An extraordinary journey into Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park offers a blend of thrilling wildlife encounters and unparalleled luxury, centered around a stay at the brand-new Wilderness Bisate Reserve. The experience began with a surprising, yet unforgettable, encounter with a juvenile gorilla that delivered a quick, playful punch to the left buttock, highlighting the intimate and unscripted nature of these treks. This memorable interaction set the tone for a visit that was described as the “best moment” of the traveler’s life, made possible by the exceptional offerings of the new resort.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve, which opened its doors in September on the same property as its esteemed Bisate Lodge, represents an evolution in conservation and hospitality. Manzi Kayihura, the chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, emphasized that the reserve was designed to “extend and enhance the positive impact” achieved by the existing lodge. This includes a focus on further reforestation, restoration of natural habitats, and creating employment and community upliftment opportunities. The design, spearheaded by Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, aimed not just to elevate luxury but to provide the “luxury of space.” This meant increasing room sizes to accommodate more lounge square footage, in-room dining, and spa treatments, catering to guests who often prefer the comfort of their private villa, especially after a strenuous gorilla trek.

The comfort and design of the Bisate Reserve are immediately apparent upon arrival. Guests are greeted by a friendly team that handles every detail, leading them to the main lodge, a stunning replica of a royal Rwandan residence. It features a towering thatched roof, a central crackling fireplace, an emerald-green bar, and a gleaming green glass chandelier that meticulously mirrors the surrounding volcano landscape. The four en-suite villas are equally breathtaking. Each villa welcomes guests into a massive mudroom – a practical necessity after a muddy gorilla hike – where staff members assist with gear cleaning. Beyond this, the main lounge area boasts a full kitchen stocked with treats, a plush seating area facing the first fireplace, and a well-appointed bar. The bedroom area includes a second roaring fireplace, a luxurious soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a closet area the size of a small apartment. The true highlight is the back terrace, featuring a woodburning hot tub with a breathtaking view of the verdant hillside. These villas, more than double the size of those at the original Bisate Lodge (over 2,200 square feet), can also be interlinked for family groups, offering unparalleled privacy and space.

The core of the Wilderness experience remains the meticulously organized gorilla trek. The team assists with every planning detail, from securing permits and providing precise packing lists to coordinating guides and offering post-hike cocktails. Following an experienced guide like John, with nearly a decade of tracking expertise, guests venture into the dense forest. Masking up is mandatory to prevent gorillas from catching human viruses, given their 98% DNA similarity. The encounter itself is a serene 60 minutes of silent observation, punctuated by gorilla grunts and tracker responses, assuring the animals of peaceful intentions. Guests witness mothers nursing, juveniles rough-housing with silverback fathers, and the family foraging on local plants, an experience described as profoundly impactful and tranquil.

Beyond the gorillas, the resort offers an array of activities and exquisite dining. Executive Chef Angelus Karangwa oversees a top-notch food and beverage service, presenting a rotating menu of East African and global dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. The wine cellar is stocked with varietals from around the world, complemented by a mocktail menu perfect for sundowner hour, paired with homemade dips and local yucca chips. Other activities include guided or self-guided nature walks through the private forest, birding, visits to the on-site nursery to plant indigenous trees with agronomists, tours of the vegetable garden, community walks, and visits 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, ensuring maximum guest comfort.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve also holds a deep commitment to sustainability and community. The resort is undertaking an ambitious reforestation project, having replanted over 100,000 indigenous trees on 103 acres of former agricultural land, actively encouraging wildlife to return. Guests are even invited to plant a tree, creating a lasting connection to the land. Through collaborative partnerships and job creation, Bisate aims to be a sustainable force for the community. This commitment extends to promoting Rwanda’s image post-genocide, with a desire to showcase the country as “shinier than ever” and for guests to feel they’ve made meaningful connections and contributed to conservation. While not wheelchair-friendly, the resort offers easier accessibility than Bisate Lodge with buggy assistance. Stays begin at $3,200 per person, sharing per night, fully inclusive, with lower rates in March and April and highest demand from June to October and mid-December to February.