Close to the gorillas, immersed in nature, built with care
Location: Wilderness Bisate Reserve is tucked into a stunning hillside just 1.5km from the original Bisate Lodge, yet it feels entirely separate - intentionally secluded, quiet, and deeply connected to its landscape. Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda, the Reserve offers sweeping views across the volcanic peaks of Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno. The setting is dramatic: steep forested slopes, open skies, and a sense of stillness that is rare even in this region. It's just a 20-minute drive to the park headquarters, where gorilla treks begin, but you feel a world away from any roads or activity. Access is straightforward - roughly 2.5 hours' drive from Kigali or a quick helicopter hop to Bisate's private helipad followed by a short vehicle transfer. The reserve's location combines accessibility with genuine remoteness, making it ideal for travellers who want both adventure and privacy.
Rooms: With just four villas - two of which can be connected for families or groups - Bisate Reserve offers a level of privacy and space that's rarely found in gorilla trekking lodges. Each villa is generously proportioned at over 200 square metres, with a distinct architectural style that echoes the domed forms of traditional Rwandan design, reinterpreted in a modern, minimalist way. Inside, they feel more like standalone homes than hotel suites: open-plan living and sleeping areas, a large central fireplace, a writing desk, curated art pieces, and huge windows that frame the volcanoes beyond. Bathrooms are sleek and expansive, with walk-in showers, double basins, and luxury amenities. The real highlight, though, is the outdoor deck, which features a private wood-fired hot tub - a perfect spot to soak tired legs after a trek and watch the mist roll in over the forest canopy. Everything has been designed with quiet luxury in mind: tactile materials, thoughtful lighting, and complete comfort.
Amenities: The Reserve is fully self-contained, with its own private main lodge that includes an elegant lounge, dining space, and intimate bar area. The interiors are stylish but understated, drawing on local materials and craftmanship with polished stone, soft earth tones, and woven accents that reflect Rwandan culture. A climate-controlled wine cellar showcases premium South African and international wines, while the menus are tailored to each guest's preferences - fresh, seasonal, and often sourced from the lodge's own gardens or nearby community farms. In-villa dining is available any time, and spa treatments can be arranged in the privacy of your villa. There is also a dedicated gear room for pre-trek preparations, with walking poles, gaiters, waterproofs and boot-cleaning all included. Service is personal and discreet, with a private guide and host for each villa, ensuring your experience is seamless from start to finish.
Activities: The Reserve offers the full range of Volcanoes National Park experiences, with gorilla trekking at the heart of every stay. The team handles everything from permit arrangements to packed lunches and personalised briefings, and they'll match you with a trek that suits your fitness level and interests. But there is much more to explore: guided golden monkey tracking, visit to Dian Fossey's research site and grave, or challenging hikes up Mount Bisoke for spectacular crater views. On-property activities include forest walks, tree planting, birdwatching, and visits to the indigenous tree nursery that's central to Bisate's conservation work. You can also visit local communities, where guests have a chance to see some of the small-scale projects supported by Wilderness - ranging from farming co-operatives to weaving groups. Everything is thoughtfully paced, with time built in to relax, reflect, and connect with the land and its people.
Sustainability: Sustainability is not an afterthought at Bisate Reserve - it's the foundation of everything the property stands for. The Reserve sits on land that was once degraded farmland, now being rewilded as part of a long-term ecological restoration plan. Since the launch of Bisate Loge in 2017, over 100,000 indigenous trees have been planted, and that figure continues to grow, with the Reserve helping to expand the scale and impact of the project. Habitat restoration is matched by strong community engagement, with most staff hired locally and trained through Wilderness's in-house development programmes. Guests can plan a tree, visit the nursery, and learn how their stay contributes directly to conservation in one of Africa's most biodiverse regions. The Reserve operates off-grid, with a strong emphasis on solar power, water conservation, and minimal-impact building techniques. It's luxury with real purpose - showing what's possible when tourism is done with integrity, ambition, and long-term vision.
Let me help you create your perfect Rwanda holiday.
Best places to stay in Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Rwanda Holidays & Safaris expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair
Ben
