Bisate Lodge

Bisate Lodge is located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone – the word bisate means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, describing how the cone was once whole but worn away by natural erosion. The area has dramatic views of the peaks of the volcanoes Bisoke and Karisimbi rearing up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. Twelve guests will stay in six sumptuous en-suite rooms that maximise comfort, warmth and views while retaining environmental principles and reflecting the culture of surrounding rural Rwanda.

Bisate is within easy driving distance of Park Headquarters, from where gorilla treks depart daily. Its vision of reforestation and rehabilitation means that each guest is invited to participate in our biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as engage and meet the local community – in addition to learning about and making a far-reaching positive impact on an iconic endangered species: the mountain gorilla.

Aside from tracking one of the ten habituated gorilla groups, other attractions include Iby’wacu cultural village, the Twin Lakes of Buhondo and Burera, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, Dian Fossey’s grave, and even seeing the endemic golden monkey. Walks on the extensive property offer birding and participation in the reforestation programme.

Highlights

  • Best location for a holistic gorilla experience in Rwanda
  • Spectacular views of the brooding Bisoke, Karisimbi and Mikeno Volcanoes
  • High standards of accommodation and service create the most exclusive and only sustainable luxury offering in the area

Twin/Double Rooms
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, synthetic thatched structure echoes the thousands of hills that dot the Rwandan landscape, while the richly detailed interior exhibits surfaces and screens made from a variety of woven materials with strong resonance in Rwandan culture.

Each 91 square metre Forest Villa consists of a generous yet intimate combination of bedroom, reception space and bathroom, all warmed by a central fireplace and with breath taking views out across your private deck towards Mount Bisoke. With only six villas, the real generosity in the Rwandan context is the amount of private and exclusive space that surrounds Bisate, cosseting it in a rare natural landscape brimming with Albertine Rift biodiversity and beauty.

This camp can accommodate 12 guests and 4 guide/pilot/tour leaders sharing.

Villa Description
-En-suite facilities with indoor shower, bathtub and double basin vanity, separate toilet, fireplace, easy chairs, luggage rack, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe and mini-bar.
-Complimentary wireless internet connection in villa only.
-Two-way emergency radios have been fitted in the villas at Bisate Lodge and may be used by guests to contact camp management in the event of an emergency only. Said radios are on a closed circuit and inter-villa communication is not available.
-Bathrobes, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissue dispenser, washing powder (for smalls), umbrella and room spray are supplied in each villa.

Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla trekking takes place from Volcanoes National Park headquarters where guests are allocated one of the twelve habituated gorilla groups to visit for an hour. After a briefing by Park rangers, the time of the trek varies depending which gorilla group is being visited – from 45 minutes to a few hours. Trekking is at a high altitude, but is well worth it; the time spent with gorillas has been described as “life changing!”

Golden Monkey Trekking
The golden monkey trek begins at Volcanoes National Park headquarters. This beautifully-coloured primate is endemic to the area and lives in groups of up to 30 individuals in the bamboo forest, its preferred source of food.

Guided Hikes in Volcanoes National Park
At 3 711 metres Mount Bisoke volcano is located on the border of the DRC and Rwanda. The guided hike to the summit is strenuous and requires a full day to complete. However, once at the top it is extremely beautiful and really worth the effort as you are rewarded with sweeping views of the rainforest and the amazing crater lake.

Dian Fossey’s grave and Research Centre
Dian Fossey established the Karisoke Research Centre in 1967 in the saddle of Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of some 3 000 metres. The trail leading to her remote rainforest camp and grave – which is set alongside the graves of her beloved gorillas – and the remains of the research centre is a spectacular, if challenging hike up steep slopes where orchids, birdlife and even occasional black-fronted duiker and bushbuck can be seen.

Guided Community Walk
Guests can walk to the vegetable garden where members of the local cooperative cultivate and sell vegetables to the lodge. Your guide will continue with you along the path to the Bisate community where you will meet Beatrice who will tell you a bit about her way of life and introduce you to her family.

Nursery visit and tree planting
Spend an afternoon with the team at Bisate’s reforestation nursery where you can meet Jean-Moise, the lodge’s agronomist. He and his assistants are on hand to help you plant a sapling to contribute to Bisate’s reforestation efforts in the area.

Rwandan coffee and tea tastings; wine tasting
Rwanda is well known for its coffee and tea; at Bisate we offer you the chance to learn a little more about both in a tasting session with our resident barista. Or if you are more interested in spending time in the wine cellar, you are welcome to enjoy a wine tasting as well.

Nature and Birding Walks
Explore Bisate’s surrounds on a guided nature and bird walk in the forest to learn more about the bird- and wildlife of the area. You may also enjoy a guided walk to the local pyrethrum fields and end the day at sunset with spectacular views of Karisimbi, Bisoke and Mikeno volcanoes from the viewing deck at Bisate Lodge. There is a self-guided trail on the property for those who wish to explore on their own.
 

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Special: 

Gorilla Trekking in Paradise
No Single Supplement for Solos
* Valid during low/shoulder seasons only

Happy Honeymoon
50% off lodging for your spouse