A personal and unforgettable encounter with a juvenile gorilla in Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park served as the pinnacle of a stay at the brand-new Bistate Reserve. This exclusive resort, developed by Wilderness, a leading conservation and hospitality company, offers guests not just luxury but also profound opportunities for connection with nature and local communities. The incident, a quick punch to the buttcheek from a 3-foot-tall gorilla during a trek, highlighted the raw, immersive experiences available at this unique destination.

Opened in September on the same property as its esteemed Bisate Lodge, the Wilderness Bisate Reserve was conceived to expand the positive impact achieved by its predecessor. According to Manzi Kayihura, chairman of Wilderness Rwanda, the development focused on further reforestation, natural habitat restoration, and creating employment and upliftment opportunities for the local community. While not aiming to merely elevate luxury, the design, led by Nicholas Plewman Architects + Associates and interior designer Câline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke, prioritized the “luxury of space,” offering larger rooms for in-room dining and spa treatments.

The arrival at Bistate Reserve immediately impresses. Guests are welcomed by friendly staff and escorted to the main lodge, a stunning replica of a royal Rwandan residence, complete with a towering thatched roof, a central fireplace, and an emerald-green bar adorned with a gleaming glass chandelier that mirrors the volcanic landscape. The four en-suite villas are equally breathtaking. Each features a massive mudroom – essential after a gorilla trek – where staff assist in cleaning gear. Beyond, a main lounge area awaits, equipped with a full kitchen, a plush seating area facing the first of two fireplaces, and a stocked bar. The bedroom area includes a second fireplace, a soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a spacious closet. The ultimate highlight is the back terrace, boasting a woodburning hot tub with a breathtaking view of the verdant hillside.

The gorilla trekking experience itself is meticulously organized by the Wilderness team. They handle everything from securing permits and providing precise packing lists to arranging guides and offering post-hike cocktails. Treks involve following experienced guides like John into the dense forest, often requiring machete use to navigate through challenging terrain. Crucially, guests must wear masks during the 60-minute gorilla encounter, a measure to protect the animals from human viruses, given their 98 percent DNA similarity. The experience is incredibly serene, allowing guests to observe gorilla families – mothers nursing, juveniles playing, and the group feeding – from mere feet away.

Beyond the gorillas, Bistate Reserve offers a myriad of activities and experiences. Guests can engage in guided or self-guided nature walks through the private forest, birdwatching, or visiting the on-site nursery to plant indigenous trees, contributing directly to the reforestation project. Tours of the vegetable garden, sundowners with fellow guests, and guided walks through surrounding communities are also available. The reserve can arrange 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 readily available.

The culinary experience, overseen by executive chef Angelus Karangwa, is exceptional, rivaling five-star resorts globally despite the semi-remote location. The rotating menu features East African and global dishes, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients like coconut, chili, ginger, and turmeric. A well-stocked wine cellar and a mocktail menu complement the meals and sundowner hour, paired with homemade dips and local yucca chips.

Bistate Reserve's commitment to sustainability and community is paramount. The ambitious reforestation project aims to restore 103 acres of former agricultural land, with over 100,000 indigenous trees already replanted to encourage wildlife return. The resort fosters community sustainability through collaborative partnerships and job creation, echoing a broader sentiment shared by locals and staff to promote Rwanda's image as a vibrant and thriving nation post-genocide. Guests are even invited to plant a tree, leaving a lasting personal contribution to the conservation efforts.

While the reserve's four villas accommodate a maximum of eight guests (with the original Bisate Lodge accommodating 12), Villas 1 and 2 can be interlinked for families. The minimum age to stay is 6, although the minimum for gorilla treks is 15. Complimentary childcare services are provided for adults on treks. Accessibility at the reserve is improved with buggy assistance, though a certain level of mobility is required due to stairs and pathways, as the villas are not wheelchair friendly. Pricing for a fully inclusive stay begins at $3,200 per person, per night, with lower rates available in March and April, and peak rates during June-October and mid-December-February. Bistate Reserve offers a truly unique and impactful journey, forging deep connections and leaving indelible memories for every guest.