An extraordinary encounter with a juvenile gorilla, culminating in a playful punch to the posterior, set the tone for an unforgettable stay at the brand-new Wilderness Bisate Reserve in Rwanda. Located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, near the Congo border, this resort offers not just luxurious accommodation but also deeply impactful experiences, as evidenced by the author's personal gorilla trek.

Wilderness, a renowned conservation and hospitality company, recently unveiled the Bisate Reserve as its latest offering in east-central Africa, situated on the same expansive property as its acclaimed Bisate Lodge. According to Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, the development aimed to amplify the positive influence already established by the lodge. This includes a dedicated focus on reforestation, habitat restoration, and creating meaningful employment and upliftment opportunities for local communities.

The design philosophy behind the Bisate Reserve, conceptualized by Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, emphasized the