An unforgettable encounter with a juvenile gorilla in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park became the highlight of a trip, all thanks to a stay at the brand-new Bistate Reserve. This luxurious retreat, a recent offering from Wilderness, a renowned conservation and hospitality company, aims to create memories as fantastic as the experience of witnessing magnificent primates in their natural habitat.

Wilderness opened the doors to the Bisate Reserve in September, located on the same property as its existing Bisate Lodge in east-central Africa. Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, explained that the reserve was developed to extend and enhance the positive impact of the Bisate Lodge, focusing on further reforestation, natural habitat restoration, employment, and community upliftment. The design, a collaboration with Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, emphasized providing the “luxury of space.” This meant increasing room sizes to allow for more lounge square footage, in-room dining, and spa treatments, catering to guests who prefer to relax in their private villas, especially after a strenuous gorilla trek.

The comfort and attention to detail at Bisate Reserve are immediately apparent. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a friendly team that escorts them to the main lodge. This structure is a near-perfect replica of a royal Rwandan residence, featuring a towering thatched roof, a central crackling fireplace, and an emerald-green bar. A gleaming green glass chandelier above the bar precisely mirrors the surrounding volcano landscape, adding to the immersive ambiance.

The accommodation comprises four en-suite villas, each designed to evoke awe. Upon entering, guests find themselves in a spacious mudroom, an essential space post-gorilla hike where staff assist with removing muddy gear for cleaning. Beyond this, the main lounge area boasts a full kitchen stocked with cookies, teas, coffees, and fresh ginger drinks, a plush seating area facing the first of two fireplaces, and a well-appointed bar. The bedroom area features a second roaring fireplace, a luxurious soaking tub, and a rainfall shower. A closet area, surprisingly spacious, complements the layout. The ultimate indulgence is found on the back terrace: a wood-burning hot tub offering breathtaking views of the verdant hillside.

Kayihura emphasized that the reserve is a tribute to Rwandan culture, created with incredible attention to detail. Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Wilderness excels in facilitating explorations of the surrounding region. The team meticulously plans every aspect of a gorilla trek, from securing permits and sharing precise packing lists to coordinating guides and welcoming guests back with a post-hike cocktail. The author's trek involved following an experienced guide, John, into the dense forest, where after masking up to protect the gorillas from human viruses, they experienced a serene 60-minute encounter. This included observing a mother gorilla nursing her child, a juvenile playfully interacting with its 400-pound silverback father, and the family foraging for plants.

The experience is designed to be deeply impactful, aiming to help change perceptions of Rwanda post-genocide and promote the country’s image as