An unforgettable and unique travel experience awaits at the brand-new Bistate Reserve, a luxury resort situated near Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, close to the Congo border. The resort, an extension of the successful Bisate Lodge by Wilderness, a conservation and hospitality company, offers guests an unparalleled opportunity for gorilla trekking combined with world-class hospitality and a deep commitment to conservation.

One guest recounted a memorable encounter during a gorilla trek, where a juvenile gorilla delivered a playful punch to their leg before scurrying off, an experience described as the “best moment” of their life. This incident highlights the intimate and often surprising nature of the gorilla encounters facilitated by Wilderness.

Wilderness designed Bisate Reserve not necessarily to elevate luxury beyond the existing Bisate Lodge, but to enhance the guest experience by offering the “luxury of space.” This philosophy translates into larger room sizes, allowing for more lounge square footage and dedicated areas for in-room dining and spa treatments. Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, emphasized the desire to provide an intimate, exclusive offering tailored for maximum guest comfort, especially after the physically demanding gorilla trekking.

Photo Credit: Forbes Africa

The resort’s design pays tribute to Rwandan culture, with the main lodge replicating a royal Rwandan residence, featuring a towering thatched roof, a central fireplace, and an emerald-green bar. The attention to detail extends to the gleaming green glass chandelier, which mirrors the volcanic landscape outside. Each of the four en-suite villas (accommodating a maximum of eight guests) is designed to impress, starting with a massive mudroom essential post-gorilla hike, where staff assist in cleaning gear. The villas boast a full kitchen, a plush seating area with a fireplace, a stocked bar, a bedroom with a second fireplace, a soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a spacious closet area. The highlight is a wood-burning hot tub on the back terrace, offering breathtaking views of the verdant hillside.

Wilderness ensures a seamless gorilla trekking experience, assisting with everything from securing permits and providing packing lists to guiding guests through the dense forest. Visitors mask up during the trek to protect the gorillas, who share 98 percent of human DNA. The experience typically involves sitting in silence for 60 minutes, observing gorilla families, including mothers nursing and juveniles playing with their silverback fathers.

Beyond gorilla trekking, the reserve offers numerous activities and experiences. Guests can engage in guided or self-guided nature walks, birding, visits to the on-site nursery to plant indigenous trees with agronomists, or tours of the vegetable garden. Off-property excursions include guided walks of surrounding communities, 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 post-hike foot massages, are available.

Culinary experiences at Bistate Reserve are top-notch, overseen by executive chef Angelus Karangwa. The rotating menu features East African and global dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. A wide selection of wines from the cellar and an impressive mocktail menu complement the meals.

Photo Credit: Quartz

The resort is deeply committed to conservation and community upliftment. An ambitious reforestation project has already replanted 100,000 indigenous trees across 103 acres of former agricultural land, encouraging wildlife to return. Guests are invited to plant a tree, further contributing to the restoration efforts. This commitment also extends to creating job opportunities and fostering collaborative partnerships within the local community. Kayihura emphasized the mission to transcend luxury hospitality by embracing a profound commitment to conservation, showcasing Rwanda’s image as a vibrant and thriving nation post-genocide.

The reserve caters to families, with Villas 1 and 2 interlinking to accommodate groups. While the minimum age for a stay is 6, the minimum age for gorilla treks is 15, with complimentary childcare services provided for younger guests whose parents are trekking. Accessibility at Bisate Reserve is easier than at Bisate Lodge, with buggy assistance, though villas are not wheelchair-friendly, requiring a certain level of mobility. Stays begin at $3,200 per person, per night, all-inclusive, with lower rates available in March and April.