An unforgettable encounter with a juvenile gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park set the stage for a truly unique travel experience, centered around a stay at the brand-new Wilderness Bisate Reserve. The unexpected 'punch' from a young gorilla, an experience the traveler described as the best moment of their life, highlighted the intimate and raw nature of a gorilla trek in this famed east-central African park, near the Congo border.

Wilderness, a renowned conservation and hospitality company, established the Bisate Reserve in September, located on the same property as its existing Bisate Lodge. According to Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, the development aimed to expand the positive impact of Bisate Lodge, focusing on further reforestation, natural habitat restoration, employment, and community upliftment. The design, spearheaded by Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, prioritized the 'luxury of space,' with larger rooms accommodating in-room dining and spa treatments to enhance guest comfort, especially after strenuous gorilla treks.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an environment where every detail reflects Rwandan culture and luxury. The main lodge, a replica of a royal Rwandan residence, features a towering thatched roof, a central crackling fireplace, and an emerald-green bar adorned with a gleaming green glass chandelier designed to mirror the volcanic landscape. The four en-suite villas redefine palatial comfort. Each villa opens into a spacious mudroom—essential after a muddy gorilla hike—where staff assist with gear cleaning. The main lounge boasts a full kitchen stocked with treats, a plush seating area facing one fireplace, and a stocked bar. The bedroom area includes a second roaring fireplace, a soaking tub, and a rainfall shower, alongside a vast closet space. The highlight is a back terrace featuring a woodburning hot tub with breathtaking views of the verdant hillside.

The Wilderness team meticulously orchestrates every aspect of the gorilla trek, from securing permits and providing precise packing lists to guiding guests with experienced trackers like John. During the trek, visitors mask up to protect the gorillas (who share 98% of human DNA and are susceptible to human viruses) before enjoying a serene 60-minute encounter. This provides an opportunity to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat: a mother nursing, juveniles playing with a 400-pound silverback, and the entire group foraging on plants. The profound experience is designed to leave a lasting impression, fostering a connection with both the wildlife and the local community.

Beyond the treks, Bisate Reserve actively promotes conservation and community engagement. Guests are invited to participate in tree-planting initiatives, choosing indigenous plants like the hypericum revolutum shrub (chameleon food) and the lobelia giberroa tree (gorilla food), contributing to the ambitious reforestation project covering 103 acres of former agricultural land, where over 100,000 indigenous trees have already been replanted. This effort encourages wildlife return and flourishing ecosystems. The reserve also aims for community sustainability through collaborative partnerships and job creation, seeking to transcend luxury hospitality with a deep commitment to conservation.

The culinary experience, overseen by executive chef Angelus Karangwa, rivals five-star resorts globally, especially considering its semi-remote location. The rotating menu offers East African and global dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. A diverse wine cellar and a mocktail menu with homemade dips and local yucca chips further enhance the dining. Activities abound, including golden monkey outings, guided nature walks, birding, visits to the on-site nursery and vegetable garden, community tours, and excursions to the Dian Fossey gravesite or the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. For relaxation, in-room spa treatments, such as a post-hike foot massage, are available.

Bisate Reserve accommodates a maximum of eight guests across its four villas, which are more than double the size of those at the original Bisate Lodge. Villas 1 and 2 can be interlinked for families. While the minimum age to stay is 6, the minimum age for gorilla treks is 15, with complimentary childcare services provided for younger guests while adults are trekking. The reserve offers easier accessibility than Bisate Lodge, with buggy assistance, though villas are not wheelchair-friendly. Rates begin at $3,200 per person, sharing per night, fully inclusive, with lower rates available in March, April, and May, and peak rates from June to October and mid-December to February.