lodge
Bisate reserve

Wilderness Bisate Reserve

Volcano views, wild forest, Rwandan luxury deeply rooted in purpose
Elegant forest villas, serious conservation, and standout Rwandan hospitality

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.

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Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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