A personal, unforgettable encounter with a juvenile gorilla in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park served as the perfect prelude to a stay at the brand-new Bistate Reserve. This luxury resort, an extension of the successful Bisate Lodge by conservation and hospitality company Wilderness, promises not only world-class comfort but also a profound commitment to conservation and community upliftment in East-Central Africa.

Wilderness opened the doors to the Bisate Reserve in September, aiming to enhance the positive impact of the existing lodge through further reforestation, restoration of natural habitats, and increased employment opportunities for the local community. Chairman Manzi Kayihura emphasized the goal was not necessarily to elevate luxury beyond Bisate Lodge but to refine the experience, particularly by offering the "luxury of space." This involved increasing room sizes to provide more lounge square footage and dedicated areas for in-room dining and spa treatments, catering to guests who prefer to relax in their private villas after an arduous gorilla trek.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by a team of friendly staff, from security to hotel managers, ensuring every need is met from the moment they step onto the volcanic rock driveway. The main lodge itself is a near-perfect replica of a royal Rwandan residence, featuring a towering thatched roof, a central crackling fireplace, and an emerald-green bar adorned with a gleaming green glass chandelier that mirrors the surrounding volcano landscape.

The Bisate Reserve boasts four en-suite villas, each designed to be a sanctuary of comfort and luxury. Guests are first welcomed into a spacious mudroom, an essential stop post-gorilla hike where staff assist with gear removal and cleaning. Beyond this, the main lounge area features a full kitchen stocked with treats, a plush seating area facing the first of two fireplaces, and a well-appointed bar. The bedroom area includes a second roaring fireplace, a luxurious soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a closet area comparable in size to a small apartment. The true highlight, however, is the back terrace, where a wood-burning hot tub offers breathtaking views of the verdant hillside.

The core of the Wilderness experience revolves around its expertly organized gorilla treks. The Bisate Reserve team handles every detail, from securing permits to providing precise packing lists and even extra gear. Guided by experienced trackers, guests embark on immersive hikes into the dense forest, with a strict requirement to mask up to protect the gorillas, which share 98 percent of human DNA, from potential viruses. The encounter itself is a serene 60-minute privilege, allowing guests to observe gorilla families in their natural habitat, witnessing intimate moments like a mother nursing her child or a juvenile interacting with its silverback father.

Beyond the personal adventure, the experience carries a deeper purpose. As guide John shared, there's a strong desire to promote Rwanda's image post-genocide, showcasing it as a country that is