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Rwanda

Bisate Lodge

PLAN MY TRIP

Located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcano near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers luxury accommodations in the heart of mountain gorilla territory.

Based on historic Rwandan architecture reminiscent of the royal palace of a traditional monarch, accommodations at the lodge consist of six spherical and thatched forest villas. Each spacious villa measures 979 square feet and features a private reception space, bedroom, and en suite bathroom with a shower and double sink vanity, all warmed by a central fireplace. Each villa also enjoy the luxury of a private decks with spectacular views of Mt. Bisoke. Other amenities include coffee/tea facilities, mini bar, bathrobes, insect repellant, umbrella, and vanity kit.

The lodge’s name, bisate, means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, an apt description for how the volcanic cone it resides in was once whole but has been worn away by natural erosion. The area has extraordinary views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rising up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is close to the headquarters for the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, the starting point for all gorilla treks. Spanning ninety-nine miles in the northern part of Rwanda, it is the oldest national park in Africa. As a part of the great volcanic chain of the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, it encompasses six dormant and two active volcanoes. Most famously it is home to around half of the world’s precious mountain gorillas – some 400 of them. The park’s altitude ranges from about 8,202 feet to the peak of Karisimbi, at 14,763 feet resulting in extensive bamboo forests.

The gorilla treks are the main draw of the lodge. From the park’s headquarters, guests can take a one-hour guided hike through lush bamboo forests with the chance of spotting a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors. As the site of groundbreaking gorilla conservation efforts conducted by primatologist, Dian Fossey, the inspiration for the book and film, Gorillas in the Mist, guests can visit her grave and research center. For an easier walk, there is always a golden monkey trek to watch these playful creatures jumping and climbing through the trees. Guided hikes of Mt. Bisoke take a full day to reach the summit with rewarding views of the rainforest and crater. Nature and bird walks take in the other wildlife in the area. Conservation activities include a visit to Bisate’s reforestation nursery and the chance to plant a sapling.

The main lodge matches the thatched and spherical villas. The interior features rich woods and African art in neutral tones reflecting the landscape. There is also a dining area and bar with a viewing deck of the lush, volcanic forest and peaks. As Rwanda is known for its coffee, the lodge provides tastings with its resident barista. There are even wine tastings and massages to help guests unwind.

2 of 14
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6 of 14
7 of 14
8 of 14
9 of 14
10 of 14
11 of 14
12 of 14
13 of 14
14 of 14

Rwanda

Bisate Lodge

PLAN MY TRIP

Located in the natural amphitheater of an eroded volcano near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, Bisate Lodge offers luxury accommodations in the heart of mountain gorilla territory.

Based on historic Rwandan architecture reminiscent of the royal palace of a traditional monarch, accommodations at the lodge consist of six spherical and thatched forest villas. Each spacious villa measures 979 square feet and features a private reception space, bedroom, and en suite bathroom with a shower and double sink vanity, all warmed by a central fireplace. Each villa also enjoy the luxury of a private decks with spectacular views of Mt. Bisoke. Other amenities include coffee/tea facilities, mini bar, bathrobes, insect repellant, umbrella, and vanity kit.

The lodge’s name, bisate, means ‘pieces’ in Kinyarwanda, an apt description for how the volcanic cone it resides in was once whole but has been worn away by natural erosion. The area has extraordinary views of the peaks of the Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes rising up through the Afro-alpine forests of nearby Volcanoes National Park. The lodge is close to the headquarters for the Volcanoes National Park headquarters, the starting point for all gorilla treks. Spanning ninety-nine miles in the northern part of Rwanda, it is the oldest national park in Africa. As a part of the great volcanic chain of the Virunga Mountains that straddles the borders of Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC, it encompasses six dormant and two active volcanoes. Most famously it is home to around half of the world’s precious mountain gorillas – some 400 of them. The park’s altitude ranges from about 8,202 feet to the peak of Karisimbi, at 14,763 feet resulting in extensive bamboo forests.

The gorilla treks are the main draw of the lodge. From the park’s headquarters, guests can take a one-hour guided hike through lush bamboo forests with the chance of spotting a fully-grown silverback gorilla, up to three times the size of an average man, yet remarkably peaceable and tolerant of human visitors. As the site of groundbreaking gorilla conservation efforts conducted by primatologist, Dian Fossey, the inspiration for the book and film, Gorillas in the Mist, guests can visit her grave and research center. For an easier walk, there is always a golden monkey trek to watch these playful creatures jumping and climbing through the trees. Guided hikes of Mt. Bisoke take a full day to reach the summit with rewarding views of the rainforest and crater. Nature and bird walks take in the other wildlife in the area. Conservation activities include a visit to Bisate’s reforestation nursery and the chance to plant a sapling.

The main lodge matches the thatched and spherical villas. The interior features rich woods and African art in neutral tones reflecting the landscape. There is also a dining area and bar with a viewing deck of the lush, volcanic forest and peaks. As Rwanda is known for its coffee, the lodge provides tastings with its resident barista. There are even wine tastings and massages to help guests unwind.