An extraordinary encounter with a juvenile gorilla, culminating in a surprising 'punch' to the posterior, set the tone for an unforgettable stay at the newly opened Wilderness Bisate Reserve in Rwanda. Located near the Congo border within the renowned Volcanoes National Park, this luxury resort offers guests an immersive experience blending thrilling wildlife encounters with unparalleled hospitality and a profound commitment to conservation.

The incident with the playful gorilla, a highlight for many visitors, underscores the intimate nature of the gorilla treks. Guests embark on these journeys, meticulously arranged by Wilderness, a leading conservation and hospitality company. Treks involve following experienced guides like John into the dense forest, navigating challenging terrain, and eventually, a serene 60-minute observation of gorilla families. Precautions, such as wearing masks due to shared DNA and susceptibility to human viruses, are strictly followed, ensuring the well-being of these magnificent animals. Observing mothers nursing, juveniles rough-housing, and the entire family foraging on local plants creates a deeply impactful and peaceful experience.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve, opened in September on the same property as its esteemed Bisate Lodge, was developed to amplify the positive impact of its predecessor. Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, emphasized that the Reserve's creation was an opportunity to further reforestation and restoration of natural habitats, alongside fostering employment and community upliftment. The design team, including Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, focused on enhancing the guest experience by offering the 'luxury of space.' This translates into increased room sizes, providing ample lounge areas for relaxation, in-room dining, and private spa treatments, catering to guests who prefer to unwind in the comfort of their villas, particularly after a strenuous gorilla trek.

The arrival at Bisate Reserve is an experience in itself, greeted by attentive staff who ensure every need is met. The main lodge, a striking replica of a royal Rwandan residence with a towering thatched roof, features a crackling fireplace, an emerald-green bar, and a gleaming green glass chandelier that beautifully mirrors the volcanic landscape outside. The four en-suite villas, accommodating a maximum of eight guests, are truly spectacular. Each villa features a massive mudroom for post-hike gear management, a main lounge area with a full kitchen, plush seating, and a fireplace, along with a stocked bar. The bedroom area includes a second roaring fireplace, a soaking tub, and a rainfall shower. The highlight is undoubtedly the back terrace, where a woodburning hot tub offers breathtaking views of the verdant hillside, providing a perfect blend of luxury and nature.

Beyond the accommodations, the Reserve's dedication to guest experience extends to comprehensive support for gorilla trekking, including securing permits, providing precise packing lists, offering extra gear, and greeting trekkers with celebratory cocktails post-hike. The activities and experiences at Bisate Reserve are diverse and enriching. Guests can arrange gorilla or golden monkey outings, take guided or self-guided nature walks through the private forest, go birding, or visit the on-site nursery to learn about and participate in indigenous tree planting. Culinary tours of the vegetable garden, sundowners with fellow guests, and guided walks to surrounding communities for cultural immersion are also available. The Reserve can also facilitate visits to the Dian Fossey gravesite or the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

The culinary offerings, overseen by Executive Chef Angelus Karangwa, rival those of five-star resorts globally, made even more impressive by the semi-remote location and the world-class quality of Rwandan produce. A rotating menu of East African and global dishes features locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. A well-stocked wine cellar and a creative mocktail menu during sundowner hour complement the delectable meals.

While there is no dedicated on-site spa, the Reserve offers luxurious in-room treatments, such as post-hike foot massages, ensuring ultimate relaxation and comfort. For families, Villas 1 and 2 can be interlinked to create a family room. The minimum age to stay is 6, while gorilla treks require participants to be at least 15. Complimentary childcare services are provided for adults participating in treks.

Wilderness Bisate Reserve is also deeply committed to sustainability and accessibility. The Reserve has easier accessibility compared to Bisate Lodge, with buggy assistance available, though a certain level of mobility is required. The ambitious reforestation project has already seen 100,000 indigenous trees replanted on 103 acres of former agricultural land, encouraging wildlife return and flourishing ecosystems. The Reserve also prioritizes sustainable partnerships and job creation within the local community. Guests are invited to plant a tree, a symbolic gesture of their contribution to conservation. Rates for stays begin at $3,200 per person, sharing per night, and are fully inclusive, with lower rates available in March and April, and higher demand seasons from June to October and mid-December to February.

The experience at Wilderness Bisate Reserve transcends luxury, fostering meaningful connections with staff, community, and the natural world. As the guide John hoped, such experiences help to reshape perceptions of Rwanda, promoting its image as a vibrant and thriving nation, while leaving guests with indelible memories, perhaps even a gentle 'punch' to remember.