The Wilderness Bisate Reserve in Rwanda offers a unique blend of luxury hospitality and profound conservation commitment, epitomized by extraordinary encounters like a surprising punch from a juvenile gorilla during a trek in Volcanoes National Park. As an extension of the successful Bisate Lodge, the Reserve was developed to deepen its positive impact on reforestation, habitat restoration, employment, and community upliftment, emphasizing a “luxury of space” in its design.

Manzi Kayihura, Chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, noted that the aim was not just to elevate luxury but to enhance the world-class experience, providing larger rooms for in-room dining and spa treatments, catering to guests seeking private comfort after gorilla trekking. The Reserve’s main lodge replicates a royal Rwandan residence, featuring a towering thatched roof, a crackling central fireplace, and an emerald-green bar, including a gleaming green glass chandelier that mirrors the volcanic landscape.

The four en-suite villas at Bisate Reserve are exceptionally spacious, more than double the size of those at the original lodge, exceeding 2,200 square feet. Each villa boasts a large mudroom for cleaning hiking gear, a main lounge with a full kitchen, a plush seating area, a stocked bar, and two fireplaces. The bedroom area includes another roaring fireplace, a soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a substantial closet. The ultimate highlight is a woodburning hot tub on the back terrace, offering breathtaking views of the verdant hillside, designed to provide a truly unique experience that celebrates Rwandan culture.

Wilderness excels in facilitating the gorilla trekking experience, from securing permits and providing precise packing lists to arranging post-hike cocktails. The trek involves following an experienced guide through dense forest, with participants masking up to protect the gorillas, who share 98 percent of human DNA. Guests can enjoy a serene 60-minute observation of gorilla families, witnessing mothers nursing, juveniles interacting with silverbacks, and the group feeding. Beyond the adventure, this experience aims to reshape perceptions of Rwanda post-genocide, promoting its vibrant image and fostering meaningful connections with staff and community.

The Reserve’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated by its ambitious reforestation project, having replanted 100,000 indigenous trees across 103 acres of former agricultural land. Guests are invited to participate by planting their own trees, contributing directly to the return of wildlife and the flourishing of habitats. This commitment underscores a core mission that transcends luxury hospitality, focusing on conservation and community well-being.

The culinary offerings at Bisate Reserve are of five-star quality, overseen by executive chef Angelus Karangwa. The rotating menu features East African and global dishes made with locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. A well-stocked wine cellar and a mocktail menu complement the dining experience. Activities extend beyond gorilla and golden monkey treks to include guided nature walks, birding, visits to the on-site nursery and vegetable garden, community tours, and excursions to significant sites like the Dian Fossey gravesite. While there is no dedicated spa, in-room treatments like post-hike foot massages are readily available.

Bisate Reserve is family-friendly, offering interlinking villas for groups and complimentary childcare services for adults participating in gorilla treks (the minimum age for which is 15, though guests as young as 6 can stay at the Reserve). Accessibility is improved compared to Bisate Lodge, with buggy assistance available, though a certain level of mobility is still required for pathways and stairs. Stays are fully inclusive, with rates varying by season; lower rates are available in March and April, with peak demand from June to October and mid-December to February. Stays begin at $3,200 per person, sharing per night.