A personal account of an unforgettable encounter with a juvenile gorilla in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park highlights the profound impact of the experience, made possible by a stay at the brand-new Wilderness Bisate Reserve. The author describes receiving an unexpected 'punch' from the gorilla, an event that became the most memorable moment of their life, thanks to the immersive and luxurious offerings of the reserve.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve, the latest venture from conservation and hospitality company Wilderness, officially opened its doors in September on the same property as its acclaimed Bisate Lodge. According to Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, the reserve's development aimed to extend and enhance the positive impact of the existing lodge, focusing on further reforestation, natural habitat restoration, employment, and community upliftment. The design, executed by Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, prioritized the 'luxury of space,' offering larger rooms for in-room dining and spa treatments to maximize guest comfort, especially after gorilla trekking.

Upon arrival, guests are met with exceptional hospitality, from friendly security to hotel managers and porters, ensuring a seamless experience. The main lodge itself is a near-perfect replica of a royal Rwandan residence, featuring a towering thatched roof, a central crackling fireplace, an emerald-green bar, and a gleaming green glass chandelier that mirrors the volcanic landscape outside.

The four en-suite villas at Bisate Reserve are designed to impress. Each villa welcomes guests into a massive mudroom, essential after a muddy gorilla hike, where staff assist with gear cleaning. Beyond, the main lounge area boasts a full kitchen, a plush seating area with a fireplace, and a stocked bar. The bedroom area includes a second roaring fireplace, a soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a spacious closet. The ultimate luxury is found on the back terrace: a woodburning hot tub offering breathtaking views of the verdant hillside. Kayihura emphasizes that the design is a tribute to Rwandan culture, providing guests with a truly unique experience.

The gorilla trekking experience, meticulously arranged by the Wilderness team, covers everything from securing permits and providing packing lists to guiding guests through the forest and greeting them with post-hike cocktails. The author describes trekking with guide John, who expertly navigated the thick forest. During the 60-minute encounter, guests are required to mask up due to shared DNA with gorillas, ensuring their health. The experience is described as serene, with observations of a mother nursing, a juvenile rough-housing with its silverback father, and the gorillas feeding on plants.

Beyond the adventure, the reserve is deeply committed to conservation and changing perceptions of Rwanda post-genocide. Guide John expressed hope that guests would share the impactful experience to promote Rwanda's positive image. Kayihura echoed this, wishing guests to feel they've made meaningful connections and contributed to the reserve's conservation purpose. A significant part of this commitment is the ambitious reforestation project, spanning 103 acres of former agricultural land, where over 100,000 indigenous trees have been replanted to encourage wildlife return. Guests are even invited to plant their own tree, fostering a personal connection to the conservation efforts.

The accommodations at Bisate Reserve consist of four en-suite villas, accommodating a maximum of eight guests, significantly larger than those at the original Bisate Lodge, offering over 2,200 square feet of space. These villas feature separate lounge areas, butler stations, and the renowned hot tubs. Villas 1 and 2 can also be interlinked for families or groups.

The food and beverage service, led by Executive Chef Angelus Karangwa, is lauded as top-notch, comparable to five-star resorts globally despite the semi-remote location. The rotating menu features East African and global dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric, complemented by a well-stocked wine cellar and a mocktail menu for sundowner hour.

Activities and experiences are abundant, including gorilla and golden monkey treks arranged through Wilderness Rwanda. On-property options range from guided or self-guided nature walks, birding, and visits to the on-site nursery to plant indigenous trees with agronomists, to touring the vegetable garden with chefs or guides. Off-property, guests can enjoy community walks or visits to the Dian Fossey gravesite and the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

While there is no dedicated on-site spa, in-room treatments are available, offering a relaxing experience like a post-hike foot massage. For families, the reserve can be bought out for eight guests, and interlinked villas accommodate families of four. The minimum age for a stay is 6, while gorilla treks require guests to be 15. Complimentary childcare services are provided for adults on treks.

Accessibility to Bisate Reserve is easier than to Bisate Lodge, with buggy assistance available, though the villas are not wheelchair-friendly, requiring a certain level of mobility. The reserve's core mission intertwines luxury hospitality with a profound commitment to conservation, particularly evident in the restoration of former farmland into a thriving reforested area and through collaborative partnerships and job creation for the local community.

For those planning a visit, lower rates are available in March and April, with a slight increase in May. High-demand seasons run from June to the end of October and from mid-December to the end of February, where rates are highest. Stays begin at $3,200 per person, sharing per night, which is fully inclusive. The overall experience at Bisate Reserve delivers a unique blend of luxury, adventure, and meaningful connection to conservation and culture.