Bisate Lodge
Location
- Bordering Volcanoes National Park
- Virunga Mountains
- Northwest Rwanda
Bisate Lodge offers luxury accommodation on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, where guests embark on thrilling treks to spend time with endangered mountain gorillas.
The lodge and guest villas are constructed on the slopes of a long-eroded volcanic crater that was once forested but was cleared by local farmers for agriculture. Wilderness Safaris constructed the lodge as part of a conservation project that is reforesting the farmland around the lodge and returning it to the gorillas. The previous landowner farmers were well compensated for their property and the project is seeing great success.
Guests staying at Bisate will have the opportunity to learn about the reforestation project by visiting the tree nursery in the Bamboo Greenhouse and can even plant an indigenous tree if they wish.
Bisate Lodge, which opened in 2017, offers 6 spacious guest villas, all looking out over the nearby forested volcano of Mount Bisoke, which is situated inside Volcanoes National Park. The villas are appointed with local artwork and constructed in the fashion of traditional residences of old, when royalty ruled this land.
Main area at Bisate Lodge.
The main attraction for visitors to this region is gorilla trekking. Each morning, guests are transported a short distance to the National Park Headquarters where they are assigned a guide, who will lead them on a trek up the slopes of one of the volcanoes and to a habituated family of mountain gorillas. Each guided group of trekkers numbers eight people at most and seeing the gorillas is a virtual guarantee.
Another very popular activity offered at Bisoke is the shorter-duration trek to visit a habituated troop of endangered golden monkeys that live in the lower-elevation bamboo forests of the national park. Treks to visit the gravesite and former camp of the pioneering gorilla researcher Dian Fossey are also a worthwhile consideration.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Bisoke Lodge is mainly powered by the national grid, but the all hot water is heated by a thermodynamic solar-powered system. Additionally, the lodge utilizes a hi-tech water purification system that dispenses chilled and ambient sparkling and still water for drinking and cooking.
Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the surrounding ecosystem.
View from Bisate Lodge showing Mount Bisoke in the distance.
ABOUT Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park (also known by its French name, Parc National des Volcans) is one of three contiguous national parks (the other two being Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mgahinga National Park in Uganda) that protect a chain of eight forested volcanoes forming the Virunga Mountains.
The lush montane forests on the slopes of these volcanoes are home to around 550 endangered mountain gorillas. The Virunga population represents roughly one-half of the world's remaining mountain gorilla population. The other population lives in Uganda's Bwindi National Park, which lies only 31 miles (50 kms) away and was once connected to the Virungas before humans deforested the area between the two parks.
During the 1970s, Diana Fossey lived and conducted gorilla research in the Virunga Mountains. In 1983, Fossey's book Gorillas in the Mist was released, which brought global attention to the serious threat mountain gorillas faced due to widespread poaching. After Fossey's untimely death, her books was released as a major motion picture in 1988, which generated even more global interest to the gorillas and resulting in a huge surge in ecotourism to the Virungas (especially to Volcanoes National Park.
GORILLA TREKKING
Mountain gorillas live in family groups consisting of 5-30 individuals (the average group size is 10-15) and there are numerous groups living in Volcanoes National Park. Researchers and national park staff have habituated around a dozen family groups, so that the gorillas do not fear humans. The habituated gorilla groups are visited by one group of trekkers each day.
Gorilla treks are limited to eight people, each of whom must purchase a gorilla trekking permit for that specific day. With around 12 groups of habituated gorillas and eight people maximum visiting a group, this means only 96 permits available for a specific day. Trekking to the see the gorillas is an amazing experience and those that have the stamina and the budget should consider trekking two or even three days.
Depending on which group of gorillas you are assigned to (this process takes place on the morning of the trek at the national park headquarters), the duration of the trek can vary widely, but the experience starts around 8:00am and most trekkers are back at their lodge by mid- to late-afternoon.
Click to learn more about the Volcanoes National Park, mountain gorillas, and gorilla trekking.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
6 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 6 twin-bedded villas, each with two three-quarter beds. Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king-sized bed (to be arranged prior to arrival).
Each villa spans 980 square feet (91 sq metrrs) and has breathtaking views out from the private outdoor balcony towards Mount Bisoke.
Guest villa interior.
Each villa comprises en-suite facilities with an indoor shower, indoor bath, double-basin vanity, heated towel railing, and separate toilet. The villas also include a central fireplace, electric heater, easy chairs, and luggage rack.
Other items and features in the guest tents include:
- Outdoor balcony with seating area
- Ceiling fan.
- Electronic safe.
- Hairdryer.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Mini-bar.
- Exercise mat and resistance bands.
- Free weights (2x 0.5-kg and 1x 5-kg).
- Multi-plug (including USB) charging facilities for mobile devices.
- In-tent Wi-Fi.
- Two-way emergency radios to contact camp management during the day to order room service or book a massage treatment and at night in the event of an emergency only (radios are on a closed circuit and inter-villa communication is not available).
- Personal amenities, including seasonal bathrobes, slippers, liquid soap, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, insect repellent, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton-tip swabs and cotton wool pads, tissue dispenser, laundry bag and umbrella.
- Olympus equipment (Tough TG-5 camera, including accessories), one for each villa. Available on request with management.
Bisate Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 6 guest villas.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Complimentary in-room welcome massage.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
- Gorilla trekking permits (USD 1500 per person, per permit; subject to change).
- Day trips & excursions booked with park authorities or local tour operator.
- Additional in-villa massage treatments.
- Curio purchases.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
As the minimum age for gorilla trekking is 15 years, only children of 15 years and older are allowed at Bisate.
Facilities
- Main lounge, dining area with central fireplace, and bar area with viewing deck.
- Wine cellar.
- Curio corner.
- Two pairs of Olympus binoculars in the main area.
- In-villa massage treatments (at additional cost and minimum age 15 years).
- Balcony with seating area.
Bisate Kwanda Day Lounge
A fully inclusive service at no extra charge to accommodate early arrivals and later departures, providing more flexibility with transfers in and out of the lodge.
- Facilities include the serving of light meals and snacks, tea and coffee, an informal lounge with fireplace and dining area, luggage storage/luggage rack for repacking, boot cleaning facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as various relaxing seating areas overlooking the vegetable garden, and the reforestation efforts towards Volcanoes National Park.
- Bisate Kwanda’s menu comprises seasonal ingredients for freshness, the majority of which are picked fresh from the garden or supplied by nearby communities.
- Conservation in Rwanda is celebrated through various displays in the lounge, showcasing Bisate’s reforestation progress, community commitment, and Children in the Wilderness projects.
- Four changing rooms are available for guests to freshen up – each with a lounge area, tea/coffee making facilities, toilet, wash basin, and shower, as well as amenities, plus there are additional separate toilets.
- Shopping at the Bisate Boutique (purchases at an additional cost) and massage treatments on a mobile bed (treatments at an additional cost) are available.
Activities
Activities off site (cost not included in nightly rate):
- The main activity for visitors is of course gorilla trekking. Gorilla treks generally take up the majority of a day, with guests arriving back to the lodge sometime during the afternoon. For full information on gorilla trekking, visit our Volcanoes Region page.
- The other popular activity involving wildlife is a trek to see a troop of golden monkeys (Cercopithecus kandti), an endangered species that lives in the lower-elevation bamboo forests in Volcanoes National Park. Golden monkey treks are shorter in duration so guests are typically back by lunch time.
- Other treks in the national park are also possible, including a day-hike to the grave of Dian Fossey, which starts early (7:00 am check-in) and takes around 4-6 hours, depending on how much time is spent at the site, which also includes the remains of her old camp.
- Treks to the summit and crater of Mount Bisoke take a full day and is a demanding hike.
- Visit the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.
- Visit to the 'twin lakes' of Ruhondo and Burera.
Lodge activities on site (included in the nightly rate):
- Nature and birding walks, including a visit to the community beehive project (guided or self-guided in the forest on the property).
- Guided nursery visit (meet our agronomist) and indigenous tree planting (with a supply of garden gloves available at Bisate should you wish to borrow a pair), including a visit to the Bamboo Greenhouse to see our reforestation efforts.
- Complimentary 20-minute neck and shoulder massage.
- In room massages (chargeable to the room).
- Sundowners at the main area bar, on the lodge balcony or on the private balcony of each villa with views of the volcanoes.
- Explanation from guides on the biodiversity on the property.
- Documentary film screenings.
- Wilderness Safaris and Olympus Photo Hub experience.
Note: There are no vehicles on site at Bisate. we will gladly arrange transportation and any day trips, including gorilla trekking permits, for you.
Lodge activities off site (included in the nightly rate / accessed by walking):
- Guided visit to the nursery school at Bisate Village (the school is closed over weekends and during school holidays).
- Guided walks of the surrounding communities to meet with the neighbours (learn about their family lifestyles, community work and organic farming practices).
Great Good Fair Poor
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Climate
The montane climate in Volcanoes National Park is defined by regular rains throughout most of the year, mist, and chilly air. Air temperatures are fairly static all year in the mountains, with daytime temps averaging 58-63°F (14-17°C) and overnight/early mornings dropping to 40-45°F (4-7°C).
Be advised that temperatures drop as you ascend the mountains and sudden weather changes, like rain or cloud cover, can impact air temperatures. For this reason, dressing in layers and brining rain gear is suggested regardless of the timing of your visit.
Bisate Lodge is open year-round.
Gorilla Treks
Gorilla trekking is a year-round activity and even rainy days can be productive for trekking, although mud makes the hiking more difficult and the gorillas may be less active during a rain shower.
Dry Season: June-September and January-February are the driest months and offer the best gorilla trekking conditions, but be prepared for afternoon rain at any time. Clear, sunny days are the norm at this time.
Rainy Season: Most rainy days occur from March to mid-May and in October-November.
The high season for gorilla trekking is during the drier winter months of June, July, August, and into early September. If you plan to do gorilla treks during this time of year, it is strongly advised to book far in advance and don't forget to purchase your gorilla trekking permits.
For much of the year, rain is common in Volcanoes National Park, but is not usually an all-day event. March through May receive the most rains, with April the wettest month. Recent rainfall will mean the trails will potentially be muddy and slippery in places.
Please read the detailed information on our Volcanoes Region page to learn more about the gorilla trekking experience, how to prepare for a trek ahead of time, what to bring on your trip, and more.
