate dining nook, savour meals in the total privacy of your suite. You can also choose a cosy spot warmed by a flaming fireplace or a panoramic corner in sight of the imposing volcanoes ahead. You can take charge of your culinary journey here, which involves picking fresh produce from the reserve’s garden.
Highlights
Marvel at the Virunga volcanoes from this elevated hillside reserve
Track gorillas and golden monkeys in the nearby Volcanoes National Park
Join curated activities like tree planting and community visits
Stay in uniquely designed, cocoon-like villas
End evenings with a relaxing soak in your private hot tub
Pick your own ingredients for exquisite, chef-prepared meals
Choose to dine in various locations, including fireside or in your private suite
Trip inspiration
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Places to combine Wilderness Bisate Reserve with
Akagera National Park
In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi Camp overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands.
The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the solitude of your airy tent, relax in the luxurious lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining and bar area. The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching, and evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit.
The region is also home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as crocodiles. You’ll also find the rare sitatunga and other plains game here as well as over 520 different species of bird. After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population today is thriving. Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017.
Volcanoes National Park
The much anticipated Kwitonda Lodge opened in August 2019, and is Singita’s first foray into Rwanda, bringing with it their celebrated philosophy of sustainable luxury.
Located in a prized 178-acre parcel of lush meadows and wetlands right on the edge of Volcanoes National Park with magnificent views of the Sabyinyo, Gahinga and Muhabura volcanoes, there are eight suites and a four-bedroom villa, Kataza House. Architects and interior designers are selecting locally sourced and produced materials while the local community has been engaged in building using traditional techniques. A light footprint is central to the project, embodying the gentleness and humility of the great silverback from which the lodge takes its name. Singita has a long-term approach to conservation, and part of the plan is to plant thousands of trees around the lodge.
As well as treks into the park to spend time with the gorillas, for which the Kwitonda Lodge is ideally located, you will be able explore the montane forests of Nyungwe National Park, see the rare Golden Monkey and visit the local community. Guests will also have the chance to expand the gorillas’ habitat by helping out with the lodge’s tree planting and habitat restoration project. And, with Tanzania’s Serengeti just a short hop across Lake Victoria to the east, Kwitonda Lodge brings the opportunity for a ‘Singita only’ safari experience combining gorillas and the astounding Grumeti Reserve.
