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, you can 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. Mirroring the serenity of your surroundings, The Sanctuary spa offers a grounding space to unwind after days spent gorilla trekking. Find stillness in the meditation pods or yoga studio, or indulge in massages and spa therapies.
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, to be enjoyed in a range of scenic locations
Unwind with calming treatments and meaningful movement in The Sanctuary spa
Trip inspiration
Plan your trip to Rwanda
Whatever you want from your adventure in Rwanda, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
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 peace and solitude of your luxury safari tent, relax in the spacious lounge and social areas that connect you to the wild nature beyond.
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, or relaxing in the dedicated bar area.
Wildlife experiences at Wilderness Magashi camp are exceptional. The region is home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as large numbers of crocodiles. You’ll find the rare sitatunga antelope and other plains game roaming across the plains. There are also over 520 different species of birds, many of which you can spot from camp.
After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population is thriving. You can also hope to spot rare black rhinos who were reintroduced to the park 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.
