Bisate Lodge

The legendary Virunga Mountains, with their towering volcanoes and lush cloud forests, are home to half of the world’s endangered mountain gorillas. Rwanda’s primates are truly unparalleled, and Wilderness Bisate offers the perfect base for an unforgettable mountain gorilla trekking experience.

Observe this beautifully colored primate, endemic to the region, as it thrives in groups of 30 to 80 within the park’s lush bamboo forests.

Set on the edge of Volcanoes National Park and just a short drive from the park gate, Wilderness Bisate offers a vantage point that feels seamlessly connected to the park. Enjoy breathtaking views of six volcanoes, including Bisoke, Karisimbi, and Mikeno. A full-day guided hike to the summit of Mount Bisoke (3,711 meters) is a rewarding challenge, offering sweeping panoramas of the rainforest and its stunning crater lake. Along the way, explore diverse habitats and encounter the region’s flourishing wildlife.

Embark on a spectacular and challenging hike to Dian Fossey’s burial site and the ruins of her Karisoke Research Centre, nestled in the saddle between Bisoke and Karisimbi volcanoes at an elevation of approximately 3,000 metres.

Every guest plays a vital role in our conservation efforts and has the opportunity to get involved, planting trees in Rwanda to help restore the natural habitat and supporting local reforestation initiatives.

Take a guided visit to the nearby community and meet members of the cooperative, including the farmers who cultivate and supply vegetables to Wilderness Bisate.

Bisate Kwanda accommodates early arrivals and late departures, offering greater flexibility with transfers to and from the lodge. Guests can enjoy a range of experiences, including showers, light meals, visits to the Wilderness Bisate Boutique stocked with Rwandan products (purchases at an additional cost), and massage treatments (at an additional cost). Alternatively, relax in the informal lounge with a fireplace, soaking in the panoramic views of the organic vegetable garden and the reforestation efforts towards Volcanoes National Park. The word "Kwanda" in Kinyarwanda means growth, expansion, and a place to gather – all of which reflect the essence of this unique day lounge offering. All Volcanoes National Park activities require permits (per person) at additional cost.

Founded in 1967, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to the protection and study of gorillas and their habitats, as well as empowering local communities living near their forest homes. With a team of hundreds working across Rwanda and the DRC, the Fossey Fund is the world’s longest running and largest organization focused solely on gorilla conservation. In 2022, the organization moved to its first permanent, purpose-built facility, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.